The DNR proposes to remove the dam on the Grindstone River in Hinckley and restore connectivity to the river channel. This would result in the permanent removal of the 26.6-acre Grindstone Reservoir, which is a public water basin. The removal is proposed because the dam is in poor condition, it presents a safety hazard, and it is a barrier to passage of fish and other aquatic wildlife on the river. The dam also does not allow for natural sediment transport and natural stream features or habitat diversity.
The DNR will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) for the proposed Grindstone Dam Removal Project (the Project). The EIS will evaluate the Project and several project alternatives, and address their potential environmental effects. The EIS scoping documents provide information about the topics that are proposed to be included in the State EIS for the proposed project.
Final Scoping Decision Document (FSDD)
The FSDD describes the final scope of the Grindstone EIS. The FSDD was approved on December 7, 2020. Also included with the FSDD is a Response to Comment (RTC) document, which responds to substantive comments received during public review of the draft scoping documents.
Previous EIS Scoping Tasks and Documents
The DNR prepared a scoping environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) and a draft scoping decision document (DSDD) for the project.
The scoping EAW and DSDD were noticed in the October 12, 2020 edition of the EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period was open October 12 through November 12.
The DNR held an online public information meeting on November 5. The meeting provided information on the project and the EIS scoping process, followed by a question and answer session and a formal, verbal public input session.
Comments received during the 30-day public review and comment period informed the FSDD.
Next Steps
The DNR will prepare a Draft EIS that will be made available for public comment. Another public information meeting will be held during the Draft EIS comment period.
Timeline
Download the project timeline.