Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Jennifer Groebner, (651) 296-7706 Technical Contact: Jessica Ebertz, (651) 296-8011 St. Paul, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) seeks comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet that has been prepared for proposed construction of the Victoria and St. Bonifacius Area wastewater interceptor. The draft EAW is open for public comment until 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2006. The existing interceptor system was constructed in the early 1970s and suffers from deterioration and corrosion. Rapid population growth in the service area is also quickly outpacing the capacity of the system. To correct these problems, the proposed project will upgrade and replace 68,000 feet of sewer. Current and future residents and businesses in the service area will benefit from these improvements. The proposed interceptor will move wastewater from Laketown Township and cities of Victoria, Waconia, Minnetrista, St. Bonifacius, Mound, Shorewood and Spring Park, and carry it to the Blue Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant in Shakopee. Construction of the project should begin in 2007. 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 Victoria and St. Bonifacius Area Interceptor EAW should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2006, to Jessica Ebertz, MPCA Regional Division, 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 Victoria and St. Bonifacius Area Interceptor EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· MPCA Web site at hhref="/news/eaw/index.html
Copies may also be requested directly by calling Mary Osborn at (651) 297-8510. Telephone inquiries related to the project should be directed to Jessica Ebertz at (651) 296-8011; (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).