5.5. SR 04-04-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Minnesota Deportment of Natura{ Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources 1200 Wamer Road St. Paul, MN 55106 651-259-5738 March 7, 2011 Rebecca Haug, Environmental Administrator City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 rhaug@ci.elk-river.mn.us ~~~~n~~a}~~I DEPAATliiENTOF NATUAAEAESOUACES Transmitted Via E-mail RE: Plaisted Companies Sand and Gravel Mining Operation Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) Dear Ms. Haug: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Central Region has reviewed the EAW for the Plaisted Companies Sand and Gravel Mining Operation in the City of Elk River. From a natural resources perspective, the proposed project does not require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). However, the following comments are for your consideration. Please be advised that the document posted online, along with the agency distributed copies, appeared to be missing some of the attachments referenced in the document. Item 5 and Item 16 made reference to a Figure 5, and item 11 b referenced an Appendix A. At this time it does not appear that these omissions warrant concern for the potential of significant impacts. These errors should, however, be noted for reviewers and these documents should be made available. The EAW does not directly indicate the proposed mining depths, or the potential for the mining operation to impact groundwater. Item 19 indicates that the minimum depth to groundwater is 20 feet. The description of the stockpile locations provided in Item 7 indicates that the pit floor would be approximately 20 feet below grade. While Figure 3, Mining Excavation Plan, indicate that depth would be a minimum of 990 feet mean sea level (with surface elevations varying from 1,000 to 1,025 feet mean sea level) and that actual excavation depth may vary depending on the quality of aggregates encountered. Given this information, it maybe possible that the proposed activities could encounter and/or impact groundwater resources. It does not appear from review of other Item information provided that the proposed project includes in-water mining activities. The potential to impact groundwater should be addressed, or the information discussed above should be clarified so that it is clearly understood how this potential impact will be avoided. The DNR Natural Heritage Database letter dated November 15, 2010 identified that Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingi~), a state-listed threatened species, have been documented in the vicinity of the proposed project. The letter also stated that the response to Item 11 b of the project EAW should clearly discuss potential impacts to Blanding's turtles and identify any avoidance or mitigation measures that will be implemented. Possible avoidance or mitigation measures were included in the Blanding's turtle fact sheet that was attached to the letter. While the EAW document acknowledged this comment, the document does not indicate how or to what extent the proposed project will incorporate or consider the recommendations to avoid and minimize impacts as requested. The DNR encourages project proposers to incorporate the recommendations www.mndnr.gov AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER i~ PRINTED ON RECYtlEO PAPER CONTAINING A MINIMUM OF 1096 POST-CONSUMER WASTE