Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Dan Olson, 218-846-7390 Marshall, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed production increase of the Lincoln Pipestone Rural Water System (LPRWS). The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through July 5, 2007. The LPRWS proposes to bring the Holland water treatment facility in Pipestone County to full capacity. It treats groundwater for iron, manganese and nitrates and supplies drinking water to surrounding areas. The plant discharge will increase to 288,000 gallons per day from 144,000 GPD. The purpose of this project is to provide a safe supply of potable drinking water to approximately 4,740 rural citizens of southwest Minnesota. The Holland water treatment facility was built in 1999 with two treatment units; however, its operating permit authorized only one to be in service. Increasing nitrate levels now require use of the second treatment unit. Reject water from the treatment process is discharged to the North Branch of Pipestone Creek. The EAW provides basic information on how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. During the 30-day period it is open to public review and comment. Comments on the LPRWS EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2007 to Barbara Conti, MPCA, 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 to decide if an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review) is needed. Copies of the EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· The MPCA's Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html
· MPCA Marshall office, 1420 E. College Dr., Suite 900.
· Pipestone Community Library, 400 2nd Street SW.
· Ivanhoe Public Library, 401 N Harold St.
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Barbara Conti at 651-296-6703 or 1-800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY).