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EQB Monitor




Weekly announcements and environmental review notices





Volume 48, Number 16                                                                                             April 16, 2024






Announcements

*Environmental Quality Board meeting*

*Wednesday, April 17, 1 – 4:00 p.m.*
Join us in person or virtually for the April 2024 Environmental Quality Board meeting. At this meeting, the Board will vote on adaptation of the EQB Tribal Coordination and Consultation Policy and will hear details and discuss the draft strategic plan. The Board will also hear information on the alignment of the state water plan and specific response to nitrate in Southeast Minnesota. More information about the meeting, including the meeting packet and virtual meeting information, can be found on the Board meeting webpage [ [link removed] ].

 

*Environmental Review: join our roundtable discussion*

*Friday, April 19 and Tuesday, April 23, 12 – 1:00 p.m.
*We want to hear from you! Join The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) for an informal webinar and listening session. EQB is offering two virtual sessions where we will provide information on the 2024 Mandatory Categories report [ [link removed] ], summarize the feedback we received so far via surveys, and spend most of the time hearing from members of the public, interested organizations, and others. Both listening sessions will cover the same introductory topics, so you do not need to attend both.

Let us know - what types of projects should go through environmental review? Are there changes necessary to the existing project types?  Should we consider new categories?

The EQB is required by the legislature to write a report on environmental review mandatory categories every three years. Mandatory categories are in EQB rules; they describe what types of projects need an environmental review. The report describes the purpose of each category and analyzes recommendations for whether that category should be changed. Your feedback will be considered in EQB’s drafting on this report which is due to the legislature December 2024. For more information on how to join the roundtable discussions, visit the Mandatory Categories webpage [ [link removed] ].

 

CD 7
Apply now for Public Board Member, Congressional District 7

EQB is looking for Public Board Member representing Minnesota's 7th Congressional District, which covers the majority of Western Minnesota. Serving on the Environmental Quality Board 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 find out more about our Public Board Member positions, please visit our website [ [link removed] ] for FAQ. To find your district, visit the Minnesota maps and districts webpage [ [link removed] ].

Applications must be submitted through the Minnesota Secretary of State [ [link removed] ]. Applicants will need to create an account and fill out an online profile. You are also encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume with your application. These documents can be uploaded when you apply online. Applications encouraged by *May 1st.*

 

*Opportunity for public comment on fish kills protocol*

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) released a statewide, multi-agency protocol [ [link removed] ] that clearly shows how agencies work together when investigating fish kills in Minnesota. The new guidance includes investigation process, communications expectations, and strategies for reducing fish kills. The MPCA seeks public comment on this draft protocol.  In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law mandating the development of a fish kill response protocol. A fish kill is the unexpected, sudden death of large numbers of fish in a certain area. The fish kills addressed in the new protocol include those related to the discharge or runoff of pollutants from the land through incidents like toxic spills; runoff of manure, pesticides, or fertilizers; and high-temperature wastewater or stormwater discharges.  

The public comment period begins March 11 and ends May 10. Members of the public are invited to review the draft protocol and submit comments by visiting the public comment page [ [link removed] ] or by U.S. mail to: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency c/o Justin Watkins, 7381 Airport View Drive, Rochester, MN 55902. Deadline for public comment, *May 10th*.

 







Bufflehead duck enjoys nice weather in early spring at Minnesota




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] ].

 

*North Star RNG Anaerobic Digester*

*Location (city/township; county): *Long Prairie; Todd 
*Process:* Petition
*Step:* Responsible governmental unit assigned

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 
Dan Card <[email protected]>, 651-757-2261

 

Shores of Lake John Residential Development [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Annandale; Wright
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EAW available
*End of comment period: *May 16, 2024

*Project description: *The Shores of Lake John is a proposed 38 lot single family residential development located approximately 1 mile west of downtown Annandale, Minnesota. There are 5 riparian lots and 33 non-riparian lots proposed on approximately 30 acres of agricultural and wooded land. The proposal includes wetlands, buffers, and trails.

*Link to public documents:  *Shores of Lake John Residential Development EAW [ [link removed] ]
*Location of public documents:* Annandale City Hall, 30 Cedar Street E, Annandale,
MN 55302
*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *City of Annandale, Jacob Thunander <[email protected]>,
320-274-3055 x2

 

The Oaks of Battle Brook Second Addition [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Baldwin Township; Sherburne
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EIS need decision

*Responsible governmental unit decision: *Negative (EIS not ordered)
*Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: *April 6, 2024

*Project description: *THE OAKS OF BATTLE BROOK SECOND ADDITION is a proposed single-family residential subdivision consisting of 24 lots from one +/-83.9-acre parcel located in Section 20 of Baldwin Township, Sherburne County, MN. Lots in the proposed subdivision will be served with new residential streets. The residential lots will have individual wells and septic systems.

**Link to public documents: **The Oaks of Battle Brook Second Addition EIS need decision [ [link removed] ]
*Location of public documents:* Baldwin TWP Town Hall, 30239 - 128th Street NW, Baldwin TWP, MN 55371

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *The Planning Company LLC, Daniel Licht <[email protected]>, 612-991-2230

 

Valley Aggregates Sand and Gravel Mine [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Monticello; Wright
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EIS need decision

*Responsible governmental unit decision: *Negative (EIS not ordered)
*Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: *April 3, 2024

*Project description: *Valley Paving, Inc. (VPI) operates an existing sand and gravel mine located in Monticello Township, Wright County, MN. VPI is proposing to expand the existing mine by an additional 77 acres. The expansion is a result of a depletion of usable aggregate at the existing mining site. The mining operation(s) would move to the new expansion area and VPI would start reclamation of the existing Site. Operation would primarily include excavation of native sand and gravel resources, and processing of the materials to produce aggregate products for use in area construction projects.

*Location of public documents:* Wright County Planning & Zoning, 3650 Braddock Ave NE, Buffalo, MN 55313

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Wright County Planning & Zoning, 
Jacob Wagaman <[email protected]>, 763-682-7338

 

Farmington West Industrial [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Farmington; Dakota
*Process: *Large AUAR
*Step: *Draft order for review
*End of comment period: *May 16, 2024

*Project description: *The AUAR study area encompasses an area totaling approximately 329 acres on six parcels in the City of Farmington, Dakota County, Minnesota. Project Bengal, LLC is proposing to develop the study area from existing farmland to a technology park or industrial uses.

*Link to public documents: *Farmington West Industrial draft order for review [ [link removed] ]
*Location of public documents:* Farmington City Hall, 430 3rd St, Farmington, MN 55024

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *City of Farmington, Tony Wippler <[email protected]>,
651-280-6822

 

General notices

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

 

Interim Final MFRC Forest Management Guideline Updates Available for Public Comment

*Notice description: *MFRC is soliciting public comment specific to the interim final FMG revision updates approved by the Council. Public comments will be used to guide the decision to finalize or amend the interim final FMG revision updates. The public comment period begins April 16, 2024, and ends May 16, 2024. Members of the public are invited to review the FMG revision updates and submit comments via email to [email protected] with the subject line "FMG Updates Comments." Please refer to the MFRC website for additional information including the specific revisions ([link removed]) and the comprehensive Sustaining Minnesota Forest Resources: Voluntary Site-Level Forest Management Guidelines for Landowners, Loggers and Resource Managers (issued 2012) to view specific guidelines referenced within the interim final FMG updates.

**Link to additional information:** Interim Final MFRC Forest Management Guideline Updates additional [ [link removed] ] information [ [link removed] ]

*Contact: *Minnesota Forest Resources Council, David Wilson <[email protected]>, 651-603-6761

 

Magellan Pipestone Reroute Project - Notice of Public Hearings

*Notice description: *The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will hold combined public and evidentiary hearings on the application of Magellan Pipeline Company, L.P. (Magellan) for a pipeline route permit for its proposed Pipeline Reroute Project, a new approximately 1.3-mile-long, 8-inch outside diameter pipeline to replace a 0.74 mile section of pipeline located in the Northern Tallgrass Prairie National Wildlife Refuge and Pipestone National Monument that was deactivated and abandoned in December 2022. The hearings will combine the functions of the public and evidentiary hearings to allow persons who have not intervened as parties to exercise these separate hearing rights at a single time and location.

*First public meeting date, time, location: *April 23, 2024, 12:00 p.m., The Hiawatha Lodge, 805 3rd Avenue NW, Pipestone, MN, 56164
**First public* meeting additional details:* If any reasonable accommodation is needed to enable you to fully participate in these hearings, please contact the Commission at 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782 at least one week in advance of the meeting. To find out if a hearing is canceled due to bad weather or other call 1-855-731-6208 or visit mn.gov/puc.
*
Second public meeting date, time, location: *April 23, 2024, 6:00 p.m., The Hiawatha Lodge, 805 3rd Avenue NW, Pipestone, MN, 56164
**Second public *meeting additional details:* If any reasonable accommodation is needed to enable you to fully participate in these hearings, please contact the Commission at 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782 at least one week in advance of the meeting. To find out if a hearing is canceled due to bad weather or other call 1-855-731-6208 or visit mn.gov/puc.

*Third public meeting date, time, location: *April 24, 2024, 12:30 p.m., Online meeting
**Third p*ublic meeting virtual link: *Join online meeting [ [link removed] ]
**Third p*ublic meeting additional details:* Webinar Number: 2486 695 8970
Webinar Password: 2WmSqNTMx83 (29677686 from phones)
Join by Phone: 1-855-282-6330
Toll Free Access Code: 248 669 58970

*Link to additional information: *Magellan Pipestone Reroute Project additional information [ [link removed] ]

*Contact: *Minnesota Department of Commerce, Larry Hartman <[email protected]>, 651-539-1839

 

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.

*No fish kill reports were received since the last publication.*

 

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] ] *

Email: [email protected] | Phone: 651-757-2873

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