Grey Cloud
Island Township
NEWS AND UPDATES
Grey Cloud Island Township would like to ensure that our citizens have access to information that helps to be well informed on local matters and beyond. This section includes informational updates on a multitude of topics. Contact the town clerk if you have information that you would like to see included.
LOCAL NEWS
Planning Commission Meeting
The next Planning Commission will be on Monday, April 10th at 6:30 p.m. Eduardo Valencia will be Chair for 2023.
Monthly Town Board Meeting
The next meeting Town Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 12th at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall.
Law Enforcement
On the first of the new year our law enforcement changed from St. Paul Park PD to Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office prepared for the change by adding a total of five new deputies. They have also re-arranged their patrol zones to be more efficient. We are reminded that the best number to call is 911; 911 is not just for emergencies anymore. If you have used the non-emergency number in the past, it will get you to the same dispatcher that dialing 911 puts you in contact with. Click here for the February Sheriff's Newsletter
Animal Control
We are now using Companion Animal Control. They provide animal control services for many communities on this side of town including Newport, Oakdale, Afton, Lakeland, Hudson, Maplewood, etc. To reach them call 715-220-1332 or access their website here. If you have found a stray, first call the non-emergency Sheriff's number, 651-439-9381, to report the animal found; maybe the owner has reported it as lost. Than call Companion Animal Control.
Building Inspections and Code Enforcement
The Township now uses MNSPECT for code enforcement and building inspections. Building Permit applications still need to come through the town clerk.
Understanding Property Values
Washington County has a document designed to help taxpayers understand their property value and property tax. Click here to view the document.
Holcim Participations Inc. Material Donation
A new Holcim Participations Inc. Material Donation Policy & Request Form is now available under Documents / Policies & Permits.
Xcel Outages
If you experience an Xcel electrical outage, report it as soon as possible by calling 1-800-895-1999, through their mobile app, or online at www.Xcelenergy.com.
Request Notice of Special Meetings
Township residents can request notification of special meetings by mail or email. Requests can be limited to specific issues. Click here to access form.
3M Settlement
For the latest information on the 3M Settlement, please visit this website.
Contact information for in-home water filtration systems:
Timothy Lockren, MPCA PFAS Unit 651-757-2686 or TimothyLockrem@state.mn.us
UltraPure is the Culligan affiliate that installs and maintains the granular activated carbon filtration systems for Grey Cloud Island Township. Their contact info is:
507-581-5823 or 800-283-8651
Washington County Environmental Center
The Environmental Center has re-opened. New drop-off procedures have been implemented to ensure the health and safety of staff and customers. These new procedures will result in longer wait times so they are asking customers to plan accordingly. Food scraps drop-off is now self-serve during normal operating hours. See their website for details.
Pipeline Safety and How to Recognize a Pipeline Leak
There are pipelines that run through Grey Cloud Island Township. The pipeline locations are indicated by markers. Markers are in the right-of-way and indicate the approximate location, but not the depth, of a buried pipeline. Although not present in certain areas, these markers can be found at road crossings, fence lines, and street intersections. The markers display the product transported in the pipeline, the name of the pipeline operator, and a telephone number where the operator can be reached in the event of an emergency.
Natural gas and Highly Volatile Liquids (HVL) are colorless and nearly invisible to the eye. Small leaks can be identified by looking for dying or discolored vegetation in a naturally green area. Hazardous liquids produce a strong sheen or film standing on a body of water. An HVL leak may be identified by a fog-like vapor cloud in areas of high humidity. Natural gas is colorless, but blowing dirt around a pipeline area may be observed, or vapor and "ground frosting" may be visible at high pressures, regardless of temperature.
Other ways to recognize a leak may include: water bubbling up or standing in an unusual area, a mist or vapor cloud, a powerful fire or explosion with dense smoke plumes, or an area of petroleum-stained ground.
The volume of a pipeline leak can range from a quiet hissing to a loud roar, depending on the size and nature of the leak.
An unusual smell, petroleum or gaseous odor will sometimes accompany pipeline leaks. Natural gas and HVLs are colorless, tasteless and odorless unless odorants, such as Mercaptan, are added. Most HVLs contain a slight hydro-carbon or pungent odor. Most are nontoxic; however, products such as ammonia are considered a toxic chemical and can burn the senses when it seeks out moisture (eyes, nose or lungs). If inhaled, HVLs may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning.
In case of emergency, call 800-720-2417 and 911.
