november 18, 2005 to: interested parties · station is currently permitted to handle 318,500 cubic...

November 18, 2005 TO: INTERESTED PARTIES RE: Malcolm Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station Enclosed is the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed Malcolm Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station, Hennepin County. The EAW was prepared by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and is being distributed for a 30-day review and comment period pursuant to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) rules. The comment period will begin the day the EAW availability notice is published in the EQB Monitor, which will likely occur in the November 21, 2005, issue. Comments received on the EAW will be used by the MPCA in evaluating the potential for significant environmental effects from this project and deciding on the need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). A final decision on the need for an EIS will be made by the MPCA Commissioner after the end of the comment period. If a request for an EIS is received during the comment period, or if the Commissioner recommends the preparation of an EIS, the MPCA Citizens’ Board (Board) will make the final decision. The final EIS need decision will also be made by the Board if so requested by the project proposer, other interested parties or MPCA staff and if this request is agreed to by one or more members of the Board or the MPCA Commissioner. The Board meets once a month, usually the fourth Tuesday of each month, at the MPCA office in St. Paul. Meetings are open to the public and interested persons may offer testimony on Board agenda items. A listing of Board members is available on request by calling (651) 296-7306. Please note that comment letters submitted to the MPCA do become public documents and will be part of the official public record for this project. If you have any questions on the EAW, please contact Susan Heffron of my staff at (651) 297-1766. Sincerely, Richard Newquist Supervisor, Environmental Review Unit Environmental Review and Operations Section Regional Division RN:jgo Enclosure

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET Note to reviewers: The Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) provides information about a project that may have the potential for significant environmental effects. This EAW was prepared by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), acting as the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU), to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) should be prepared. The project proposer supplied reasonably accessible data for, but did not complete the final worksheet. Comments on the EAW must be submitted to the MPCA during the 30-day comment period which begins with notice of the availability of the EAW in the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) Monitor. Comments on the EAW should address the accuracy and completeness of information, potential impacts that are reasonably expected to occur that warrant further investigation, and the need for an EIS. A copy of the EAW may be obtained from the MPCA by calling (651) 296-7398. An electronic version of the completed EAW is available at the MPCA Web site http://www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html#open-eaw. 1. Project Title: Malcolm Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station 2. Proposer: Carl Bolander and Sons Co. 3. RGU: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Contact Person Mark K. Ryan Contact Person Susan Heffron And Title President and Title Project Manager Address 251 Starkey Street Address 520 Lafayette Road North St. Paul, Minnesota 55107 St. Paul, Minnesota 55155-4194 Phone 651-224-6299 Phone 651-297-1766 Fax 651-223-8197 Fax 651- 297-8676 4. Reason for EAW Preparation:

EIS Scoping

Mandatory EAW

X

Citizen Petition

RGU Discretion

Proposer Volunteered

If EAW or EIS is mandatory give EQB rule category subpart number and name: 4410.4300, Subpart 17

Item C, Transfer Stations

Item C reads: For construction or expansion of a mixed municipal solid waste transfer station for 300,000 or more cubic yards per year, the PCA is the RGU. The proposed project is 156,000 tons of mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) to its list of acceptable wastes. Approximately 156,000 tons of MSW converts to 468,000 cubic yards. 5. Project Location: County Hennepin City/Twp Minneapolis NE 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 30 Township 29N Range 23W

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html#open-eaw

Malcolm Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Minneapolis, Minnesota 2 Worksheet

Attachments to the EAW: • Attachment 1: Map showing the general location of the project; • Attachment 2: One mile radius maps; • Attachment 3: Satellite photo of the area; • Attachment 4: Transfer Station Building floor plan; • Attachment 5: Map of Site; • Attachment 6: Letter from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural Heritage and Nongame • Research Program; and • Attachment 7: Letter from the Minnesota Historical Society.

6. Description:

a. Provide a project summary of 50 words or less to be published in the EQB Monitor. Carl Bolander and Sons Co. is proposing to increase the amount of material handled (Project) at their Malcolm Avenue Recycling and Transfer Station (Transfer Station) in Minneapolis. The Transfer Station is currently permitted to handle 318,500 cubic yards per year of construction and demolition (C&D) waste and 40,000 tons per year (tpy) of yard waste. The proposed Project would allow the facility to handle 156,000 tpy of C&D, 156,000 tpy of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), 61,000 tpy of yard waste, selected industrial wastes (as approved in the industrial solid waste management plan), and recyclables. No changes to the site are proposed as part of the request for additional transfer capacity.

b. Give a complete description of the proposed project and related new construction. Attach additional

sheets as necessary. Emphasize construction, operation methods and features that will cause physical manipulation of the environment or will produce wastes. Include modifications to existing equipment or industrial processes and significant demolition, removal or remodeling of existing structures. Indicate the timing and duration of construction activities. Permitting History: The property at 620 Malcolm Avenue SE has been owned by Carl Bolander and Sons Co. (CB&S) since 1991 and operated by SKB (a subsidiary of CB&S) as a yard waste compost site since 1993. This site was operated as a permit-by-rule yard waste compost facility in accordance with Minn. R. parts 7035.2835, subps 2 and 3 and was used as a city of Minneapolis yard waste composting facility. On May 1, 1997, the site was permitted as a construction and demolition (C&D) recycling and transfer station. In December 2000, the solid waste permit was amended to add NRG Processing Solution, LLC (NRG PS) as the operator and co-applicant for the facility with SKB. Specialized Environmental Technologies, Inc. is the operations wing of NRG PS, which has been operating the Transfer Station since December 2000. SKB is no longer involved with site operations and therefore will be removed as a co-operator and co-applicant as part of this modification. Proposed Facility Operations: The proposed Project does not require an expansion of the existing building. The existing building will be used as shown in Attachment 4 to accommodate the addition of MSW. SKB may modify the tipping floor areas and associated traffic patterns as necessary to adjust for operation and safety conditions. All vehicles enter and exit the site via the gate on Malcolm Avenue. The Transfer Station will accept the following materials from commercial haulers and residents. Yard Waste (existing) Typically, yard waste delivery vehicles will be weighed on the inbound scale, then proceed to the yard waste tipping floor in the northeast corner of the building to drop materials. These vehicles will exit through the overhead doors and proceed to the outbound scale. The yard waste is transferred from the Transfer Station to other permitted yard waste compost facilities for composting.


C&D Debris (existing) C&D debris intended for disposal will be placed in transfer trailers prior to be transported to approved disposal facilities. C&D materials suitable for recycling will be sorted and placed in roll-off boxes and processed or marketed. In general, C&D debris delivery vehicles will also pass across the inbound scale. The C&D trucks will enter the building through the overheads doors on the west side of the building and proceed to the C&D tipping floor, which is located in the northwest corner of the building. After tipping, these vehicles will exit the building through the overhead doors and pass across the outbound scale. Loads of C&D debris will be shipped from the Transfer Station via semi-transfer trailers. These vehicles will use the load out area on the northwest corner of the building. Transfer vehicles will back into the loading area through the northwestern overhead door. Turning room is available on the asphalt area to the west. Roll-off boxes for C&D debris are placed in the C&D loading area and tipping floor. When filled, the boxes will be lifted onto a truck that enters and exits the Transfer Station via the overhead doors on the west side. Traffic flow through these doors generally runs parallel to but does not interfere with traffic flow across the site scale. MSW (new) MSW delivered by residents and businesses will also be processed and/or transferred from the Transfer Station. MSW intended for disposal will be placed in transfer trailers prior to being transported to approved disposal facilities. MSW may be sorted by separating the organic waste. When feasible, processible organic waste will be loaded on separate transfer trailers and delivered to an organic processing facility. All other MSW will be transferred to an approved disposal facility.

Typically, MSW delivery vehicles will be weighed on the inbound scale, proceed to the designated waste tipping floor on the east side of the building to drop materials, exit the building through the overhead doors. The waste delivery vehicles will proceed to the outbound scale. Loads of MSW will normally be shipped from the Transfer Station via semi-transfer trailers. These vehicles will generally use the load out area on the east end of the building. Source Separated Organics are wastes from commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities that are ideal for composting. These materials include, but are not limited to, food processing residues, garden wastes, yard wastes, soiled paper, and unrecyclable paper that can be easily composted instead of disposed of at high-cost landfills or other waste management facilities. Select Industrial Wastes (modified) The Transfer Station will collect select industrial wastes, as outlined in an approved in the Industrial Waste Management Plan. Typical items might be construction debris, old dump debris, empty containers, foundry sand, coal ash, paint residue, paint filters, and spent activated carbon filters. Other Materials (existing) The Transfer Station also accepts tires, white goods, mattresses, and recyclables such as paper, glass, aluminum, tin, cardboard, and other recyclables as markets allow.

All Materials entering the Transfer Station may be sorted. This is done with skid loaders, front end loaders, and the Liehber backhoes. No conveyor belt is planned at this time. Hand sorting will be done on an as needed basis depending on the amount of materials in the incoming loads. Ventilation in the building is achieved through a combination of sixteen (16) overhead doors and mechanical ventilation by a series of exhaust fans and vents. During normal operation, the overhead


doors are left open allowing plenty of fresh air to circulate. If the doors need to be closed during operations the mechanical ventilation system is used to circulate the air. Hours of Operation The normal operating hours of the Transfer Station will be from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. However, under certain circumstances, such as special projects, natural disasters, and acts of terrorism, it is expected that the Transfer Station would be allowed to operate 24 hours per day, seven days a week, given the appropriate notification has been provided to the city and county. Special projects would include such things as bridge demolition, highway construction, building demolition, or a collapse of a building. The entrance to Transfer Station is accessed only via Malcolm Avenue, a city of Minneapolis street that runs generally northwest/southeast to the entrance of the Transfer Station. An entrance gate is placed across the site access road, entering from Malcolm Avenue. The gate is locked during non-operational hours and is open but monitored by the scale operator during operating hours. An existing permanent sign located near the entrance displays days and hours of operation, the MPCA permit number, and acceptable waste types. The property site is enclosed by a six foot high chain link fence, which runs along the property line on the east, south, and north but bisects the western edge of the property approximately 300 feet west of the Transfer Station. The landscaping includes some screening berms and tree plantings on the edges of the property. A certified operator is on duty at the site during all operating hours. The scale attendant is responsible for monitoring and approving each load of material as it enters the site. The operator(s) are responsible for inspecting the loads for prohibited materials as they are tipped on the tipping floors. The Transfer Station employs up to approximately fifteen people, but may be more or less based on operations Use of the site is limited to residential, city, or commercial vehicles delivering yard waste, MSW, C&D debris or recyclables, and transfer vehicles. Proposed Capacity A maximum annual capacity of the Transfer Station will be 156,000 tons per year of MSW, and 156,000 tons per year of C&D waste. These annual waste volume calculations are based on the average daily tonnage over a six day week, 52 weeks per year. The maximum annual capacity of yard waste will be 61,000 tons per year. This annual yard waste volume calculation is based on seven days a week for eight months. The following quantities are the maximum daily waste volumes for the Transfer Station:

• An estimated 250 tons per day, 61,000 tons per year of yard waste will be delivered to the Transfer

Station (April to November). • An estimated 500 tons per day, 156,000 tons per year of C&D will be delivered to and transferred from

the Transfer Station. • An estimated 500 tons per day, 156,000 tons per year of MSW will be delivered to and transferred from

the Transfer Station.

c. Explain the project purpose; if the project will be carried out by a governmental unit, explain the need for the project and identify its beneficiaries.


The purpose of this Project is to provide the City of Minneapolis and surrounding communities with a Transfer Station to process and transfer solid waste and yard waste.

d. Are future stages of this development including development on any outlots planned or likely to happen? Yes No

If yes, briefly describe future stages, relationship to present project, timeline and plans for environmental review.

e. Is this project a subsequent stage of an earlier project? Yes No If yes, briefly describe the past development, timeline and any past environmental review.

7. Project Magnitude Data Total Project Area (acres) 6 or Length (miles) -- Number of Residential Units: Unattached -- Attached -- maximum units per building -- Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Building Area (gross floor space): total square feet -- Indicate area of specific uses (in square feet): -- (recycling/transfer station) Office 1,200 sq feet Manufacturing -- Retail -- Other Industrial -- Warehouse -- Institutional -- Light Industrial 45,000 sq feet Agricultural -- Other Commercial (specify) -- Building height 30 feet If over 2 stories, compare to heights of nearby buildings -- 8. Permits and approvals required. List all known local, state and federal permits, approvals and financial

assistance for the project. Include modifications of any existing permits, governmental review of plans, and all direct and indirect forms of public financial assistance including bond guarantees, Tax Increment Financing and infrastructure.

Unit of Government Type of Application Status City of Minneapolis Conditional Use Permit Approved/Modification Pending Hennepin County License Approved/Modification Pending MPCA Solid Waste Permit Approved/Modification Pending

9. Land use. Describe current and recent past land use and development on the site and on adjacent lands.

Discuss project compatibility with adjacent and nearby land uses. Indicate whether any potential conflicts involve environmental matters. Identify any potential environmental hazards due to past site uses, such as soil contamination or abandoned storage tanks, or proximity to nearby hazardous liquid or gas pipelines. Current zoning designation of the site and the surrounding areas within a quarter mile radius is zoned M3-3 Industrial, and other areas are residential (see Attachments 2 and 3). The nearest resident is approximately 1,500 feet to the south of the Transfer Station. No expansions to the site are proposed as part of the request for additional transfer capacity.

10. Cover Types. Estimate the acreage of the site with each of the following cover types before and after development:


Before After Before After Types 1-8 wetlands NA NA Lawn/landscaping 0 0 Wooded/forest NA NA Impervious Surfaces 6 6 Brush/grassland NA NA Other -- -- Cropland NA NA TOTAL 6 6

The site contains an existing permitted transfer station. No physical changes to the site are proposed. 11. Fish, Wildlife, and Ecologically Sensitive Resources. a. Identify fish and wildlife resources and habitats on or near the site and describe how they would be

affected by the project. Describe any measures to be taken to minimize or avoid impacts. Wildlife located on the site are limited to those common to urban settings such as birds and small mammals. The proposed Project is not proposing any construction to the existing Transfer Station and therefore will not have any impacts to those wildlife habitats. In addition, there are not any fish or wildlife resources on or near the Transfer Station.

b. Are any state (endangered or threatened) species, rare plant communities or other sensitive ecological

resources such as native prairie habitat, colonial waterbird nesting colonies or regionally rare plant communities on or near the site? Yes No

If yes, describe the resource and how it would be affected by the project. Indicate if a site survey of the resources has been conducted and describe the results. If the DNR Natural Heritage and Nongame

Research program has been contacted give the correspondence reference number. ERDB 20060243 Describe measures to minimize or avoid adverse impacts.

The DNR letter is Attachment 6.

12. Physical Impacts on Water Resources. Will the project involve the physical or hydrologic alteration (dredging, filling, stream diversion, outfall structure, diking, and impoundment) of any surface waters such asa lake, pond, wetland, stream or drainage ditch? Yes No If yes, identify water resource affected. Describe alternatives considered and proposed mitigation measures to minimize impacts. Give the DNR Protected Waters Inventory (PWI) number(s) if the water resources affected are on the PWI.

13. Water Use. Will the project involve installation or abandonment of any water wells, connection to or change

in any public water supply or appropriation of any ground or surface water (including dewatering)? Yes No

If yes, as applicable, give location and purpose of any new wells; public supply affected, changes to be made, and water quantities to be used; the source, duration, quantity and purpose of any appropriations; and unique well numbers and DNR appropriation permit numbers, if known. Identify any existing and new wells on the site map. If there are no wells known on site, explain methodology used to determine.

14. Water-related land use management districts. Does any part of the project involve a shoreland zoning

district, a delineated 100-year flood plain, or a state or federally designated wild or scenic river land use district? Yes No If yes, identify the district and discuss project compatibility with district land use restrictions.

15. Water Surface Use. Will the project change the number or type of watercraft on any water body?

Yes No If yes, indicate the current and projected watercraft usage and discuss any potential overcrowding or conflicts with other uses.


16. Erosion and Sedimentation. Give the acreage to be graded or excavated and the cubic yards of soil to be moved: NA Acres; NA cubic yards of fill Describe any steep slopes or highly erodible soils and identify them on the site map. Describe any erosion and sedimentation control measures to be used during and after project construction.

The site contains an existing permitted Transfer Station. No construction is proposed as part of the request for additional transfer capacity.

17. Water Quality - Surface Water Runoff. a. Compare the quantity and quality of site runoff before and after the project. Describe permanent

controls to manage or treat runoff. Describe any storm water pollution prevention plans. There are no construction activities related to this proposed Project. All transfer activities take place within a totally enclosed structure so the proposed Project is not expected to change the quantity or quality of runoff. Currently, stormwater flows east and north into a holding pond (see Attachment 5). The storage required for the 100-year storm is 0.27 acre-feet. The available storage is 2.0 acre-feet. Therefore, the holding pond exceeds the 100-year storm event. The holding pond has never overflowed during operation of the Transfer Station. Incidental moisture that is included with the waste (primarily MSW waste) becomes incorporated into the waste stream and is hauled off-site with the waste. There is not an accumulation of free liquids on the Transfer Station tipping floor. The Transfer Station is totally enclosed with the surrounding areas sloped to provide surface water drainage away from the doors/exits. Since the waste is not exposed to precipitation, no additional leachate is produced from the waste during storm events. There will not be any leachate flowing into the surface water holding pond.

b. Identify routes and receiving water bodies for runoff from the site; include major downstream water

bodies as well as the immediate receiving waters. Estimate impact runoff on the quality of receiving waters. N/A

18. Water Quality – Wastewater. a. Describe sources, composition and quantities of all sanitary, municipal and industrial wastewater

produced or treated at the site. The Transfer Station will have fulltime employees, thus it will generate wastewater. All wastewater generated at the Transfer Station will be directed to the City of Minneapolis sanitary sewer system. The Transfer Station will be totally enclosed and the tipping floor sloped to provide drainage away from the doors/exits. The generation of leachate is expected to be negligible. Any leachate generated will be properly managed according to all applicable laws and regulations.

b. Describe waste treatment methods or pollution prevention efforts and give estimates of composition after treatment. Identify receiving waters, including major downstream water bodies, and estimate the discharge impact on the quality of receiving waters. If the project involves on-site sewage systems, discuss the suitability of site conditions for such systems. The proposed Project does not involve on-site wastewater treatment. Any wastewater from the Transfer Station will be directed to the City of Minneapolis sanitary sewer system.


c. If wastes will be discharged into a publicly owned treatment facility, identify the facility, describe any

pretreatment provisions and discuss the facility’s ability to handle the volume and composition of wastes, identifying any improvements necessary. All wastewater will be discharged through the City of Minneapolis sanitary sewer system and will be ultimately treated at the MCES Wastewater Treatment Facility located in Minneapolis, and then discharged to the Mississippi River. No pretreatment provisions are necessary as the wastewater is all domestic strength.

d. If the project requires disposal of liquid animal manure, describe disposal technique and location and discuss capacity to handle the volume and composition of manure. Identify any improvements necessary. Describe any required setbacks for land disposal systems. N/A.

19. Geologic hazards and soil conditions. a. Approximate depth (in feet) to Ground water: 30 feet minimum; -- average. Bedrock: 51 feet minimum; 75 feet average. Describe any of the following geologic site hazards to ground water and also identify them on the site

map: sinkholes, shallow limestone formations or karst conditions. Describe measures to avoid or minimize environmental problems due to any of these hazards. There are no geologic site hazards on the Transfer Station property.

b. Describe the soils on the site, giving SCS classifications, if known. Discuss soil granularity and

potential for groundwater contamination from wastes or chemicals spread or spilled onto the soils. Discuss any mitigation measures to prevent such contamination. Based on published geological information, materials in the area are Upper Terrace deposits composed of sand, gravelly sand, and loamy sand. No specific hazards associated with the Project have been identified which could potentially impact groundwater quality.

20. Solid Wastes, Hazardous Wastes, Storage Tanks. a. Describe types, amounts and compositions of solid or hazardous wastes, including solid animal

manure, sludge and ash, produced during construction and operation. Identify method and location of disposal. For projects generating municipal solid waste, indicate if there is a source separation plan; describe how the project will be modified for recycling. If hazardous waste is generated, indicate if there is a hazardous waste minimization plan and routine hazardous waste reduction assessments. No hazardous wastes will be accepted at the Transfer Station. A Contingency Action Plan will be included in the Solid Waste Permit should any hazardous waste be inadvertently delivered to the Transfer Station.

b. Identify any toxic or hazardous materials to be used or present at the site and identify measures to be used to prevent them from contaminating groundwater. If the use of toxic or hazardous materials will lead to a regulated waste, discharge or emission, discuss any alternatives considered to minimize or eliminate the waste, discharge or emission. There will be no toxic or hazardous materials used or present on site.

c. Indicate the number, location, size and use of any above or below ground tanks to store petroleum


products or other materials, except water. Describe any emergency response containment plans. There is an active 1,000 gallon diesel above ground storage tank with spill containment on site. In accordance with Minnesota Statutes 115.061 in the event of a spill every effort will be made to immediately contain, recover and limit the release of the spill. The MPCA will be contacted as required under the statute.

21. Traffic. Parking spaces added: 0 Existing spaces: _ 7__ Estimated total average daily traffic generated:

Estimated maximum peak hour traffic: _150 trucks_ _16_

generated (if known) and its timing: 7 a.m. & 5 p.m. Provide an estimate of the impact on traffic congestion affected roads and describe any traffic improvements necessary. If the project is within the

Twin Cities metropolitan area, discuss its impact on the regional transportation system.

The proposed Project is not expected to cause traffic congestion due to the site’s close proximity to Highway 280 north & south, and Highway 94 east & west. The Transfer Station is currently permitted and approved for 200 vehicles per day. No congestion is expected. However, the exact number of vehicles using the Transfer Station per day will vary depending on the carrying capacity of the different trucks/trailers, the season, waste types, and the specific operation conditions at the time.

22. Vehicle-related Air Emissions. Estimate the effect of the project’s traffic generation on air quality, including carbon monoxide levels. Discuss the effect of traffic improvements or other mitigation measures on air quality impacts. Note: If the project involves 500 or more parking spaces, consult EAW Guidelines about whether a detailed air quality analysis is needed. The proposed Project will generate air pollution as a result of vehicles driving to and from the Transfer Station. Motor vehicles emit a variety of air pollutants including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulates. The air pollution generated from these vehicles will not add to existing levels in the metropolitan area and is not expected to cause a major increase in air pollution in the area.

23. Stationary Source Air Emissions. Describe the type, sources, quantities and compositions of any emissions from stationary sources of air emissions such as boilers, exhaust stacks or fugitive dust sources. Include any hazardous air pollutants (consult EAW Guidelines for a listing), any greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides), and ozone-depleting chemicals (chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons or sulfur hexafluoride). Also describe any proposed pollution prevention techniques and proposed air pollution control devices. Describe the impacts on air quality. There are no stationary sources of air emissions associated with waste handling activities.

24. Odors, noise and dust. Will the project generate odors, noise or dust during construction or during operation? Yes No

If yes, describe sources, characteristics, duration, quantities or intensity and any proposed measures to mitigate adverse impacts. Also identify locations of nearby sensitive receptors and estimate impacts on them. Discuss potential impacts on human health or quality of life. (Note: fugitive dust generated by operations may be discussed at item 23 instead of here.)

Dust The Transfer Station site including the on-site access road will be constructed of asphalt or gravel, and swept or watered as appropriate to minimize dust.


C&D debris is compacted inside the building. Currently, dust is kept to a minimum by the use of a spray mister that mists the air inside the building and a watering hose to keep the dust to a minimum. Other dust suppressant techniques and equipment may be used in place of the mister as appropriate. Noise On-site noise will be low due to enclosure of operations within the Transfer Station building. Outdoor noise from truck and equipment traffic will be minimal. Litter Site activities occur primarily within the enclosed Transfer Station building. Any product stored outside the building that is susceptible to wind dispersion will be tarped or otherwise covered to minimize windblown litter. Employees will be dispatched on a regular basis to collect litter that may accumulate on site. Odor Due to the use of an enclosed facility, odor concerns from the Transfer Station will be negligible.

25. Nearby resources. Are any of the following resources on or in proximity to the site? a. Archaeological, historical, or architectural resources? Yes No b. Prime or unique farmlands or land within an agricultural preserve? Yes No c. Designated parks, recreation areas, or trails? Yes No d. Scenic views and vistas? Yes No e. Other unique resources? Yes No If yes, describe the resource and identify any project-related impacts on the resources. Describe any

measures to minimize or avoid adverse impacts. The Historical Society letter is Attachment 7.

26. Visual impacts. Will the project create adverse visual impacts during construction or operation? Such as glare from intense lights, lights visible in wilderness areas and large visible plumes from cooling towers or exhaust stacks? Yes No If yes, explain.

27. Compatibility with plans and land use regulations. Is the project subject to an adopted local

comprehensive plan, land use plan or regulation, or other applicable land use, water, or resource management plan of a local, regional, state or federal agency? Yes No

If yes, describe the plan, discuss its compatibility with the project and explain how any conflicts will be resolved. If no, explain.

A Conditional Use Permit was obtained from the City of Minneapolis for construction of a yard waste, construction & demolition transfer station September 1996.

28. Impact on infrastructure and public services. Will new or expanded utilities, roads, other infrastructure or

public services be required to serve the project? Yes No


If yes, describe the new or additional infrastructure or services needed. (Note: any infrastructure that is a connected action with respect to the project must be assessed in the EAW; see EAW Guidelines for details.)

29. Cumulative impacts. Minn. R. 4410.1700, subp. 7, item B requires that the RGU consider the “cumulative potential effects of related or anticipated future projects” when determining the need for an environmental impact statement. Identify any past, present or reasonably foreseeable future projects that may interact with the project described in this EAW in such a way as to cause cumulative impacts. Describe the nature of the cumulative impacts and summarize any other available information relevant to determining whether there is potential for significant environmental effects due to cumulative impacts (or discuss each cumulative impact under appropriate item(s) elsewhere on this form).

The existing Transfer Station has been in operation since 1993. There will be no outdoor structural changes to the Transfer Station resulting from the proposed capacity increase. No future additions or increases in capacity are planned at this time.

30. Other Potential Environmental Impacts. If the project may cause any adverse environmental impacts not addressed by items 1 to 28, identify and discuss them here, along with any proposed mitigation.

There are no other potential environmental impacts known or predicted for this proposed Project.

31. Summary of issues. List any impacts and issues identified above that may require further investigation before the project is begun. Discuss any alternatives or mitigative measures that have been or may be considered for these impacts and issues, including those that have been or may be ordered as permit conditions.

No impacts or issues are known that may require further investigation.


RGU CERTIFICATION. I hereby certify that: • The information contained in this document is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. • The EAW describes the complete project; there are no other projects, stages or components other than those

described in this document, which are related to the project as connected actions or phased actions, as defined at Minn. R. 4410.0200, subps. 9b and 60, respectively.

• Copies of this EAW are being sent to the entire EQB distribution list. Name and Title of Signer: Richard Newquist, Supervisor

Environmental Review Unit

Date:

The format of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet was prepared by the staff of the Environmental Quality Board at Minnesota Planning. For additional information, worksheets or for EAW Guidelines, contact: Environmental Quality Board, 658 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-296-8253, or at their Web site http://www.eqb.state.mn.us/review.html.

http://www.eqb.state.mn.us/review.html

MALCOLM AVE. RECYCLING AND TRANSFER STATION

ONE MILE RADIUS MAPDRAWING 6

APRIL, 2005KMM1 05S008

AS SHOWNCKV Scope:Checked By:

Date:Drawn By:Scale:Source: Minnesota DNR. U.S.G.S. 7.5"

Quadrangles -- Saint Paul West & Minneapolis SouthL:\05s008\02s019\apr\onemile.apr April 21, 2005

This drawing is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and isnot intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation ofrecords, information and data used for reference purposes only.

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november 18, 2005 to: interested parties · station is currently permitted to handle 318,500 cubic...

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