Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Minnesota Falls Dam Removal in Yellow Medicine and Chippewa Counties, Minnesota has issued a Record of Decision regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.
The MDNR has concluded that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required because the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. The justification for this determination is contained in the Record of Decision. The Record of Decision also contains the Department's responses to all substantive written comments received on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet during the 59-day review and comment period.
Issuing this Record of Decision concludes the State environmental review process for this project according to Minnesota Environmental Quality Board rules, Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1000 to 4410.1700. This project can proceed to permitting and approvals.
- Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), Cover Letter
- Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
- Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), Attachment A - Public Comments (6.1 Mb)
Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
Documents
- Minnesota Falls Dam Removal EAW Additional Comment Period Letter
- Minnesota Falls Dam Removal EAW Cover Letter
- Minnesota Falls Dam Removal EAW
- Minnesota Falls Dam Removal Figures (3 Mb)
Review Period
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has extended the public comment period until August 24, 2011. The 30-day extension is due to the interruption in state service caused by the Minnesota government shutdown. Comments previously submitted will be considered so it is not necessary to resubmit comments.
Public notice of the availability of this EAW was in the June 27, 2011 EQB Monitor and again in the July 26, 2011 EQB Monitor.
The proposed project
Northern States Power Company (NSP) proposes to remove the Minnesota Falls Dam located on the Minnesota River within Yellow Medicine and Chippewa Counties, Minnesota. The dam is classified as a high hazard dam that no longer serves its original purpose. The dam has several potential structural deficiencies that would need to be repaired if the dam is not removed.
Send comments
Written and signed comments on the EAW must be received by Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.
By mail:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Box 25
Attn: Randall Doneen
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
Electronically:
Send to [email protected].
"Minnesota Falls Dam Removal EAW" must be included in the subject line. Include your name and mailing address so that you can be added to the mailing list.
By fax:
Submit signed comment letters by fax to 651-297-1500.
Questions
Please call 651-259-5156 if you have questions about this EAW.