MS4 Connect Event

[John Paulson]

There is still time to register for MCSC’s upcoming event! Get answers to all your MS4 Documentation questions at our MCSC member MS4 Connect event on October 23rd. Attend in person in Mankato or virtual. We’ll start with a panel discussion for the first hour then move to small group conversations for the second half. After the meeting, we encourage those in Mankato to join others to grab lunch at a local restaurant before you head back to the office.

MCSC MS4 Connect Event – Topic: MS4 Documentation
• Date & Time: October 23, 10 am – noon
• Location: Mankato City Council Chambers, 10 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, Mn 56001 (virtual option also available)
• Parking: Available at no cost in the lower level of the Mankato Place Ramp (before the arm gates), Lot 4 and the Cherry Street Ramp. (see map)
• Cost: Free benefit of MCSC membership ($40 for non-MCSC member MS4 staff)
• Register: https://forms.office.com/r/PKauQY8MYU
Our panelists:

Ben Scharenbroich is the Water Resources Supervisor for the City of Plymouth. Ben has worked in the stormwater field for 15 years, first starting at the City of St. Cloud for 3 years as a stormwater intern and for the past 12 years at the City of Plymouth in various Water Resources roles. Ben and his staff manage Plymouth’s MS4 program. The City typically conducts 2-5 water quality improvement projects annually that range from basic stormwater pond dredging to complex stream restorations. In addition to MS4 program duties, Ben is the Wetland Conservation Act Administrator, manages floodplain requests and represents the City on two of its four watershed organizations (Elm Creek & Bassett Creek) as Technical Advisory Committee representative.

Lori Haak is the Water Resources Coordinator for the City of Eden Prairie. She received her bachelor’s degree from Concordia College in Moorhead. Lori’s career in water resources began way back before the first MS4 permit was issued to regulated cities. In 2007, she began a 15-year hiatus from local government, during which she earned her Masters in Teaching from Hamline University and taught high school biology and environmental science for over a decade. Lori returned to water resources in March 2022, spending much of her time on public education and outreach, winter safety/chloride reduction, and coordinating the City’s MS4 permit activities and reporting. She is passionate about supporting teachers, investing in up-and-coming professionals, and doing her part to advance Minnesota’s clean water legacy. Lori currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Academy of Science. She can also be found hiking Minnesota’s state parks and learning new board games.

John Paulson has worked for Apex Engineering Group as a Sr. Engineering Technician since January 2025. He provides regulatory and environmental support services to municipal and county clients spanning stormwater, transportation, wastewater, water, and water resources projects and programs. Prior to that he was the Project/Environmental/Regulatory Manager for the City of Hutchinson for 18 years where he developed, implemented, and managed a variety of programs including MS4 Stormwater, Wastewater Pretreatment, Wellhead Protection, Energy Conservation, and Sustainability. John works directly with contractors, elected officials, local governments, and regulatory agencies to support and develop a variety of programs and projects. He has been actively involved in various professional organization boards that include MCSC, CERTS, MESERB, MECA, and APWA. John’s passion for the outdoors is his motivation to acquire deeper understanding of issues and to help mitigate impacts on the environment.

Rebecca Haug is the Environmental Project Manager for the Anoka County Transportation Division. In this role, she oversees the County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and promoting sustainable stormwater management practices. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies from St. Cloud State University. With over 25 years’ experience in the public sector – including roles at the city, county, and watershed district levels – she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her work. Her background also includes consulting for multiple MS4s, helping them maintain compliance and strengthen their environmental programs. She played a key role in the early development of the Phase II MS4 permitting program while working for the City of Elk River in 2002 and has remained a dedicated advocate for effective stormwater management ever since. Rebecca has also been an active member of the Minnesota Cities Stormwater Coalition (MCSC) Steering Committee since its inception. Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping, running and being on the water – embracing the very natural resources she works to protect.

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