BCWMC Requirements for Improvements and Development Proposals
Current Requirements (Last Updated January 2023)
BCWMC Requirements for Improvements and Development Proposals Document
REQUIREMENTS EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2026
The BCWMC recently adopted new requirements that will go into effect on May 1, 2026. Complete project applications received prior to May 1st will be subject to current requirements, while applications received on or after May 1st will be subject to the new requirements. Below is a summary of the most significant changes to requirements followed by a link to the new requirements that will be effective on May 1st.
• Linear project standards
- Lower trigger for rate control and water quality standards to: "projects that create one or more acres of new and/or fully reconstructed impervious surface”
- Change to the treatment standard to mirror the current MPCA MS4 permit standards
- Tiers for municipality vs BCWMC review based on project size
• Wetland and stream buffer standards
- Lower the trigger for wetland buffer requirements and clarification that wetland buffers are measured from the edge of the delineated wetland
- Increase in the required buffer width for priority streams and clarification of definitions to be consistent with MnDNR guidance
- Conditions when narrower wetland and priority stream buffers are allowable.
- [No change] The BCWMC does not review buffers for proposed projects but rather requires that cities maintain and enforce buffer requirements at least as stringent as those defined by the BCWMC.
• Required chloride management plans
- Projects in the watershed that require a stormwater maintenance agreement with a city are required to also develop and implement a chloride management plan.
- The BCWMC will not review chloride management plans but rather requires that cities add the requirement for plans to their requirements and oversee the applicant’s compliance with the plans.
- Chloride management plans must include contact information for responsible party for overseeing winter maintenance activities at the site; site address; nearest downstream receiving waterbody (lake or stream); list of personnel responsible for conducting winter maintenance activities and their certification and certification expiration date(s); types of deicers to be used and expected rates of application; and a site map and narrative indicating snow storage and deicer storage locations, and sensitive areas to avoid application.
NEW: (Effective May 1, 2026) BCWMC Requirements for Improvements and Development Proposals Document