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) seeks public comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that has been prepared for phase I of proposed construction of a sewer interceptor in portions of Scott and Dakota Counties in Minnesota. The draft EAW is open for public comment until 4:30 p.m. on June 21, 2006. Wastewater interceptor sewers carry sewage from municipal collection systems to a treatment facility. The proposed construction will carry sewage from the cities of Elko and New Market to the Empire Wastewater Treatment Facility and involves building the interceptor, a submersible lift station and two meter stations. The interceptor is designed for a maximum average wastewater flow of 7.3 million gallons per day (mgd) and a peak flow of 16.2 mgd. The proposed construction is the first phase in a two-phase project. The service area includes the communities of Elko, New Market and New Market Township. Planners anticipate significant projected growth in the region, and Phase II of the project will accommodate future service in Eureka Township and southern Lakeville. Construction of Phase I is expected to begin in the spring of 2007 and be completed by 2009. 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 Elko-New Market Interceptor-Phase I EAW should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on June 21, 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 Elko-New Market Interceptor-Phase I EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
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· Dakota County Library, 1340 Wescott Road, Eagan
· Scott County Library, 13090 Alabama Avenue South, Savage
· Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville
· New Market Branch Library, 50 Church Street, New Market
Interested citizens may also request copies of the EAW 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).