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EQB Monitor




Weekly announcements and environmental review notices





Volume 47, Number 42                                                                                       October 17, 2023






Open positions

We're hiring - Minnesota Environmental Quality Board
*EQB Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Data Analyst *

This is a new position which provides leadership and technical expertise for the evaluation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Minnesota’s environmental review program. This position is temporary with an anticipated end date of 6/30/2025. Application deadline is October 23rd. Find more information and apply on the State of Minnesota's Careers website [ [link removed] ] (Job ID # 70019).



*EQB Public Board Member, Congressional District 5*

Applications are open for the EQB Public Board Member position representing Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District. Serving on the EQB is a unique opportunity to shape environmental issues in Minnesota. Public Board Members bring the voices of Minnesotans from around the state into decision making, helping the Board think in new ways about environmental challenges and solutions. To learn more, visit the EQB’s Join the Board [ [link removed] ] page.

 

Announcements

*EQB seeking climate calculator tool proposals*

We are seeking proposals to build a climate calculator tool that will help quantify greenhouse gas emissions for projects that typically go through environmental review. This calculator will help estimate the emissions associated with the construction, use, and end of life of a project. The tool will be made publicly available and used mainly by project proposers, environmental review practitioners, government decision-makers, and the public. The calculator will provide additional accuracy and consistency while reducing  time, cost, and uncertainty. For more information or to apply, go to the climate calculator webpage [ [link removed] ]. Deadline to submit an application is December 1, 2023.  

 

*Environmental Quality Board meeting*

*Wednesday, October 18, 1 – 4 p.m.
*Join us in person or virtually for the October 2023 Environmental Quality Board meeting. At this meeting, the board will:


* Hear an update and discussion from MPCA on Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework [ [link removed] ], a plan that sets a vision for how our state will address and prepare for climate change. It identifies immediate, near-term actions we must take to achieve our long-term goal of a carbon-neutral, resilient, and equitable future for Minnesota. MPCA will also discuss implementation, funding, and reporting for the framework and other inter-agency Climate Work.
* Vote on the updated per diem and expense policy. 

More information about the meeting, including the meeting packet and virtual meeting information, can be found on the board meeting webpage [ [link removed] ].

 

*EQB welcomes public feedback on the 2023 Obsolete Rules Report*

EQB is required to submit this report to the legislature, documenting any obsolete, unnecessary, or duplicative statutes or rules by December 1 of each year. EQB conducted review of its rules and presents the following draft report for your review. Please note that any rule changes necessary for aligning, clarifying, or updating content will be categorized as 'housekeeping' and therefore not listed in this report. 

Please email any comments to Kayla Walsh ([email protected] <[email protected]?subject=Obsolete%20Rules%20Report%20draft%20feedback>) by October 31, 2023. Click here to view the draft report [ [link removed] ]. 

 






Autumn trees on a lake




Environmental review project notices

EQB publishes environmental review notices provided by responsible governmental units. For more information on a project undergoing environmental review, click on the individual project links below. You can also find information about active projects in your community on the Environmental Review Projects Interactive Map [ [link removed] ].

 

Auditorium Demolition [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Thief River Falls; Pennington
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EAW available
*End of comment period: *November 16, 2023

*Project description: *Pennington County is proposing to remove the Auditorium building and install a parking lot. The parking lot will provide parking to county employee and the public for the adjacent Government Center, which is being renovated and will house the Human Services Department adding approximately 35-40 employees to the building.

*Link to public documents: *Auditorium Demolition EAW [ [link removed] ]
*Location of public documents:* Pennington County Auditor-Treasurer's Office, 101 Main Ave N, Thief River Falls, MN 56701

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Pennington County, Jennifer Herzberg <[email protected]>,
218-683-7000 x111

 

Dayton Mixed Use Development [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Dayton; Hennepin
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EAW available
*End of comment period: *November 16, 2023

*Project description: *DDL Holdings, LLC is proposing to construct the proposed Dayton Mixed Use Development Project which includes the development of approximately 28.81 acres within the City of Dayton, MN. The Project proposes construction of five commercial buildings comprising a total of 130,000 square feet and one 200,000 square foot industrial building on three vacant lots. The Project would include access road improvements, parking areas, and stormwater improvements.

*Link to public documents: *Dayton Mixed Use Development EAW [ [link removed] ]
*Location of public documents:* Dayton City Hall, 12260 South Diamond Lake Road, Dayton, MN 55327

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *City of Dayton, Zach Doud <[email protected]%3E>, 763-323-4010

 

Trunk Highway 169 and County Highway 59 Interchange [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *St. Lawrence Township; Scott
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EAW available
*End of comment period: *November 16, 2023

*Project description: *Scott County is proposing to replace the existing unsignalized, at grade, intersection at Trunk Highway (TH) 169 and County Highway (CH) 59 with a grade-separated folded diamond interchange. Frontage roads will replace existing access to residences and commercial properties within the area. The project will also involve stormwater improvements to manage the additional runoff.

*Link to public documents: *Trunk Highway 169 and County Highway 59 Interchange EAW [ [link removed] ]
*Location of public documents:* Scott County, 200 4th Ave W, Shakopee, MN 55379

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Scott County, Adam Jessen <[email protected]>, 952-496-8346

 

South Fork of Rush Creek Restoration Project [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Maple Grove; Hennepin
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EIS need decision

*Responsible governmental unit decision: *Negative (EIS not ordered)
*Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: *October 9, 2023

*Project description: *The City of Maple Grove is proposing a stream restoration project on the South Fork of Rush Creek. The Project would replace 5,260 linear feet of unstable, incised creek with 5,425 linear feet of creek with a stable meander pattern. The realignment will reconnect the stream with its floodplain, stabilize banks, reduce bank erosion, improve in-stream habitat, and improve water quality.

*Link to public documents: *South Fork of Rush Creek Restoration Project EIS need decision [ [link removed] ]
*Location of public documents:* Maple Grove Government Center, 12800 Arbor Lakes Parkway N, Maple Grove, MN 55369

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *City of Maple Grove, Derek Asche <[email protected]>,
763-494-6354

 

Tepetonka Golf Course [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Lake Andrew Township; Kandiyohi
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EIS need decision

*Responsible governmental unit decision: *Negative (EIS not ordered)
*Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: *October 4, 2023

*Project description: *Tepetonka Club, LLC is proposing to construct a golf course with additional supporting golf course amenities, including a clubhouse, comfort station, on-site lodging, and maintenance facilities, on a previously undeveloped site in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota.

*Location of public documents:* Environmental Services, 400 Benson Ave SW, Willmar,
MN 56201

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Kandiyohi County, Eric Van Dyken <[email protected]>,
320-231-6229 x5257

 

Northland Reliability Project - High Voltage Transmission Line [ [link removed] ]

*Location: *Monticello, Aitkin, Benton, Crow Wing, Itasca, Morrison, Sherburne
*Process: *Alternative review

*Notice title: *Environmental Assessment Scoping for the Northland Reliability Project
*Notice description: *The Northland Reliability Project follows the alternative environmental review process under Minn. R. 7850.3700 known as the Environmental Assessment (EA). This notice begins the scoping process, which includes seven formal public meetings (six in-person and one virtual) and solicitation to the public for review and comment of the draft scope.
*Project description: *Minnesota Power and Great River Energy propose approximately 140 miles of new double-circuit 345 kV transmission line to replace approximately 40 miles of existing transmission line with double-circuit, and double-circuit capable structures, to support a 345 kV transmission line. The project would connect the existing Iron Range substation, near Grand Rapids, MN, to the existing Sherco Substation and new Big Oaks substation near Monticello, MN. A certificate of need (CN) and route permit from the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) must be issued before project construction. Department of Commerce, Energy Environmental Review and Analysis (EERA) staff will prepare a project environmental assessment (EA) on behalf of the Commission, beginning with a formal scoping process that includes seven public meetings. Written comments that include project docket numbers (22-415 & 22-416) will be accepted through November 21, 2023.

*Link to public documents: *Northland Reliability Project - High Voltage Transmission Line alternative review [ [link removed] ]
*Location of public documents:* Minnesota Department of Commece, 85 7th Place East, Suite 280 Saint Paul, MN 55101

*First public meeting date, time, location: *October 23, 2023, 6:00 p.m., Spang Town Hall, 35402 Spang Road, Hill City, MN, 55748
*First public meeting additional details:* Doors open at 5:00pm. Public meeting from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

*Second public meeting date, time, location: *October 24, 2023, 11:00 a.m., Taconite Canteen, 240 Curtis Avenue, Ironton, MN, 56455
*Second public meeting additional details:* Doors open at 10:00pm. Public meeting from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

*Third public meeting date, time, location: *October 24, 2023, 6:00 p.m., American Legion Hall, 708 Front Street, Brainerd, MN, 56401
*Third public meeting additional details:* Doors open at 5:00pm. Public meeting from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

*Fourth public meeting date, time, location: *October 25, 2023, 11:00 a.m., Pierz Ballroom, 133 Main Street South, Pierz, MN, 56364
*Fourth public meeting additional details:* Doors open at 10:00pm. Public meeting from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

*Fifth public meeting date, time, location: *October 25, 2023, 6:00 p.m., Palmer Township Hall, 4180 105th Avenue, Clear Lake, MN, 56304
*Fifth public meeting additional details:* Doors open at 5:00pm. Public meeting from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

*Sixth public meeting date, time, location: *October 26, 2023, 11:00 a.m., Sauk Rapids Government Center, 250 Summit Avenue North, Sauk Rapids, MN, 56379
*Sixth public meeting additional details:* Doors open at 10:00pm. Public meeting from 11:00am to 1:00pm.

*Seventh public meeting date, time, location: *October 27, 2023, 12:00 p.m., Online meeting
*Seventh public meeting virtual link: *[link removed]
*Seventh public meeting additional details:* Webinar Number: 2482 714 2794 Webinar Password: PUC!2023 (78202023 from phones) Join by Phone: 1-855-282-6330 Access Code: 2482 714 2794

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Minnesota Department of Commerce, 
Jim Sullivan <[email protected]>, 651-539-1059

 

General notices

Notices published in this section may be required under Minnesota Statute or Rule.

MAC Assessment of Environmental Effects 2024-2030 Capital Improvement Program for Airports

*Notice description: *Minnesota Statutes, Section 473.614 requires the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) to prepare an Assessment of Environmental Effects (AOEE) for projects in the Commission's seven-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2024-2030 for airports included in its system. A copy of the AOEE may be downloaded on or after October 17, 2023, online at the link below. A copy of the AOEE may be obtained by contacting Jenn Felger, MAC, 6040 28th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55450;
612-726-8189. Comments concerning the AOEE may be given at a public hearing to be held on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. in room 3048A, Mezzanine level, Terminal 1, MSP Airport, or in writing to Jenn Felger at the MAC address or via email to [email protected]. Comments on the AOEE must be received by 4:00 p.m. central time on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

*Link to additional information: *MAC Assessment of Environmental Effects additional information [ [link removed] ]

*Contact: *Metropolitan Airports Commission, Bridget Rief <[email protected]>, 612-725-8371

 

Fish kill reports

Minnesota Duty Officer reports pertaining to fish kills are summarized in the following table, in accordance with 103G.216, REPORTING FISH KILLS IN PUBLIC WATERS, Subd. 2 Reporting Requirement. These reports were received via the Minnesota Duty Officer prior to the submission deadline for this edition of the EQB Monitor. They represent the raw data/information provided by callers. For more information regarding fish kills in Minnesota see the Department of Natural Resources [ [link removed] ]. Call the Minnesota Duty Officer at 651‐649‐5451 or 800‐422‐0798 to report fish kills.

*Date*



*Location*



*County*



*  Waterbody*



*Species*



*   Count*



10/4/2023



Prairie Island



Goodhue



Mississippi River



Mostly Shiners and Minnows < 3 inches in length



   24,145



 

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Submit a notice to the "EQB" "Monitor"

The "EQB Monitor" is a weekly publication announcing environmental review documents, public comment periods and other actions of the Environmental Quality Board. The "EQB Monitor" is published every Tuesday at noon. Submissions to the "EQB Monitor [ [link removed] ]" are due by 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday one week prior to the intended publication date. Please see the "EQB Monitor" schedule [ [link removed] ] for more details.

 

To submit a notice for publication:

Access the EQB monitor submission service [ [link removed] ]

 

Questions? Contact EQB by phone at 651-757-2873 or email us at [email protected]. 

For more information on environmental review, please visit the EQB website or contact us at [email protected].


















Minnesota Environmental Quality Board

*Environmental Quality Board | eqb.state.mn.us [ [link removed] ] *

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