The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) will hold a public hearing beginning Feb. 25 on proposed amendments to rules governing the state’s environmental review program.
The amendments include new mandatory environmental assessment worksheet (EAW), environmental impact statement (EIS) and exemption categories for shoreland area development and a new mandatory EIS category for releases of genetically engineered wild rice. Other amendments streamline a variety of rules related to urban development projects and clarify the meaning of various rule provisions, such as the meaning of cumulative potential effects.
The hearing will take place at five locations in February and March, with additional sessions added if necessary. Sessions begin at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at each of the five sites. Dates and locations are:
— Feb. 25,
— Feb. 26,
— March 2, Hermantown
Public Safety Training Facility,
— March 4,
— March 5, Northland
Arboretum,
Members of the public can present their comments orally or
in writing at any hearing session, or can submit them in writing to
Administrative Law Judge Steve M. Mihalchick, Office of Administrative
Hearings,
The proposed amendments are included in a “Statement of Need and Reasonableness,” available online from the EQB website, www.eqb.state.mn.us. Printed copies are available for the cost of reproduction by contacting the EQB at 651/201-2476 or by contacting the Department of Administration through the Minnesota Relay Service at 1-800-627-3529.