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1996-09-24 MPCA ReviewMinnesota Pol I ution Control Agency September 24, 1996 Mr. Garrison Hale, City Administrator 5975 Main Avenue Northeast Post Office Box 9 Albertville, Minnesota 55301 RE: ~`'Iirne~rclis Factor~~ Shorres ~r J rr Dear Mr. Hale: Thank you for the opportunity to review and comment on the above referenced Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW). The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Environmental Planning and Review Office staff review focused on the environmental issues for which the MPCA has regulatory authority and expertise. Based on our review, we have a few comments. The EAW document has addressed both traffic and air quality impacts anticipated as a result of the project. The installation of traffic signals discussed in the EAW should be implemented at the intersections of County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 19/CSAH 37 and CSAH 37/I-94 westbound ramp. This will help to improve turning movements and intersection conditions, and reduce traffic congestion. The air quality analysis in the EAW provided estimations of carbon monoxide concentrations for the no build and build conditions for one year after project completion. Based upon the predicted carbon monoxide concentrations, no violations of the state ambient air quality standards are projected, therefore, no significant air quality impacts are expected as a result of the proposed project. Regarding wetlands, the EAW should more specifically indicate the location of wetlands and the site plan impacts to the wetland. It is difficult to overlay the site plan with the wetlands map - the maps differ in scale. The document indicates that 4.2 acres of wetland are to be impacted, however, as noted above, a site layout of wetland impacts is not provided. It is not possible to evaluate the location of these impacts and the potential unavoidability of the impacts. It appears a storm water management pond is being constructed in the wetlands. It should be noted that, for the ptupose of compliance with the Clean Water Act, any wetland area that is primarily created for storm water control cannot be counted as wetland compensation. Also, any existing wetlands that are converted to storm water ponds must be evaluated for impact avoidance and the unavoidable impacts mitigated. 520 Lafayette Rd. N.; St. Paul, MN 55155-4194; (612) 296-6300 (voice); (612} 282-5332 (TTY) Regional Offices: Duluth • Brainerd • Detroit Lakes • Marshall • Rochester Equal Opportunity Employer • Printed on recycled paper containing at least 10% fibers from paper recycled by consumers. n - 'Mr. Garrison Hale, City Administrator Page 2 The document indicates that all wetland mitigation will be conducted on-site, however, the location of the mitigation is not presented in the EAW. The mitigation type and location should be clearly indicated in order to evaluate the impacts from that activity. The 4.20 acres of wetland fill or other impact proposed for the development in wetlands must comply with state and federal requirements to avoid wetland impacts if prudent and feasible alternatives exist. The proposer must identify the potential alternatives for further wetland impact avoidance during the permitting process and should be aware that project alteration may be necessary to comply with permit requirements. W e look forward to receiving responses to our comments and your decision on the need for an Environmental Impact Statement. If you have any questions regarding our comments, please contact Kathryn Kramer of my staff at 612/297-8604. Sincerely, Paul Hoff, Director Environmental Planning and Review Office Administrative Services Division PH:cj a Garrison Hale Page 2 September 24, 1996 Item 14; Water Related Land Use Management Districts The area of the project as previously mentioned is part of the Otsego Creek Watershed. The Otsego Creek Authority, a joint effort between the Cities of Albertville and Otsego, should review the project for impact on the Watershed District. Item 18; Water Quality, Surface Water Runoff School Lake and Mud Lake are a of monitoring program so directed by the Mn/PCA as a result of the expansion of Albertville's Wastewater Treatment Facility. If specific goals have been set for the lakes, the impact of this development should be addressed by comparing its discharge goal with that of the lakes goals and the ultimate discharge to Otsego Creek. Storm Water Drainage is the primary issue of concern due to the multiple jurisdiction within the watershed and the potential of development occurring in the area. The project storm water management goals should be compatible with the Watershed plan and the issue of Storm Water Management needs to be addressed by the EAW authors. If you have any questions on the above, please contact myself or Elaine Beatty at the City Hall. Sincerely, HAKANSON ANDERSON ASSOCIATES, INC. a enc G. oshak, PE jlg cc: Otsego City Council Elaine Beatty, Clerk Andy MacArthur, Attorney Bob Kirmis, NAC Gregg Downing, Environmental Quality Board OT916.gh Halcanson 7 Anderson Assoc., Inc.