Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Jennifer Groebner, (651) 296-7706 Technical Contact: Barbara Conti, (651) 296-6703 St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that has been prepared for proposed construction of a sewer interceptor in northern Belle Plaine. The draft EAW is open for public comment until 4:30 p.m. June 7, 2006. Wastewater interceptor sewers are constructed to carry sewage from municipal collection systems to a treatment facility. The proposed project will carry sewage from northern Belle Plaine to the Belle Plaine Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF). No additional lift stations will be needed to serve the new interceptor's service area. The proposed construction will address predicted future growth in the city, from the northern part of Belle Plaine to the city limits. Construction is anticipated to begin in July 2006 and be completed by 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 Belle Plaine North Sanitary Sewer Interceptor EAW should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on June 7, 2006, to Barbara Conti, 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 Belle Plaine North Sanitary Sewer Interceptor EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
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· Belle Plaine Branch Library, 125 West Main Street, Belle Plaine
Copies of the EAW may also be requested directly by calling Mary Osborn at (651) 297-8510. Telephone inquiries related to the project should be directed to Barbara Conti at (651) 296-6703; (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).