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EQB Monitor




Weekly announcements and environmental review notices





Volume 49, Number 51                                                                                  December 23, 2025 






Announcements

*EQB Public Board Member open positions*

Applications are now open for Environmental Quality Board Public Board Member positions representing Minnesota’s Congressional Districts 1, 2, 6, 7, and 8. Serving on our board provides 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 and apply, visit the EQB’s Open positions webpage [ [link removed] ]. Applications are open through February 13, 2026.


Minnesota congressional map

*Join our environmental review team!*

Apply now for the EQB Technical Assistance Administrator position. This position will be responsible for providing technical assistance to responsible governmental units, project proposers, and MN residents participating in environmental review. This position will also support the implementation of the EQB Monitor submittal service and Environmental Review Projects Database. Apply by January 12 at the State of Minnesota Careers [ [link removed] ] website (Job ID 91004).

 

*No publication of December 30, 2025 "EQB Monitor"*

Due to the holidays there will not be a December 30 "EQB Monitor" edition publication. The next edition will be published on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.






Snow /ice covered shoreline, along lake superior, 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] ].

 

MBE, Inc. Buffalo Pit

*Location: *Buffalo Township, Wright County
*Process:* Petition
*Step:* Petition exempt from review

*Notice description:* On Dec. 16, 2025, EQB received notice from Wright County (the designated responsible governmental unit) that environmental review has already been completed for the above-named project and therefore the petition will not be considered (Minn R. 4410.4600 Subp. 2 E).

*Responsible governmental unit and contact:* Wright County, Barry Rhineberger <[link removed]>,
763-682-7338

 

*Project Skyway*

*Location: *Pine Island, Goodhue County
*Process: *Petition
*Step: *Petition exempt from EAW

*Notice description:* On Dec. 18, 2025, EQB received notice from the City of Pine Island (the designated responsible governmental unit) that environmental review has already been completed for the above-named project and therefore the petition will not be considered (Minn R. 4410.4600 Subp. 2 E).

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *City of Pine Island, Elizabeth Howard <[email protected]>,
507-356-4591

 

Jones Lake Outlet Modification, Dredging, and Restoration Project [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *New Brighton; Ramsey
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EAW available
*End of comment period: *January 22, 2026

*Project description: *RCWD is proposing a project at Jones Lake to modify its outlet, construct a sediment forebay, dredge sediment from within and adjacent to the basin, and restore the habitat within and around the basin. The planned depth of excavation is intended to match historic (early mid-20 th century) conditions and is based on field survey of loosely consolidated sediment depths. The outlet structure is designed to attenuate flood flows without impacting surrounding structures. A sediment forebay is planned to capture sediments before it enters Jones Lake from the RCD 5 system south of Jones Lake.

*Location of public documents:* Rice Creek Watershed District, 4325 Pheasant Ridge Drive NE, Blaine, MN 55449

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Rice Creek Watershed District, David Petry <[email protected]>, 763-398-3070

 

Central Range Transportation Building [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Balkan Township; St. Louis
*Process: *EAW
*Step: *EIS need decision

***Responsible governmental unit decision: ***Negative (no EIS ordered)
*Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: *December 15, 2025

*Project description: *The proposed Central Range Public Transportation Building includes a building with offices, garage, repair bays and truck wash for maintenance vehicles. Additional buildings will house salt storage, brine machinery and general storage. A fuel station and gravel storage area will be located outside. Staff parking, fencing, utilities and stormwater treatment facilities will be provided. The facility, which includes a geothermal HVAC system and is designed for roof-top solar, will replace one outdated facility.
Central Range Transportation Building project link provided by RGU [ [link removed] ]

*Location of public documents:* Virginia Government Services Center, 201 South 3rd
Ave W, Virginia, MN 55792

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Saint Louis County Planning and Zoning Department, Ryan Logan <[email protected]>, 218-471-7622

 

Reno Bottoms Floodplain Forest and Backwater Restoration EAW [ [link removed] ]

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

**Responsible governmental unit decision: **Negative (no EIS ordered)
*Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: *December 12, 2025

*Project description: *The project includes dredging accumulated sediments from an approximately 5 acre area of a backwater in Upper Pool 9 of the Mississippi River to create deep lentic aquatic habitat for fishes. Dredged material will be used to increase land elevation in ~5 acres of floodplain to facilitate the re-establishment of forest killed by flooding and changing hydrology to restore floodplain forest and promote natural regeneration.
Reno Bottoms Floodplain Forest and Backwater Restoration project link provided by RGU [ [link removed] ]

*Location of public documents:* Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,
500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Kathy Metzker <[email protected]>, 651-259-5694

 

Dem-Con Landfill SW-290 MSW Allocation/Airspace Conversion [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Louisville Township; Scott
*Process: *EIS
*Step: *EIS preparation notice

*Project description: *Dem-Con Landfill is an existing 362-acre Class III Demolition Landfill in Louisville Township, Scott County, Minnesota. Dem-Con Landfill, LLC is permitted (SW-290) to accept construction and demolition (C&D) debris and certain types of industrial waste. Dem-Con Landfill, LLC proposes to convert approximately 2.2 million cubic yards of permitted C&D airspace to MSW airspace over an 81-acre fill area. Dem-Con Landfill will continue to accept C&D and industrial waste in separate areas of the Site.

*Summary of scoping decision: *The Dem-Con Landfill SW-290 MSW Allocation/Airspace Conversion EIS will evaluate the environmental, economic, employment, and sociological impacts of the Project. It will also compare the potentially significant impacts of the Project with a No Action Alternative. Reasonable mitigation measures identified through the SEAW and DEIS process will be further evaluated. The EIS will include an analysis of potential cumulative effects within each of the topic areas where the SEAW identified environmental overlap. Topics identified as important with only minor edits or updates from the SEAW include permits, contamination/hazardous materials/wastes, and fish, wildlife, plant communities, and sensitive ecological areas. Topics identified as having a potentially significant impact that require compilation and analysis of existing information and/or new studies include water resources, air quality, greenhouse gases, and traffic.

*Location of public documents:* Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, 520 Lafayette Road, Saint Paul, MN 55155

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Minnesota Pollution Control Agency,
Charles Peterson <[email protected]>, 651-757-2856

 

City of Empire - Northwest Alternative Urban Areawide Review [ [link removed] ]

*Location (city/township; county): *Empire; Dakota
*Process: *Large AUAR
*Step: *Revised AUAR
*End of objection period (for state agencies and Met Council only): *January 12, 2026

*Project description: *The AUAR Study Area encompasses an area totaling approximately 3,293 acres on 66 parcels in the City of Empire, Dakota County, Minnesota. The AUAR Study Area is envisioned as an opportunity to enhance a strategic planning approach to future development for the City of Empire. Three scenarios are proposed for evaluation in the AUAR. Scenario 1 (Sports Complex) and Scenario 2 (Town Center) include the development of low-density residential, medium-density residential, high-density residential, mixed-density residential, mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and greenway/trail land uses within the AUAR Study Area. Scenario 3 focuses on future land use as outlined in the City of Empire 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
City of Empire - Northwest Alternative Urban Areawide Review project link provided by RGU [ [link removed] ]

*Location of public documents:* Empire City Hall, 3385 197th Street, Farmington,
MN 55024

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *City of Empire, Charles Seipel-Teng <[email protected]>,
651-463-4494

 

Big Stone South to Alexandria 345 kV Transmission Line Project [ [link removed] ]

*Location: *Alexandria, Big Stone, Douglas, Pope, Stevens, Swift
*Process: *Alternative review

*Notice title: *NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT AND COMMENT PERIOD
*Notice description: *The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) has issued the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Otter Tail Power Company and Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency’s Big Stone South to Alexandria Transmission Line Project. The Final EIS analyzes the potential human and environmental impacts of the project and possible measures to mitigate these impacts. It analyzes routing alternatives that could be used for the project and provides a comparative analysis of routing options. The Final EIS responds to the comments received on the Draft EIS for the project. The Final EIS will be used by the Commission in deciding whether to issue a route permit for the project.

*Project description: *The Applicants propose to construct over 90 miles of new transmission line from Big Stone South, South Dakota to Alexandria, Minnesota along portions of Big Stone, Swift, Stevens, Pope, and Douglas Counties. New transmission lines will be required to connect the existing substations in Big Stone South and Alexandria. Both of the existing substations would also require minor expansions. A new fiber optic Regeneration Station would be needed within the central segment of the project on 0.23 acres of land.
Big Stone South to Alexandria 345 kV Transmission Line Project project link provided by RGU [ [link removed] ]

*Location of public documents:* Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place E, Suite 350 St. Paul, MN 55101

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Minnesota Public Utilities Commission,
Jenna Ness <[email protected]>, 651-539-1061

 

Blue Lake Battery Energy Storage Project [ [link removed] ]

*Location: *Savage, Scott
*Process: *Alternative review

*Notice title: *Notice of Public Hearings and Availability of Environmental Assessment
(ESS‐25‐214)
*Notice description: *PUC Docket Number: E002/ESS‐25‐214 CAH Docket Number: 25‐2500‐41199 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) will hold public hearings on Xcel Energy’s Blue Lake Battery Energy Storage Project in Scott County, Minnesota. Xcel Energy (applicant) proposes to construct and operate a battery energy storage system with a nominal power rating of 135.5 megawatts (MW). The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) issued an environmental assessment (EA) for the project on December 17, 2025. The EA is available on the Commission’s website ([link removed]) and on eDockets (see below). Print copies of the EA are available from Commission staff upon request; please contact Suzanne Steinhauer at [email protected] or 651‐201‐2253.

*Project description: *Xcel Energy proposes to construct and operate a battery energy storage system with a nominal power rating of up to 135.5 megawatts (MW) alternating current with approximately 542 megawatt-hours of energy capacity on a site consisting of approximately 70 acres adjacent to Xcel Energy's existing Blue Lake Peaking Plant in the City of Shakopee, Scott County, Minnesota
Blue Lake Battery Energy Storage Project project link provided by RGU [ [link removed] ]

*Location of public documents:* Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place East Saint Paul, MN 55101

*First public meeting date, time, location: *January 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Shakopee Community Center, 1255 Fuller St. S, Shakopee, MN 55379
*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.

The public hearings will be presided over by the Honorable Megan McKenzie an administrative law judge from the Court of Administrative Hearings, who will provide the Commission with findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation. The purpose of the public hearings is to obtain public input on the proposed project and compile the record for the Commission to consider in making a final decision on the site permit application. Specifically, interested persons will have the opportunity to: (1) ask questions of state staff and the applicant; (2) offer oral and written comments on the merits of the proposed project and on the environmental assessment; and (3) suggest possible conditions to be considered for inclusion in the site permit. Comments received at the hearings and during the comment period will be used to inform the record and help the Commission make its final decision.

The information presented will be the same at all in-person and online hearings. The hearings 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 hearing, whichever occurs first. Members of the public may participate without the necessity of intervening as a party; representation by legal counsel is permitted but not required. Written comments will be accepted through January 20, 2026, by 4:30 p.m. Please include the docket number in all communications. Comments received after the close of the comment period may or may not be considered by the Commission.

*Second public meeting date, time, location: *January 7, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Online meeting
*Second public meeting virtual link: *Join online meeting [ [link removed] ]
*Second public meeting additional details:*  Webinar Number: 2486 364 5282
Webinar Password: Bluelake2025 (25835254 from phones)
Join by Phone: 1-415-655-0003
Toll Free Access Code: 2486 364 5282
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 information and instructions are available at: [link removed]

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 
Jacques Harvieux <[email protected]>, 651-201-2233

 

Sherco South and West Battery Energy Storage Project [ [link removed] ]

*Location: *Becker, Sherburne
*Process: *Alternative review

*Notice title: *NOTICE OF SITE PERMIT APPLICATION COMPLETENESS DETERMINATION/PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
*Notice description: *Xcel Energy proposes to construct and operate a battery energy storage system (ESS) with a nominal power rating of up to 600 MW alternating current with approximately 2,400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy capacity on a site consisting of approximately 62 acres adjacent to the Sherburne County Generating Station in the City of Becker, Sherburne County, Minnesota. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information about the proposed project and the state's permitting process, present major issues, and accept public comments on the need for and scope of an addendum to the environmental assessment included in the application. To access the project website, use this link: [link removed]

*Project description: *Xcel Energy proposes to construct and operate a battery energy storage system (ESS) with a nominal power rating of up to 600 MW alternating current with approximately 2,400 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy capacity on a site consisting of approximately 62 acres adjacent to the Sherburne County Generating Station in the City of Becker, Sherburne County, Minnesota. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information about the proposed project and the state's permitting process, present major issues, and accept public comments on the need for and scope of an addendum to the environmental assessment included in the application.
Notice Of Site Permit Application Completeness Determination/Public Information Meetings project link provided By RGU [ [link removed] ]

*Location of public documents:* Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place East, Suite 350 Saint Paul, MN 55101

*First public meeting *date, time, location: **January 13, 2026, 6:00 p.m. online meeting.
*First public meeting virtual link: *Join online meeting [ [link removed] ]

*Second public meeting date, time, location: *January 14, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Becker Community Center, 11500 Sherburne Ave, Becker, MN, 55308

*Responsible governmental unit and contact: *Minnesota Public Utilities Commission,
Saarah Maxon <[email protected]>, 651-201-2200

 

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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