Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media contact: Daniel McLean, (651) 297-1607 Technical contact: Lynn Kolze, (651) 282-5992 Toll-free: (800) 657-3864 St. Paul, Minn. -- Environmental review of a proposed expansion of existing trunk sanitary sewer system by the city of Ramsey in Anoka County is open for public review and comment from Sept. 12 to Oct. 12, 2005. An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) prepared by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) describes potential impacts on land use and water quality. The project involves adding approximately 2.8 miles of sanitary sewer pipe, designed to carry an average daily flow of 3.55 million gallons. Construction of the sewer extension will begin late in the 2005 construction season and is expected to take one year to complete. The proposed sanitary trunk sewer is needed to carry wastewater flowing from the northeast of Ramsey to the city's wastewater treatment facility. It will initially serve the 415 total homes planned for the Brookfield and Sweetbay Ridge developments. The extension would also allow current residents who are currently using on-site septic systems to connect to the city's sewer system. The EAW provides basic information on how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. During the 30-day period it is open to public review and comment. Comments on the city of Ramsey EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 12, 2005 to Lynne Kolze, MPCA Regional Environmental Management, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, or by fax to (651) 297-2343. The MPCA will use these comments to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project, and to decide if an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review) is needed. Copies of the city of Ramsey EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· The MPCA's Web site at: hhref="/news/eaw/index.html
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling (651) 296-7485. Questions about the project should be directed to Lynne Kolze at (651) 282-5992 or (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).