Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Stephen Mikkelson (218) 855-5001 Technical Contact: William Lynott (651) 296-7794 Brainerd, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for proposed changes at Pre-Finishing Specialists Inc.(PSI), at its facility in Avon, Minn. Citizens are invited to comment on this EAW until Aug. 17, 2006. In addition to the EAW, the MPCA has drafted modifications to the air emissions permit for PSI. The draft permit is available for public comment concurrently with the EAW. Written comments on the EAW and draft air permit will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., Aug. 17. The proposed changes at PSI include installing new low-emission wood finishing equipment, and partially replacing solvent-based coatings with lower-emission products. This will reduce the plant's emissions of volatile organic compounds. The intent of the project is to expand production at the plant, while reducing risks to human health and the environment. The MPCA will hold a public informational meeting on Aug. 3, at the Avon Elementary School gymnasium at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of the meeting is to inform citizens on details of the EAW and draft permit, and to answer questions. The EAW is a preliminary environmental review looking at how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. Comments on the EAW should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 17, 2006, to William Lynott, MPCA, Operations and Environmental Review Section, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, by e-mail to william.lynott@pca.state.mn.us or by fax to (651) 297-2343. Comments on the draft air permit should be submitted to John Chikkala, MPCA, Industrial Division, Air Quality Permit Section, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, by e-mail to john.chikkala@pca.state.mn.us or by fax to (651) 296-8717. The MPCA will use these comments to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project and determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review) is needed. Copies of the EAW are available for review at:
· MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· MPCA Web site at/news/eaw/index.html
· St. Cloud Public Library, 405 St. Germain, St. Cloud
Copies of the draft permit are available for review at:
· MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/data/index.cfm?PN=1
· MPCA Brainerd office, 7678 College Rd, Ste. 105, Baxter
To request a copy of the EAW contact Mary Osborn at (651) 297-8510. For a copy of the air permit, contact Laurie O'Brien at (651) 296-7505, or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.