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Historical places category: Environmental Quality Board study of mandatory threshold levels for environmental review

At its January 2004 meeting, the Environmental Quality Board asked its staff to examine the mandatory category threshold levels in the environmental review rules (Mn Rules parts 4410.4300 and 4410.4400). The Board wanted to know if the thresholds are still appropriately placed to balance environmental protection and public benefit with administrative burden.

Proposed permanent rules relating to mandatory EAW categories and exemptions

The proposed rules would amend the lists of mandatory Environmental Assessment Worksheet categories (at Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4300) and Exemption categories (at Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4600) to add categories specific to certain types of recreational trails. The proposed rules would not establish categories for mandatory Environmental Impact Statements  for recreational trails.

Results of responsible governmental unit survey

The Environmental Quality Board commissioned a study in January 2004 to examine mandatory thresholds for environmental review in MinnesotaMandatory thresholds are found in MN Rule 4410.4300 and have been established for 36 different types of projectsIf a project’s size is above the threshold for its category, then environmental review is mandatoryThis is how most projects enter the environmental review process.

JOBZ and the Environment


The Clean Water Cabinet and Environmental Quality Board believe that an upfront understanding of the environmental implications of proposed developments can head off last minute complications and delays. In that spirit, the CWC and EQB offer a package of information about JOBZ and Minnesota’s water resources to aid those involved in economic development planning.
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