Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-441-6972
St. Paul, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for a proposed coal unloading, storage and transfer facility along Highway 212 east of Stewart. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality, and air quality, is open for public review and comment through Sept. 21, 2011.
The facility, proposed by Gascoyne Materials Handling and Recycling (GMHR), would include a rail spur, outdoor coal-unloading system, stockpile area, and a treatment system for coal-pile runoff and stormwater. An average of 200,000 tons of coal delivered by rail would be unloaded annually, with a maximum capacity of 450,000 tons.
The EAW provides basic information on how the proposed project could potentially affect the environment. During the 30-day period it is open to public review and comment. Comments on the GMHR EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2011 to Nancy Drach, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul, MN 55155-4194, or by fax to 651-297-2343.
The MPCA will use the comments it receives to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project, and to decide whether an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review) is needed.
In addition to the EAW, the draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System permit will also be available for public comment. For more information, contact Deb Schumann at 651-757-2704.
Copies of the GMHR EAW are available for review at:
- the MPCA’s St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.;
- the MPCA’s EAW webpage; and
- the MPCA Willmar office, 1601 E. Highway 12.
Copies of the EAW may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Nancy Drach at 651-757-2317 or 800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY).
