Rain Leader Disconnect, Phase 1

        After decades of rainwater runoff from large impermeable areas (such as roofs and parking lots) going directly into the sanitary sewer, which at times can cause sewage to overflow into the Mississippi River, the City of Minneapolis has directed all property owners, including St. Albert’s to come up with an immediate solution to problem.

         Phase 1 requires the installation of a lift station pump for our rain leaders (Priory and church gutters, drain pipes) to pump the rain water into the storm sewer. After reviewing a number of options, this option was simpler and less expensive than other solutions. Additional rain gardens are not feasible because we do not have the 1:1 grass to roof ratio the city requires.

        Needless to say, this is an unexpected capital improvement project for St. Albert the Great Church and we need to raise $50,000. However, with completion of Phase 1, we will be a greener, and more environmental friendly parish. There is still a Phase 2 to be done...but one Phase at a time.

Fr. Joe Gillespie, O.P.

Inspire others to action by telling a good story about who you are helping or why you care.