Minnesota River Quadrant/Kraemer Mining and Materials Future Lake Level

Planning for the Future

The City has many plans included in the 2040 Comprehensive Plan — a road map for our community looking 20 years into the future. 

One of the areas addressed in the plan is the Kraemer Mining and Materials mine. Forecasts show that when mining ceases, it will fill up from groundwater that is currently being pumped. At that time, this area would turn into a lake. 

It is important to note that we expect mining and the pumping of groundwater will be occurring for at least 20 more years, and likely longer. There is no immediate change proposed.

The City has studied many aspects of this over the years and is currently evaluating what will actually happen to groundwater levels when the pumping stops. We are taking a proactive planning approach to determine what the final lake water level will be and who gets to decide that level.

Please watch the below video for a short, high-level summary of study results to date.

The Draft Technical Memo describes the process and results of the groundwater modeling associated with future cessation of Kraemer Mining and Materials pumping which will allow the water level in the mine to rise approximately 70’ to an elevation of 690’ above sea level.  This would create a lake in the current mine area.

A presentation on planning for the future condition of this area was made to City Council in December 2021. If you are interested in learning more, the below presentation informs on what is being planned and overarching concerns. 

Kraemer Mining and Materials Location

Kramer Mining and Materials Location