Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Jennifer Groebner, (651) 296-7706 Technical Contact: Denise Leezer, (651) 297-8236 St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is seeking comments on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) that has been prepared for a proposal to construct a new sanitary sewer in Anoka County. Known as the Blaine Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Section 13 project, the new sanitary sewer and water main is proposed to be located in the areas of North Woodlands, Lochness Lake and East Meadow developments. On average, the proposed lift station will carry 2.25 million gallons of wastewater per day and will have the capacity to carry more during periods of wet weather. Wastewater will ultimately be treated at the Metropolitan Wastewater Treatment Facility in St. Paul. Existing property owners initiated this project by petitioning for public improvements. The proposed project will provide service to a portion of Blaine that is not currently served by public utilities. 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 Blaine Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Section 13 EAW should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Mar. 1, 2006, to Denise Leezer, MPCA Regional Division, 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 Blaine Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Section 13 EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· MPCA Web site at/news/eaw/index.html
Copies may also be requested directly by calling Mary Osborn at (651) 297-8510. Telephone inquiries related to the project should be directed to Denise Leezer at (651) 297-8236; (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).