Environmental Quality Board seeks comment regarding consideration of new wild rice rules

(ST. PAUL) – The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) is seeking public comment as it considers revisions to rules governing the Environmental Review Program that would affect the state’s wild rice industry.

The 2007 Legislature directed the EQB to adopt rules requiring the preparation of an environmental impact statement for both the proposed and actual release of genetically engineered wild rice. The EQB is proposing the addition of a mandatory category to Minnesota Rules, chapter 4410.4400 to address the statutory requirement as part of a larger revision of rules regarding shoreland areas.

The proposed amendment could affect anyone with an interest in wild rice cultivation, production, harvesting, marketing and use. Written or oral comments, questions and requests should be directed to Jon Larsen, Environmental Quality Board, 300 Centennial Building, St. Paul, MN, 55155; jon.larsen@state.mn.us, or 651/201-2477 (TTY: 651/296-3698).

The deadline for comments is 4:30 p.m. Monday, July 16, 2007.

The formal request for comments is published in the June 18 issue of the State Register, available online at http://www.comm.media.state.mn.us/bookstore/state_register.asp.