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Certain proposed projects — based on their nature, size, location, or other factors — must go through an environmental review before any required permits or approvals are issued. Minnesota Rules parts 4410.4300 and 4410.4400 list the types of projects that require environmental review. The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) oversees environmental review in Minnesota.

Environmental review is NOT an approval process; it's an information-gathering process intended to:

  • help public agencies make informed permitting and approval decisions.
  • give the public access to decision makers.
  • ensure public awareness and meaningful input into decision making.

There are two levels of environmental review:

  • Environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) — The first step in environmental review and the only step, if the MPCA Commissioner decides further review is not required.
  • Environmental impact statement (EIS) — A more in-depth review. The MPCA uses the EAW, written comments, permit applications, and other relevant documents to decide whether an EIS is needed.

The MPCA commissioner makes the final decision, documented in a Findings of Fact Conclusions of Law and Order.

The EAW and EIS describe a proposed project, its potential effects on air, land, and water resources, and ways to reduce negative environmental effects. When the review identifies unacceptable environmental impacts, the project's proposers can make changes. The information is also used to establish permit conditions that will protect our environment.

Learn more about environmental review and how to provide input on MPCA's processes:

Role of responsible government units

Responsible government units (RGUs) are the government entities, such as counties, cities, or state agencies, that are responsible for preparing the environmental review documents. For mandatory reviews, the RGU is typically listed in rule. For other cases, the EQB selects the RGU.

If an RGU or project proposer decides that a project not listed under EQB rules has the potential for significant environmental effects, the project must go through the environmental review process before it may proceed. Residents may petition the EQB to request an EAW on a project.

Does your project need environmental review?

Use this pre-screening form to determine if your project needs environmental review by the MPCA:

If you think your project requires review, request a meeting with the MPCA early in the project planning. Expect MPCA's EAW process to take four to six months to complete. Controversial projects often take longer. An EIS can take one to two years.

If it is determined that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet is required, please submit the EAW to MPCA’s General Environmental Review email at env.review.pca@state.mn.us. This inbox is monitored by MPCA’s ER staff who will forward the EAW to the appropriate project manager.

Draft EAW

If it’s determined environmental review is required, gather information about the project’s potential environmental effects and ways to avoid or minimize them. No permits or approvals may be issued until environmental review is complete. MPCA's environmental review and permitting staff work together to ensure consistency and coordinate public notices. Permit applications must be submitted at the same time as the draft EAW. (An exception is the construction stormwater general permit since its issuance is automated.)

The draft EAW must include:

You may also need:

Helpful tips:

  • Work with the community early in the process.
  • Use plain language in your draft EAW.
  • Ensure permit applications match the draft EAW.
  • Be consistent in labeling structures/operations throughout the draft EAW and attachments.
  • Reference all attachments in the draft EAW and put them in the order in which they appear in the draft.
  • Use recently completed MPCA EAWs as an example for completing your draft EAW: Projects under MPCA review

Petition for EAW determination

A petition is a way the public can provide evidence to government entities which demonstrates that the project may have the potential to have significant environmental effects. Members of the public can petition for projects that are not already required to complete an environmental review. The petition requires 100 signatures of individuals who live or own property in Minnesota. After reviewing evidence provided in the petition, a decision is made whether or not environmental review will be required for the project.

More information