Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-441-6972
Marshall, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed expansion of the Pipestone wastewater treatment plant. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality, and air quality, is open for public review and comment through April 7, 2010.
The city’s existing four-cell pond system has an average wet weather capacity of 630,000 gallons per day, with a controlled seasonal discharge to Pipestone Creek. The city plans to add two new cells, increasing the capacity to 930,000 gallons per day, which will alleviate overflows and accommodate future commercial and residential growth.
There has been a moratorium on sewer extensions because inflow and infiltration into the collection system has overloaded the capacity and resulted in discharges outside the acceptable periods. An investigation indicated sources of inflow and infiltration, such as leaks, cross-connections with storm sewers, and foundation sump pump discharges. Although the city has been working to address these problems, the facility continues to experience frequent overloading.
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 Pipestone’s EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on April 7, 2010, to Nancy Drach, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN, 55155-4194, by e-mail to nancy.drach@state.mn.us, 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:
- MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
- MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html
-- MPCA Marshall office, 1420 E. College Dr., Ste. 900.
Copies of the EAW may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 507-537-7146. Questions about the project can be directed to Nancy Drach at 651-757-2317 or toll-free at 1-800-657-3864.
Written comments must include the following:
• A statement of your interest in the draft EAW;
• A statement of the action you wish the MPCA to take, including references to specific sections; and 3.
• Specific reasons supporting your position.
