Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Willmar, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed sanitary sewer project that will extend from the current Willmar wastewater treatment plant to 19th Avenue Southeast. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through June 5, 2007. The project will involve the construction of nearly 2,000 feet of 48-inch diameter reinforced concrete pipe within the newly dedicated 5th Street Southeast road right-of-way prior to paving east of the Kandi Mall shopping center. It is designed to have a maximum carrying capacity of 20.3 million gallons per day and an average daily capacity of 3.47 million gallons per day. The project is part of the city's planned development of a new wastewater treatment facility by 2010. It will not be put to use until the new plant is operating. At that time, the existing plant will be decommissioned and the city's wastewater converging at the former plant will be sent to the new treatment facility. The new facility will be located southwest of the city at the site currently used to store and transfer bio-solids from the existing plant. The EAW provides basic information on how the proposed project could potentially affect the environment. During the 30-day period it is open to public review and comment. Comments on Willmar's EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on June 5, 2007 to Chai Insook, 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 Willmar office, 1601 E. Highway 12
· Willmar Public Library, 410 SW 5th St
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Chai Insook at 651-296-7718, or 1-800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY).