Freshwater, the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center, and Rice Creek Watershed District are partnering to offer more education and collaborative opportunities to explore the nuances of iron enhanced sand filter system maintenance, operations, and design. We are doing this through site visits and an in-person workshop to further collective understanding among practitioners, researchers, and decision makers.
Site Visits
May 7 - Woodcrest Creek, Coon Rapids
- When: Thursday, May 7th at 2:30pm-4:00pm
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Where: Meet at Wintercrest Park (10300 Woodcrest Dr NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433)
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What you will do: Explore Woodcrest Creek filter, a pond-bench style biochar / iron enhanced sand filter system and learn from Coon Creek Watershed District staff that maintain and monitor the system.
- Who should attend: Ideal for anyone who knows the basics of iron enhanced sand filter systems and is interested in swapping tales of system stewardship, maintenance, and monitoring to solve technical challenges together.
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Optional: Happy hour afterwards at Sammy's Pizza - Coon Rapids from 4:00pm-5:30pm.
Workshop - Exploring Iron Enhanced Sand Filters
Join us for an interactive workshop to explore the nuances of iron enhanced sand filter systems for stormwater treatment. You'll hear from researchers, practitioners, and engineers about the relevant decision inputs for constructing iron enhanced sand filters, ongoing maintenance required, and recent advancements and research in iron enhanced sand filter design.
When: Friday, January 16, 2026 from 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Where: Court International Building, 2550 University Avenue W, Suite 320N, St. Paul
Who: This workshop is intended for stormwater maintenance staff, municipal planners, stormwater engineers, and anyone who owns, operates, or maintains iron enhanced sand filters.
Agenda
9:30 – 10:00 – Check-in
10:00 – 10:15 – Welcome
10:15 – 11:00 – Panel discussion: Local iron enhanced sand filter engineers discuss design, construction, and lessons learned.
11:00 – 11:45 – Panel discussion: Operators discuss iron enhanced sand filter maintenance challenges.
11:45 – 1:00 – Lunch & Networking
1:00 – 1:45 – Presentation: Recent advancements and research on iron enhanced sand filters.
1:45 – 2:00 – Closing
2:00 – 3:00 – Networking Reception
