Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contacts: Anne Moore, 218-302-6605 Duluth, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites the public to review and comment on an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) and draft air emissions permit for the proposed Sappi Cloquet LLC facility expansion. Sappi proposes to expand its existing facility with a new paper-processing machine and a new natural gas-fired boiler. The project will increase production by at least 50 percent, or 671,000 net tons of fine-coated paper. The site would also house additional paper production-related and shipping operations. The expansion would convert the former tree nursery into a wood storage yard and require the re-routing of Avenue B. The proposed project does not require an increase in pulp production or timber harvesting. The EAW provides basic information about how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. Written comments on the Sappi EAW should be submitted to the MPCA by 4:30 p.m. on June 3, 2009 to Kevin Kain, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, or by fax to 651-297-2343. Requests for copies of the draft air emissions permit must be made in writing as noted in the public notice document for the draft permit. The public notice, draft permit, and supporting documentation will be available beginning on May 8, 2009, at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/data/index.cfm?PN=1. Copies of the Sappi EAW are available for review at:
-- MPCA - St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road North;
-- MPCA Duluth office, 525 Lake Avenue South, Suite 400;
-- MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html; or,
-- By calling the MPCA-Duluth office at 218-723-4660. Questions about the Sappi EAW should be directed to Kevin Kain at 651-757-2482. The MPCA's draft air emissions permit for the Sappi facility expansion will be available for public review and comment May 7 through June 8, 2009. To obtain a copy of the draft air emissions permit please contact Toni Volkmeier at the MPCA at 651-757-2802. All MPCA offices and staff can be reached toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.