Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Stephen Mikkelson, 218-855-5001 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Brainerd, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed expansion of the wastewater treatment facility for the city of Royalton in southern Morrison County. Citizens are invited to comment on this EAW until May 25, 2005. Royalton's current facility can treat 75,000 gallons of wastewater per day. The proposed expansion will give it the capacity to treat up to 173,000 gallons per day. The city has considered several wastewater treatment options, but has concluded that this expansion is the best option to suit future needs and expected growth. The city expects a 25 percent population growth in the area during the next 20 years. The project will include construction of three new aerated primary treatment ponds, conversion of the current ponds into secondary treatment ponds and the addition of two sand filter areas. The expanded facility will be located at the current site. Construction is scheduled to be completed this year. The EAW, a preliminary environmental review looking at how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment, is open to a 30-day public review and comment period. Comments on the proposed project should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on May 25, 2005, to Lynne Kolze, MPCA, Project Manager, Operations and Environmental Review Section, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, by e-mail to lynne.kolze@pca.state.mn.us or by fax to 651-296-7782. The MPCA will use these comments to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project and determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review) is needed. Copies of the EAW are available for review at: - MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N. - MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html. - Royalton Branch Public Library, 13 North Cedar Street, Royalton. Citizens can request a copy of the EAW by contacting Mary Nelson at 651-296-3516. Telephone inquiries related to this project should be directed to Lynne Kolze at 651-282-5992, or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.