The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) is considering revisions to nearly 50 rule elements governing the state’s Environmental Review program. The revisions address ambiguous or inconsistent language and new or amended requirements.
These rules affect the preparation of Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAW), Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and other environmental review documents. The revisions are the result of a recent EQB study of mandatory EAW threshold levels. The proposal also includes other housekeeping and technical rule revisions that have been identified by the EQB staff over the last few years.
A preliminary draft of the amendments under consideration by the EQB is available at the EQB web site, www.eqb.state.mn.us, or by contacting Gregg Downing of the EQB staff by telephone at 651/205-4460 or by e-mail at gregg.downing@state.mn.us
The preliminary draft contains possible amendments to 48 existing rule parts or subparts, including proposed amendments to the mandatory EAW thresholds for five existing EAW categories (nonmetallic mineral mining, air pollution, wastewater systems, animal feedlots and historical places) and the establishment of two new categories specific to lakeshore development and to development near highly important natural resources.
Interested individuals or groups may submit comments or information on possible rule amendments in writing or orally until 4:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, 2005. The EQB is also considering the formation of advisory groups that would discuss several of the proposed amendments more formally. These advisory groups would likely focus their attention on the possible amendments to the mandatory EAW categories. Individuals interested in serving on an advisory group can contact the EQB by March 4.
Written or oral comments; questions; or requests for appointment to an advisory group, requests for the preliminary draft of the proposed amendments, or requests for more information on the possible amendments to rules should be directed to:
Gregg Downing
Environmental Quality Board
300 Centennial Building, 658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
Telephone: 651/205-4660
Fax: 651/296-3698
E-mail: gregg.downing@state.mn.us
TTY users may call the Environmental Quality Board at 800/627-3529.