5.2. SR 09-08-1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Authority. Any of these approvals can and most likely will modify the impacts and mitigation measures. The EAW identifies the potential for significant environmental effects. On March 3, 1997, the city met with representatives of the DNR, MPCA, BWSR, SWCD in regards to wetland impacts from the proposed road. The U.S. Corps of Engineers could not be present for this meeting so plans were sent to them for their review. Non of these agencies, who are experts on wetland issues, voiced concern regarding the potential for significant environmental effects on wetlands at this meeting or during their review of the EAW. Comment Dorsey and Whitney comment that the traffic analysis in the EAW is not premised on existing traffic, but rather on projected traffic. Response It is projected that the intersection at Highway 169 and Main Street will not function properly in the future due to traffic that has nothing to do with the East Elk River Urban Service Area. The first function of the proposed road is to bypass this intersection to alleviating traffic congestion, which will improve air quality. The road's secondary function is to serve as access to the East Elk River Urban Service Area. The Urban Service Area can be accessed without the proposed road. Comment Dorsey and Whitney comment that the proposed project will substantially alter or impair unique agricultural land. Response No prime agricultural land or agricultural land of statewide significance as identified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture or the Natural Resources Conservation Service will be affected by the proposed road. Conclusion The wording of the comments in staffs memo were paraphrased. Staff recommends the Council refers to the attached comment letters for the exact wording. The City Council as the RGU for this EAW shall order an EIS if they determine there is the potential for significant environmental effects. In deciding whether the road project has the potential for significant environmental effects the Council should compare the impacts that may reasonably be expected to occur from the project with the following criteria: