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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources <br /> <br /> 1200 Warner Road <br /> <br />St. Paul, Minnesota 55106 <br /> 651.772.7900 <br /> <br />August 18, 2004 <br /> <br />Mr. Stephen Rohlf <br />City of Elk River <br />2040 Highway 12 East <br />Willmar, Minnesota 56201 <br /> <br />RE: J & B Mining Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) <br /> <br />Dear Mr. DeWolf: <br /> <br />The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reviewed the EAW prepared for the proposed J & B <br />Mining projeCt in the City of Elk River. The EAW appears to be complete, with cumulative impacts <br />adequately addressed. We offer the following additional comments for your consideration. <br /> <br />Description (Item 6b). <br /> <br />The proposed outcome of the project after reclamation, i.e., "waterfowl habitat and a fishing pond" is <br />problematic. High quality waterfowl habitat rarely provides fishing opportunities, and vice versa. Based <br />on the depth of the proposed water body, it would be more appropriate to focus efforts on creating higher <br />quality fisheries habitat. In addition, slopes in the vicinity of 5-25% do not allow for much wetland <br />vegetation or aquatic plant beds to develop to buffer the open water. Shallower slopes will allow for <br />better vegetation establishment and less erosion, thus ultimately better water quality. <br /> <br />Physical Impacts on Water Resources (Item 12). <br /> <br />We will address wetland sequencing and mitigation through the Wetland Conservation Act and Technical <br />Evaluation Panel processes. However, it should be noted that deep water habitats cannot be considered <br />for wetland mitigation, and that wetland replacement must be accomplished in advance of, or concurrent <br />with, the losses. <br /> <br />Thank you for the opportunity to review this project and the EAW. We look forward to receiving your <br />record of decision and responses to comments at the conclusion of environmental review. Minnesota <br />Rules part 4410.1700, subparts 4 and 5, require you to send us your Record of Decision within five days <br />of deciding on this action. <br /> <br /> An Equal Opportunity Employer Who Values Diversity <br /> <br />DNR Information: 651-296-6157 1-888-646-6367 TTY: 651-296-5484 <br /> <br />1-800-657-3929 <br /> <br /> <br />