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EQB Monitor




Weekly announcements and environmental review notices





Volume 49, Number 12                                                                                          March 25, 2025






Announcements

*Environmental Review 101 Webinar*

Want to build a better understanding of the basics of environmental review? Join us Thursday, April 17, 10-11:00 a.m. Register today [ [link removed] ]!

This webinar is ideal for new environmental review practitioners in local government, or anyone seeking a refresher on Minnesota’s Environmental Policy Act. Learn about when environmental review is required and the general process for completing Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAW), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), and Alternative Urban Areawide Reviews (AUAR). Meet EQB staff, ask questions, and join us in building a community of practice in Minnesota.

 

*Feedback on draft greenhouse gas emission calculator *

The EQB has contracted with ICF to create a greenhouse gas emission calculator to answer questions 7 and 18 on the environmental assessment worksheet (EAW). We want your feedback on the draft calculator regarding bugs, calculations, general approach, etc., or other ideas you might have. You can access a copy of the calculator by emailing Steph Aho at [email protected] <[email protected]>  or downloading it at Engagement HQ [ [link removed] ]. Please submit feedback on the Engagement HQ site by April 18, 2025.

 

*2025 Groundwater Policy Report*

We want to hear from you! We are currently leading an interagency working group to develop Minnesota’s 2025 Groundwater Policy Report, a required legislative report on the state’s groundwater protection programs, due in September 2025. Our goal is for the report to support informed decision making on groundwater issues by:


* Providing foundational information about groundwater in Minnesota
* Describing the state’s collaborative approach to protecting groundwater
* Describing important threats to Minnesota’s groundwater and the actions being taken to mitigate those threats
* Identifying important gaps and opportunities to be addressed

We are seeking feedback on a preliminary outline to make sure the report will be useful, informative, and fulfill these goals. Share your concerns about groundwater, and what you see as gaps and opportunities in protecting it on our Engagement HQ page [ [link removed] ]. 






A flock of male and female wetland bird begin a migration in early spring. Grouping in a murmur, the swarm flies in uniform syncopation




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] ].

 

Northwoods Regional Trail Phase 1A & 1B [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Malmo Township; Aitkin
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EAW available
*End of comment period: *April 24, 2025

*Project description: *Aitkin County proposes to construct an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) trail on 40.95 acres between Malmo and Millward Township in Aitkin County, MN. The project will be completed in two phases (1A and 1B), adding approximately 36.35 miles of trail to the existing Northwoods Regional ATV trail system.
Northwoods Regional Trail Phase 1A & 1B project link provided by RGU [ [link removed] ]

*Location of public documents:* Aitkin County Planning & Zoning Department,
307 2nd St NW, Aitkin, MN 56431

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Aitkin County Environmental Services, Andrew Carlstrom <[email protected]>, 218-927-7342

 

Hampton Industrial AUAR [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Hampton; Dakota
*Process: *Large AUAR
*Step: *Revised AUAR
*End of comment period:* April 8, 2025

*Project description: *The AUAR study area encompasses an area totaling approximately 140 acres on seven parcels in the City of Hampton and Hampton Township, both of which are in Dakota County, Minnesota. Two scenarios are proposed for evaluation in the AUAR. Scenario 1 includes multiple buildings for a total of 400,000 square feet of industrial, 150,000 square feet of highway commercial development, and 3.4 million square feet of agricultural land. Scenario 2 includes multiple buildings for a total of 1.5 million square feet of proposed light industrial, technology park.
Hampton Industrial AUAR project link provided by RGU [ [link removed] ]

*Location of public documents:* Hampton City Hall, 5265 238th St E, Hampton, MN 55031

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *City of Hampton, John Knetter <[email protected]>,
651-437-8846

 

Great River Energy Pillsbury tap 115-kV transmission line project [ [link removed] ]

*Location: *Bruce Township, Todd
*Process: *Alternative review
*End of comment period:* April 8, 2025

*Notice title: *Great River Energy Pillsbury tap 115-kV transmission line project
*Notice description: *Bruce Township is the local governmental unit responsible for approval and permitting of the proposed Great River Energy Pillsbury tap 115-kV transmission line. This involves construction of approximately two miles of new 115-kV transmission line that runs south between the Pillsbury Substation (32083 Grosbeak Road, Long Prairie) and Minnesota Power 115-kV line (SE ¼ NW ¼ of Section 34, T129N, R32W). The comment deadline is April 8, 2025. Location of public documents: Bruce Township Hall, 26234 285th Ave, Long Prairie, MN 56347 or by request.

*Project description: *Great River Energy requested local review, pursuant to Minnesota Rule 7850.5300 for a two-mile long 115-kV transmission line, substation upgrades, and associated facilities located east of Long Prairie in Bruce Township (Project). The proposed route would exit Stearns Electric Association's Pillsbury Substation 33-to 35-feet from the Todd County 105 Road centerline, staying on the west side of the road for approximately two miles to the existing Minnesota Power "41" 115-kV line. Proposed poles are 75- to 85-foot-tall single wood poles, approximately 400 to 500 feet apart. A 100-foot-wide right-of-way easement is proposed. Bruce Township is the regulating authority for the project and will conduct a public hearing as part of their Conditional Use Process. The Environmental Assessment (EA) is available for review at the townhall. Project information is also located at [link removed] via eDocket Number 24-398.

*Location of public documents:* Bruce Township Hall, Bev Eggerth, Clerk/Treasurer,
26234 285th Ave., Bruce Township, MN 56347

*Public meeting date, time, location: *April 8, 2025, 7:00 p.m., Bruce Township Hall,
26234 285th Ave, Long Prairie, MN 56347
*Public meeting additional details:* A public hearing to take comments will be held at the Township Board meeting. Township Board Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Township Hall. Meetings start at 7:00 p.m.

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Bruce Township, Bev Eggerth <[email protected]>,
320-533-1814

 

General notices

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

 

*Notice of Public Information and Environmental Assessment Scoping Meetings - Boswell Solar*

*Notice description: *The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission and the Minnesota Department of Commerce will hold public information and environmental assessment scoping meetings on Minnesota Power's application for a site and route permit for its proposed 85-megawatt Boswell Solar Project and associated 2.45-mile 230-kilovolt transmission line to be located in parts of the city of Cohasset, Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe Reservation, and Deer Lake Township in Itasca County, Minnesota. PUC Docket No. GS-24-425 and TL-24-426 Written comments will be accepted through April 17, 2025, by 4:30 p.m. Submit Comments Online [ [link removed] ]
Email: Jessica Livingston <[email protected]>
U.S. Mail: Attn Jessica Livingston, Minnesota Department of Commerce, 85 7th Place East, Suite 280 St. Paul, MN 55101

*First public meeting date, time, location: *April 2, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Cohasset Community Center, 305 1st Avenue NW, Cohasset, MN 55721
*First public meeting additional details:* The purpose of the meetings is to: (1) provide information to the public about the proposed project and the state's site permitting process; and (2) provide members of the public an opportunity to participate in developing the scope of the environmental assessment. State staff and the applicant will make presentations during the meeting. State staff will explain the permitting and environmental review processes, and the applicant will provide an overview of the proposed project. Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to offer oral and written comments for the record. The meetings will end when all attendees have had the opportunity to comment and all other business has been concluded, or the scheduled end time of the meeting, whichever occurs first. The information presented will be the same at all in-person and online meetings.

*Second public meeting date, time, location: *April 3, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Online meeting
*Second public meeting virtual link: *Join online meeting [ [link removed] ]
*Second public meeting additional details:* Webinar Number: 2483 515 9342
Webinar Password: MeNnPDyw263 (63667399 from phones)
Join by Phone: 1-855-282-6330
Toll Free Access Code: 248 351 59342
If you are joining the meeting via WebEx and would like to ask a question or make a comment during the designated portion of the meeting, use the chat or raised-hand functions to send a message to the meeting moderator. If you are joining the meeting by phone, press *3 on your phone. When it is your turn to speak, your line will be unmuted, and you will be able to ask questions and provide comments.

*Link to additional information: *Boswell Solar Project additional information [ [link removed] ]

*Contact: *Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Scott Ek <[email protected]>, 651-539-1070

 

Notice of Additional Public Scoping Meeting and Extension of Comment Period - Midwater BESS

*Notice description: *PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) will hold public information and environmental assessment scoping meetings for Midwater BESS, LLC's (Applicant) joint application for a site permit and route permit to construct and operate an up to 150-megawatt (MW) alternating current (AC) battery energy storage system (BESS) and associated facilities (BESS Facility), and an approximately 2,668-foot long, 161 kilovolt (kV) high voltage transmission line (HVTL) and associated facilities (HVTL Facility). The comment period has been extended, and written comments will be accepted through April 21, 2025 by 4:30 p.m.

*Public meeting date, time, location: *April 7, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Glenville First Lutheran church, 140 3rd Ave SW, Glenville, MN 56036
*Public meeting additional details:* The purpose of the meeting is to: (1) provide information about the proposed project and the state's permitting process; and (2) provide the public with an opportunity to participate in developing the scope of the environmental assessment. Doors will open one hour prior to the meeting to provide attendees an opportunity to review the application, project maps, and other materials for the proposed project and ask questions of state staff and the applicant. During this time, comments made by attendees will become a part of the record for Commission consideration only if the attendee submits the comment in writing. Forms will be available for this purpose.

State staff and the applicant will both make presentations during the meeting. State staff will explain the permitting and environmental review processes, and the applicant will provide an overview of the proposed project. Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to offer oral and written comments for the record. The meeting will end when all attendees have had the opportunity to comment, and all other business has been concluded, or the scheduled end time of the meeting, whichever occurs first. The information presented will be the same at all in-person and online meetings. If any reasonable accommodation is needed to enable you to fully participate in these meetings, 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 meeting is canceled due to bad weather or other information call
1-855-731-6208 or visit mn.gov/puc.

*Link to additional information: *Midwater BESS additional information [ [link removed] ]

*Contact: *Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Jacques Harvieux <[email protected]>, 651-201-2233

 

Notice of Public Information and Environmental Assessment and Scoping Meeting - Castle Rock Solar

*Notice description: *PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) and the Minnesota Department of Commerce (Department) will hold public information and environmental assessment (EA) scoping meetings on Castle Rock Solar LLC's (Castle Rock Solar) application for a site permit to construct an up to 150-megawatt (MW) solar energy generating system in Castle Rock Township in Dakota County, Minnesota.

*First public meeting date, time, location: *April 16, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Online meeting
**First public* meeting virtual link: *Join online meeting [ [link removed] ]
**First public* meeting additional details:* April 16, 2025 Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm 
Webinar Number: 2495 318 0075
Webinar Password: castlerock2024
Join by Phone: 1-855-282-6330
Toll Free Access Code: 2495 318 0075
If you are joining the meeting via WebEx and would like to ask a question or make a comment during the designated portion of the meeting, use the chat or raised-hand functions to send a message to the meeting moderator. If you are joining the meeting by phone, press *3 on your phone. When it is your turn to speak, your line will be unmuted, and you will be able to ask questions and provide comments.
Additional virtual meeting information and instructions  [ [link removed] ]

*Second public meeting date, time, location: *April 17, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Farmington High School, 20655 Flagstaff Ave, Farmington, MN 55024
*Second public meeting additional details:* The purpose of the meetings are to: (1) provide information about the proposed project and the state's permitting process; and (2) provide an opportunity to participate in developing the scope of the environmental assessment. State staff and the applicant will make presentations during the meeting. State staff will explain the permitting and environmental review processes, and the applicant will provide an overview of the proposed project. Following the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to offer oral and written comments for the record. The meetings will end when all attendees have had the opportunity to comment and all other business has been concluded, or the scheduled end time of the meeting, whichever occurs first. The information presented will be the same at all in-person and online meetings. If any reasonable accommodation is needed to enable you to fully participate in these meetings, 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 meeting is canceled due to bad weather or other call 1-855-731-6208 or visit mn.gov/puc.

*Link to additional information: *Castle Rock Solar additional information [ [link removed] ]

*Contact: *Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Jacques Harvieux <[email protected]>, 651-201-2233

 

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*



3/12/2025



St Paul



Ramsey



Mississippi River



Not specified



200



3/13/2025



St. Paul



Ramsey



Mississippi River



Not specified, 9 inches



5,000



3/14/2025



St Clair



Blue Earth



Lake Elysian



Carp



100 +



3/14/2025



Lake Park



Becker



Lake Ida



Bullhead, assorted Minnows, Perch, Pike, Sunfish



200+



3/15/2025



Owatonna



Steele



Straight River



Bass, Walleye, River Carpsucker



1000's



 

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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