Pick's Golf Tee Hydrology Study

This site was a relatively large, undeveloped parcel near a major commercial area within the City of Burnsville. Much of the surrounding land is developed, but the use of this property had been delayed by wetland-related issues.

This hydrology study was performed by SER to provide a more accurate determination of wetland edges on the parcel. A hydrology study can often provide a more concise wetland edge than a delineation alone since water levels are examined over a longer period of time.

At SER’s recommendation, site hydrology was evaluated using a combination of manual wells and electronic wells. Wells were placed to allow measurement of the water table relative to the soil surface. Monitoring occurred from May through July of one year. Using this data, SER determined that 10 acres of the previously identified wetland had been effectively drained and no longer satisfied mandatory wetland hydrology requirements set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Conclusions made by SER were accepted by both state and federal regulatory personnel. Property value of the land increased by approximately $1/ft² to $2/ft², causing the entire parcel value to increase by about $450,000 to $900,000. This opened up new development and marketing options to the landowner while allowing avoidance of jurisdictional wetland areas on the site.