Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Dan McLean, 651-297-1607 Technical Contact: Jessica Ebertz, 651-296-8011 St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that has been prepared for the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services Division's proposed improvements to a portion of Anoka's wastewater treatment system. The purpose of the project is to upgrade existing wastewater facilities for developing areas in the cities of Ramsey and Anoka. People are invited to comment on this EAW starting Feb. 27 until March 29, 2006. Wastewater interceptor sewers carry sewage from municipal collection systems to a treatment facility. The proposed project will carry sewage from Lift Station L-42 in Anoka to TH-169 (Ferry Street). The proposed upgrade will include the installation of 5,000 feet of sanitary sewer pipe which will be able to transport 24 million gallons of wastewater per day. The Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Facility in St. Paul will treat the sewage. Improvements to the lift station will significantly increase its capacity to pump wastewater, but will not expand the footprint of the current building. 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 EAW should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on March 15, 2006, to Jessica Ebertz, MPCA Metro District, 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 decide if an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review) is needed. Copies of the Anoka Interceptor #7707 and Lift Station L-42 Improvements Project EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· The MPCA Web site at hhref="/news/eaw/index.html
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling Mary Osborn at 651-297-8510. Telephone inquiries related to the project should be directed to Jessica Ebertz at 651-296-8011 or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.