Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Marshall, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) seeks public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed construction of two large asphalt cement storage tanks in Marshall. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment April 9, 2007 through May 9, 2007. Flint Hills Resources proposes to build two new asphalt cement storage tanks with capacities of 9.1 million gallons and 3.7 million gallons. No additional process capacity or capabilities are being added to the 10.4-acre facility in the Marshall industrial park. Asphalt cement is produced year round as a by-product of refining crude oil into gasoline, diesel fuel and fuel oil. It is commonly used in road construction. The tanks would to provide additional storage during winter months when the demand is lower. The facility has existing plans and procedures in place to reduce potential impacts or issues associated with asphalt storage tanks, which would be applied to the new tanks. The plans cover stormwater pollution prevention, spill control and handling procedures. 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 Flint Hills Resources EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on May 9, 2007 to Jim Sullivan, 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.
· Marshall-Lyon County Library, 301 W. Lyon, Marshall.
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Jim Sullivan at 651-297-1788, or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.