Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Forrest Peterson, (320) 214-3789 Technical contact: Lynne Kolze, (651) 282-5992 Toll-free: (800) 657-3864 Marshall, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed expansion of the wastewater treatment facility for the city of Rushmore in Nobles County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through July 6, 2005. In addition to the EAW, a draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS) permit for the facility also will be available for public review and comment June 6 through July 6, 2005. The expansion is necessary because at times the city's existing facility receives more than twice the amount of water it can effectively treat. The existing facility is permitted to handle 47,270 gallons per day; however, the actual amount often exceeds 100,000 gallons per day. Some of this is due to infiltration of water from storm runoff, sump pumps and drain tiles into sewer lines. The project includes requirements to make repairs and prohibit sump and drain tile connections in order to reduce infiltration.