Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Jennifer Groebner, (651) 296-7706 Technical Contact: Kevin Kain, (651) 296-7796 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 make wastewater improvements at the treatment facility in Shafer, Minn. The draft EAW is open for public comment until 4:30 p.m. on June 7, 2006. The city of Shafer proposes expansion of the existing wastewater treatment facility from a design average flow of 105,000 gallons per day (gpd) to 400,000 gpd. Increased capacity would be achieved by adding aeration to existing primary stabilization ponds. The project also includes the addition of controls for phosphorus and disinfection needed for the switch from controlled discharge to continuous discharge, thereby protecting downstream receiving waters. The improvement project will help serve the growing community of Shafer with a wastewater treatment facility that is capable of treating the estimated flows from future growth in the area. In addition to the EAW, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Permit/State Disposal System Permit for this project will also be available for public comment concurrently, beginning May 8. The MPCA contact person for the permit is Elise M. Doucette at (651) 296- 7290. 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 Shafer Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements EAW should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on June 7, 2006, to Kevin Kain, 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 Shafer Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements 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 Kevin Kain at (651) 296-7796; (800) 657-3864 (toll free/TTY).