Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Willmar, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed relocation of the Willmar Wastewater Treatment Plant. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality, and air quality, is open for public review and comment until Jan. 2, 2008. At the same time a five-year wastewater treatment operating permit also will be open for review and comment. The city plans to build a new wastewater treatment facility about six miles west of the existing facility, which is located between Willmar and 19th Avenues. The new facility will expand capacity from an average of about 5 million to 7.5 million gallons per day, and do a better job of treating wastewater. The existing wastewater treatment facility will be decommissioned once the new facility is operational. Construction on the $71 million facility is expected to begin in the spring, and it is expected to be in operation by 2010. 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 Willmar's EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2008, to Dana Vanderbosch, 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 draft EAW and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit 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 of the EAW may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 320-214-3786. Questions about the project can be directed to Dana Vanderbosch at 651-297-1796, or 1-800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY). Questions about the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System operating permit can be directed to Lisa McCormick, 320-231-5343. Written comments must include the following:
1. A statement of your interest in the draft EAW;
2. A statement of the action you wish the MPCA to take, including references to specific sections; and
3. Specific reasons supporting your position.