Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Jennifer Groebner, (651) 296-7706 Technical Contact: William Lynott, (651) 296-7794 St. Paul, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that has been prepared for a proposal to construct a new wastewater treatment facility in the city of Harris, Chisago County. The existing pond system is leaking and approaching its capacity. The proposed facility will replace the leaking system and treat wastewater mechanically, which will reduce the amount of phosphorus currently being discharged. The new facility will have the capacity to treat about 240,000 gallons per day, which should accommodate anticipated 20-year growth in the area. If approved, the proposed project will be located on the northern part of a 32-acre parcel of land owned by the city, just north of the existing ponds. When completed, the existing stabilization ponds would be abandoned and reclaimed for a new future use. 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 Harris Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement EAW should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Apr. 26, 2006, to William Lynott, 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 Harris Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvement 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 William Lynott at (651) 296-7794; (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).