ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET

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2 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) 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 An electronic version of the completed EAW is available at the MPCA website at 1. Project Title: Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station 2. Proposer: Shamrock Recycling & Transfer, LLC 3. RGU: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Contact Person Rich Gersdorf Contact Person Steve Sommer Title President Title Planner Principal Address th Court NE Address 520 Lafayette Road North Blaine, Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Phone Phone Fax Fax richg@shamrockdisposal.com steve.sommer@state.mn.us 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: Minn. R , subp. 17C (Solid Waste Transfer Stations) 5. Project Location: County Anoka City Blaine NE 1/4 NE 1/4 Section 27 Township 31 North Range 23 West GPS Coordinates: N W Tax Parcel Number p-ear2-46a TDD (for hearing and speech impaired only): Printed on recycled paper containing 30% fibers from paper recycled by consumers

3 EAW Figures and Appendices Figures Figure 1: Site Location Map Figure 2: Site Location Aerial Photograph Figure 3: Site Plan (Existing) Figure 3A: Site Plan (Proposed) Figure 4: Floor Plan (Existing) Figure 4A: Floor Plan (Proposed) Figure 5: Truck Pit Section Figure 6: Traffic Flow Pattern (Existing) Figure 6A: Traffic Flow Pattern (Proposed) Figure 7: Surface Water Management Plan Appendices Appendix A: Minnesota State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) Appendix B: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural (DNR) Heritage Inventory Letter 6. Description: a. Provide a project summary of 50 words or less to be published in the EQB Monitor. Shamrock Recycling & Transfer, LLC (Shamrock) operates an existing recycling and transfer facility (Facility) located in Blaine, Minnesota. The Facility currently accepts construction and demolition (C&D) waste, recyclable materials, non-hazardous industrial wastes, appliances, and yard waste. The Facility currently is limited by its solid waste permit to a capacity of 500 tons per day (TPD) of C&D waste. The proposed project (Project) would result in the Facility being permitted to accept mixed municipal solid waste and single stream recycling material. The Project would also increase the Facility s permitted capacity from 500 TPD to 700 TPD of all these wastes. 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. Current Facility The Facility operates on a acre industrial site near the intersection of 99th Court and Naples Street NE, Blaine, Minnesota. The Facility has been in operation since The Facility s hours are typically from 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Facility operates six days per week, 52 weeks per year, for a total of 312 days of operation per year; however, the Facility may operate outside these hours as needed to provide service for special projects or emergency events. The existing operations consist of a 20,000-square foot transfer station with automated processing equipment used to separate out recyclable materials from the incoming C&D wastes. The recovered materials are stockpiled prior to being delivered to various recycling markets with the residual wastes being transferred to an approved disposal facility. A majority of the waste management operations Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 2 Worksheet

4 (unloading, sorting, and material handling) are done within the enclosed Facility building. The surrounding outdoor areas are used for material storage and loading for transfer off-site (see Figure 3). The transfer building is an unheated building with a 29-foot 4-inch clearance height and is constructed with architectural concrete panels with automated overhead doors for vehicle access. The transfer station building also has a reinforced concrete tipping floor. Additionally, there is approximately 300 square feet of heated office space in the southeast corner of the building that includes sanitary facilities and storage areas. The Facility also includes an 18,500-square foot office and truck maintenance shop, which is located just south of the transfer station building. The buildings are surrounded by bituminous paving and curbing, which drain to stormwater management ponds. The stormwater management ponds then drain into on-site wetlands, which ultimately flow off site on the southwest corner of the Shamrock property (see Figure 7). The current site layout can be seen in Figure 3. The Facility currently is limited by its MPCA Solid Waste Permit No. SW-592 (PER 002) to a capacity of 500 TPD of C&D waste, recyclable material and industrial waste. Proposed Project Shamrock is proposing to expand the types of material that it is permitted to process to include mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) and single stream recyclables (SSR). The MSW and SSR transfer capabilities would service the surrounding communities with waste and recyclables primarily coming from Anoka, Ramsey, Hennepin, and Washington Counties. The transfer station will allow for the consolidation of materials to maximize the efficiency of the waste management and recycling systems. The incoming materials will be delivered to the Facility by commercial haulers in packer trucks and roll-off containers. All MSW and SSR will be stored indoors on the tipping floor or outdoors in enclosed transfer trailers prior to delivery off-site and will not be in contact with any precipitation. The MSW will be managed and removed from the Facility as quickly as possible to ensure that odors are not problematic. MSW will typically be transferred out within 24 hours, but may be on the tipping floor as long as three days to allow for storage over a holiday weekend. These storage practices are used by other transfer facilities to control odor. The Facility has the capacity to store up to 5,000 cubic yards of MSW (750 tons), 1,600 cubic yards of SSR (350 tons), and 4,500 cubic yards of C&D (1,200 tons) at one time. If needed, these capacities could be combined for any given waste stream to allow for more storage capacity. For example, if there was no C&D on the tipping floor, both sides of the tipping floor could be used to store MSW, which would allow for the storage of 9,500 cubic yards of MSW. The MSW will be transferred from the Facility to an approved processing or disposal facility as dictated by the market conditions. The SSR will be transferred from the Facility to an approved recycling facility for materials recovery. Shamrock is also proposing to increase the permitted capacity from 500 to 700 TPD, which will be a solid waste permit limit. The Facility is also accepting a solid waste permit limit of 218,400 tons per year (TPY). Shamrock is expecting to process approximately 250 TPD of C&D waste, 250 TPD of MSW, 100 TPD of SSR, and 100 TPD of yard waste, after the Project is implemented. Shamrock will continue to use its existing 20,000-square foot transfer station building and the surrounding outdoor storage areas for the new material. However, the proposed Project includes the removal of the Facility s existing automated C&D processing equipment to allow for space to process MSW and SSR material. Post-Project, the Facility would continue to accept C&D waste, recyclable materials, non-hazardous industrial wastes, appliances, and yard waste, but these wastes would be processed manually instead. Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 3 Worksheet

5 The proposed Project also includes the addition of an outbound scale near the southeast corner of the processing building to improve traffic flow at the Facility and to better accommodate the transfer trailers leaving the site. The Project also includes the demolition of the office space inside the southeast corner of the transfer building to allow more space on the tipping floor. A three to five-foot deep load-out pit (see Figure 5) would also be added in the middle of the tipping floor to allow for the top-loading of transfer trailers. After the Project is implemented, transfer trailers would back into the load-out pit via the center overhead door (Door 4), located on the south side of the building (Figure 3A). The load-out pit would divide the tipping floor into two halves, with the western half being designated for C&D material management and the eastern half designated for MSW, non-hazardous industrial waste, and SSR management. The C&D materials will be enter the building through Doors 2 and 3. MSW and SSR would be delivered through Doors 5 and 6. The SSR materials will be stored in an indoor bunker located on the MSW tipping floor side of the building. The recyclable C&D materials will be recovered manually on the tipping floor or sent to an off-site recycling facility as markets allow. The removal of the processing equipment and the transition to the new Facility layout will occur over time to minimize disruptions to the ongoing facility operations. Therefore, Shamrock will initially operate under the existing configuration and transition in phases to the proposed Facility operations and design. The proposed site layout can be seen in Figure 3A. 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 the project is to accommodate the current market demands for service to the community by allowing for the transfer of MSW and SSR. d. Are future stages of this development including development on any other property planned or likely to happen? Yes No 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. The Facility received its original CUP from the city of Blaine in The Facility received its C&D Transfer Station and C&D Processing License from Anoka County in The Facility received a Final Site Drainage and Wetland Alteration Permit from the Rice Creek Watershed District approval on June 17, The Facility received its MPCA Solid Waste Permit No. SW-592 on September 12, The Facility has not gone through Minnesota s environmental review process in the past. The Facility began operations in the fall of 2002 after all approvals had been received. Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 4 Worksheet

6 7. Project Magnitude Data Total Project Area (acres) (existing) 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): Office 18,500 Manufacturing Retail Other Industrial Warehouse Institutional Light Industrial 20,000 Agricultural Other Commercial (specify) Building height 29 If over 2 stories, compare to heights of nearby buildings 20,000 (existing) 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. All of these final decisions are prohibited until all appropriate environmental review has been completed. See Minn. R Unit of Government Type of Application Status City of Blaine Revised Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Application Submitted, pending approval Anoka County MSW Transfer Station License # PT Application Submitted, pending approval MPCA Solid Waste Permit Draft permit ready for public notice MPCA National Pollutant Disposal Elimination System/State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS) Industrial Stormwater Permit Issued May 31, 2011 Administrative Change Form submitted to MPCA to inform them of MSW and SSR capabilities 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. The Facility site is located at th Court NE, Blaine, Minnesota. See Figure 2 for an aerial view of the site. The property is zoned I-2 Heavy Industrial property and has been used as a C&D recycling and transfer station since The surrounding properties are zoned I-1 light industrial and airport zoning. The proposed Project will not change the basic function of the Facility (i.e., the Facility will continue to operate as a recycling and transfer station). Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 5 Worksheet

7 The area surrounding the Facility consists of wetlands and marshes with a nearby airport and other industrial businesses. The existing and proposed use of this property is consistent with the surrounding property uses and zoning and is not expected to have any negative impacts on the local community or the environment. There are no known past uses of the site that would present an environmental conflict with the proposed Project. 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 Lawn/landscaping Wooded/forest Impervious Surfaces Brush/grassland Stormwater pond Cropland Other (gravel surface) TOTAL 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. A portion of the Facility property, and the surrounding area, contain wetlands and grassland areas that are likely home to deer, small mammals, song birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Since this is an existing facility on a previously disturbed site, and the only physical change outdoors is the addition of a scale to weigh trucks, the Facility is not expected to cause a significant impact to wildlife in the area. b. Are any state (endangered or threatened) species, rare plant communities or other sensitive ecological resources on or near the site? Yes No If yes, describe the resource and how it would be affected by the project. The DNR sent a letter dated August 21, 2012 (Appendix B), to the Project proposer that indicated that the DNR does not believe that the proposed Project will negatively impact any known occurrences of rare features in the Project area. Describe any measures that will be taken to minimize or avoid adverse impacts. Provide the license agreement number (LA- ) and/or Division of Ecological Resources contact number (ERDB_ ) from which the data were obtained and attach the response letter from the DNR Division of Ecological Resources. Indicate if any additional survey work has been conducted within the site and describe the results. 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 as a lake, pond, wetland, stream or drainage ditch? Yes No 13. Water Use. Will the project involve installation or abandonment of any water wells, connection to or changes in any public water supply or appropriation of any ground or surface water (including dewatering)? Yes No Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 6 Worksheet

8 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 15. Water Surface Use. Will the project change the number or type of watercraft on any water body? Yes No 16. Erosion and Sedimentation. Give the acreage to be graded or excavated and the cubic yards of soil to be moved: 0.0 acres; 0.0 cubic yards. 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. Not applicable. 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. Waste transfer activities will continue to be conducted indoors. The Facility has three on-site stormwater ponds and a series of ditches with overflows that manage stormwater runoff from the site (see Figure 7). All proposed modifications, other than the addition of a truck-scale, will occur to the inside of the existing buildings and, therefore, will not have any impact on surface water. Thus, the quantity and quality of the site runoff before and after the proposed Project will not change. 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. Figure 7 shows the drainage routes from the site and the routes for stormwater runoff. The stormwater flows across the site from northeast to southwest and is managed by a series of infiltration swales and ponds that lead to a wetland that ultimately flows off the site on the southwest corner of the Facility property. After leaving the property, the water proceeds through a series of wetlands that ultimately discharge into a water management ditch named BR-6. This ditch ultimately discharges into Golden Lake on the east side of Interstate 35W. The proposed Project is not expected to have an effect on downstream receiving waters since the Project would not result in any change outdoors, other than construction of the new scale for outgoing trucks. 18. Water Quality Wastewater. a. Describe sources, composition and quantities of all sanitary, municipal and industrial wastewater produced or treated at the site. The Facility will continue to generate small quantities of sanitary wastewater from the employees and customers using the site. Based on an average of 15 people using the site, it is expected that approximately 50 gallons of sanitary wastewater will be generated per day. The transfer station building is also equipped with floor drains and a flammable waste trap system that discharges into Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 7 Worksheet

9 the sanitary sewer system. However, given that the waste will be stored and managed in an enclosed building, very little, if any, industrial wastewater is expected to be generated from the transfer building operations. All wastewater generated will be directed to the city of Blaine sanitary sewer system and conveyed to the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Wastewater Treatment Facility in St. Paul, Minnesota. MCES has adequate capacity to convey and treat the small amount of wastewater generated at the Facility. b. Describe waste treatment methods or pollution prevention efforts and give estimates of composition after treatment. Identify receiving waters, including major downstream water bodies (identifying any impaired waters), 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 Facility does not have on-site wastewater treatment. 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 into the city of Blaine s sanitary sewer system, which discharges to the MCES Metro Wastewater Treatment Facility prior to discharge into the Mississippi River. No pretreatment activities are required for the type of wastewater generated at this Facility. The volume of wastewater generated by this Facility is not expected to change significantly with the proposed Project. 19. Geologic hazards and soil conditions. a. Approximate depth (in feet) to Ground water: 5 minimum; 7 average. Bedrock: 250 minimum; 300 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 known geologic site hazards at the Facility. b. Describe the soils on the site, giving Natural Resources Conservation Service classifications, if known. Discuss soil texture and potential for ground-water contamination from wastes or chemicals spread or spilled onto the soils. Discuss any mitigation measures to prevent such contamination. The general surficial geology of the area consists of lake sand with minor silt, as well as organicrich sediment deposits. The proposed Project will not result in the generation of wastes or chemicals that are a significant hazard to groundwater. Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 8 Worksheet

10 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. The Project will result in a small amount of solid waste being generated due to demolition of the Facility s current office space (located within the Facility building). The demolition waste generated by the Project will be processed in the same manner as all of the other demolition waste that the Facility is already permitted to process. The Facility currently accepts C&D waste, C&D recyclable materials, non-hazardous industrial wastes, appliances, and yard waste. The proposed Project would result in the Facility also being permitted to accept MSW and SSR materials. The Project would also result in the Facility s Solid Waste Permit (SW-592) being modified to increase its capacity from 500 TPD (110,000 tons/year) to 700 TPD (218,400 tons/year). The permitted waste limit includes all the current waste streams and the new MSW and SSR. Recyclables collected from C&D material do not count against the Facility s solid waste permit limit. The following are the types and approximate volumes of incoming material that Shamrock is expecting to receive per day, if the Project is implemented: C&D waste TPD MSW TPD SSR materials TPD yard waste TPD The incoming waste and recyclable materials will be dumped into a three to five-foot deep load-out pit. The pit will be added in the middle of the tipping floor to allow for the top-loading of transfer trailers, which will back into the pit via the center overhead door. The transfer trailers will deliver the material to a recycling facility or an MPCA-approved disposal facility. Prior to leaving the Facility, the transfer trailers will be covered with tarp to eliminate windborne litter from the trailers. All waste disposal activities such as quantities and ultimate location of deposition will be recorded and kept on file as part of the Facility records. No hazardous wastes will be accepted at the Facility. 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 ground water. 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. The Facility does not accept or use any toxic or hazardous materials. Facility personnel inspect each load delivered. If the Facility were to receive any toxic or hazardous materials, it would be managed in accordance with the Contingency Action Plan prepared for the Facility. Unacceptable materials Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 9 Worksheet

11 will be rejected upon arrival and the transporter of the waste will be instructed to return the waste to the generator. If any unapproved wastes are discovered at the Facility and the transporter of the waste cannot be identified, the waste will be isolated, containerized and delivered to the appropriate disposal facility. 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 are two above ground fuel storage tanks located on the west end of the building that are used for the transfer station operations. Both of these are above-ground, double-walled storage tanks with leak detection and are located on an impervious asphalt surface. One tank is a 2,000-gallon tank used for on-road fuel, while the other is a 1,000-gallon tank used for off-road fuel. Containment of any spills from these tanks will be done in accordance with the spills section of the Emergency Response Plan prepared for the Facility. 21. Traffic. Parking spaces added: 0 Existing spaces (if project involves expansion): 40 Estimated total average daily traffic generated: 75 vehicles per day (vpd) Estimated maximum peak hour traffic generated and time of occurrence: 25 vehicles per hour, summer Indicate source of trip generation rates used in the estimates. The estimated vpd for the Facility and trip generation rates were taken from actual traffic counts at the existing Facility (i.e., 55 average and 75 peak). To estimate the post-project traffic count, these values were increased by 33 percent to account for the expansion of the Facility from 500 to 700 TPD. If the peak hour traffic generated exceeds 250 vehicles or the total daily trips exceeds 2,500, a traffic impact study must be prepared as part of the EAW. Using the format and procedures described in the Minnesota Department of Transportation s Traffic Impact Study Guidance (available at or a similar local guidance, provide an estimate of the impact on traffic congestion on affected roads and describe any traffic improvements necessary. The analysis must discuss the project s impact on the regional transportation system. The Facility does not exceed the 250 vpd. Given the industrial nature of the surrounding area and the existing infrastructure, the project is not expected to cause traffic congestion in the area. According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation traffic map, the intersection of Naples Street and 99 th Court has an annual average daily traffic count of 4,750. The Project would result in a maximum daily traffic increase of 100 vpd. This is equivalent to a maximum increase of two percent. This small increase is not significant. The existing and proposed traffic flows within the Facility are illustrated on Figures 6 and 6A, respectively. Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 10 Worksheet

12 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. The proposed Project will generate some additional air pollution in the immediate area, resulting from an increase in the number of vehicles entering and leaving the Facility site. However, given the relatively small increase in traffic, the air pollution added from these vehicles is not expected to significantly change existing air quality. In addition, these vehicles are already on the road and presumably this Facility would result in a decrease in total vehicle-miles driven, since the purpose of the transfer station is to aggregate loads from smaller vehicles into larger vehicles. 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 significant stationary sources of air emissions associated with the Facility or proposed Project. The only stationary sources of air emissions are the two above ground storage tanks. 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.) Odors The majority of the operations of the Facility, associated with the Project, would occur within the existing enclosed processing building and, therefore, issues with odor are not anticipated. In addition, the maximum storage time for MSW will be three days. Litter Litter generation will be controlled due to the fact that operations are completed within the tipping area in an enclosed building. The site is inspected and cleaned on a daily basis to ensure that litter does not become a nuisance issue, as required by the MPCA permit for the Facility. In addition, haul vehicles leaving the site will be covered to prevent blowing waste during transport. Dust The Facility site is covered by an asphalt surface that produces little dust. Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 11 Worksheet

13 Noise The MSW and SSR associated with the Project will be processed inside the existing Facility structure; therefore, process noise is not expected to be a problem. The vehicles transporting the MSW and SSR will create intermittent noise, but this is not expected to be a nuisance due to the industrial nature of the area. 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 SHPO was contacted to determine if any cultural resources existed at the Facility that may be impact by the proposed Project. The SHPO of July 11, 2012 (Appendix A), indicates that there are no historic structures identified on the Facility site. 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 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. The Facility is on a property zoned I-2 for heavy industrial use and surrounded by industrial zoned properties of similar nature. The Project will require an update to the Facility s CUP from the city of Blaine. Shamrock has submitted an application for an amendment to its CUP to the city of Blaine for the proposed Project. The proposed Project is compatible with the zoning and land use in the area. 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 Shamrock Recycling and Transfer Station Environmental Assessment Blaine, Minnesota 12 Worksheet

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15 Site Location Anoka County Chisago County Area of Detail Circle Pines 7.5 Minute Quadrangle (USGS: 1993) New Brighton 7.5 Minute Quadrangle (USGS: 1997) 2,000 1, ,000 Path: L:\1101\ \mxd\Site Location Map.mxd Date: 6/29/2012 Time: 11:40:56 AM User: ShuJC0243 Feet ± SHAMROCK RECYCLING AND TRANSFER FACILITY Site Location Map Engineers - Scientists Business Professionals Hennepin County Copyright: 2011 National Geographic Society, i-cubed Wenck 1800 Pioneer Creek Center Maple Plain, MN Ramsey County Washington County JUN 2012 Figure 1

16 Aerial Photograph (Source: Bing Maps) 1, ,700 Path: L:\1101\ \mxd\County Well Index.mxd Date: 6/29/2012 Time: 11:35:08 AM User: ShuJC0243 Feet ± SHAMROCK RECYCLING AND TRANSFER FACILITY County Well Index Engineers - Scientists Business Professionals Legend!A Wenck 1800 Pioneer Creek Center Maple Plain, MN Property Boundary 1 Mile Radius County Well Index (Field Verified Wells Only) JUN 2012 Figure 2

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25 Appendix A From: Bill Keegan [mailto:billkeegan@dem-con.com] Sent: Thursday, July 12, :19 AM To: Sommer, Steve (MPCA) Cc: Affeldt, Craig (MPCA); Mojsiej, Lisa (MPCA) Subject: Shamrock Transfer Facility Expansion Project - Query Request Steve, Attached are the results from the search of the cultural resources database for the area surrounding the Shamrock Transfer Station as well as the Wenck cover letter summarizing the search results. This request had been placed prior to the submittal of the EAW to the MPCA but we had not received the results until now. Please include the attached as part of our initial EAW submittal for this site. Additionally, as noted in our application, we have a pending request into the MN DNR for a NHIS database search and are awaiting the results. If you have any questions or need any additional information please contact me via or at Regards, Bill Keegan William P. Keegan, P.E. Vice President Dem-Con Companies, LLC Dem-Con Drive Shakopee, MN W: C: From: Tom J. Shustarich [mailto:tshustarich@wenck.com] Sent: Wednesday, July 11, :46 AM To: Bill Keegan Subject: FW: Shamrock Transfer Facility Expansion Project - Query Request FYI for EAW. From: Amy J. Denz Sent: Wednesday, July 11, :17 AM To: Tom J. Shustarich Subject: FW: Shamrock Transfer Facility Expansion Project - Query Request Tom, I saved this and the attachment from SHPO to the project folder. There was one archaeological site (SW ¼ of the NE ¼ of the SW ¼ ) and no historic structures found in Section 27. Based on this information, it does not appear there are any archaeological or historic structures located in the project area. Thanks, Amy Amy Denz, Environmental Planner Wenck Associates Inc., 1800 Pioneer Creek Ctr., P.O. Box 249, Maple Plain, MN adenz@wenck.com D F G

26 From: Thomas Cinadr Sent: Wednesday, July 11, :29 AM To: Amy J. Denz Subject: Re: Shamrock Transfer Facility Expansion Project - Query Request THIS IS NOT A PROJECT CLEARANCE. This message simply reports the results of the cultural resources database search you requested. The database search produced results for only previously known archaeological sites and historic properties. Please read the note below carefully. No historic structures were identified in a search of the Minnesota Archaeological Inventory and Historic Structures Inventory for the search area requested. A report containing the archaeological sites identified is attached. The result of this database search provides a listing of recorded archaeological sites and historic architectural properties that are included in the current SHPO databases. Because the majority of archaeological sites in the state and many historic architectural properties have not been recorded, important sites or structures may exist within the search area and may be affected by development projects within that area. Additional research, including field survey, may be necessary to adequately assess the area s potential to contain historic properties. If you require a comprehensive assessment of a project s potential to impact archaeological sites or historic architectural properties, you may need to hire a qualified archaeologist and/or historian. If you need assistance with a project review, please contact Kelly Gragg-Johnson in Review and or by at kelly.graggjohnson@mnhs.org. The Minnesota SHPO Survey Manuals and Database Metadata and Contractor Lists can be found at SHPO research hours are 8:00 AM 4:00 PM Tuesday-Friday. The Office is closed on Mondays. Tom Cinadr Survey and Information Management Coordinator

27 On Fri, Jul 6, 2012 at 7:44 AM, Amy J. Denz wrote: Mr. Cinadr, Shamrock Disposal is proposing to expand the capacity of their existing transfer and recycling facility, as well as add municipal solid waste and single stream recycling capabilities. We are requesting a search of the Minnesota Archaeological Inventory and Historic Structures Inventory regarding potential cultural resources within T31N, R23W, Section 27. Please see the attached materials for more information. If you have any questions, please contact me. Thanks, Amy Amy Denz, Environmental Planner Wenck Associates Inc., 1800 Pioneer Creek Ctr., P.O. Box 249, Maple Plain, MN adenz@wenck.com D F G

28 Archaeological Site Locations Site Number Site Name Twp. Range Sec. Quarter Sections Acres Phase Site Description Tradition Context Reports NR CEF DOE County: Anoka 21AN0151 Lovell Farmstead SW-NE-SW SR,AS RA-1 AN Wednesday, July 11, 2012 Page 1 of 1

29 Wenck Associates, Inc Pioneer Creek Ctr. P.O. Box 249 Maple Plain, MN (763) Fax (763) July 11, 2012 William P. Keegan, P.E. Vice President Dem-Con Companies Dem Con Drive Shakopee, MN RE: SHPO Query Results for Shamrock Transfer Facility Blaine, Minnesota Dear Mr. Keegan, The Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was contacted on July 6, 2012 to query the Minnesota Archaeological Inventory and Historic Structures Inventory regarding potential cultural resources within T31N, R23W, Section 27, which is the general location of the Shamrock Transfer and Recycling Facility in Blaine, Minnesota. This query was completed as part of the environmental review process for the proposed expansion and upgrade of that facility. Wenck received the results of that query, which indicate there are no historic structures and one archaeological site located in T31, R23W, Section 27. The archaeological site record was for Lovell Farmstead (Site #21AN0151). However, upon further Wenck review, this archaeological site is located in the southwest quarter of Section 27, while the facility site (project site) is located in the northeast quarter, and therefore, Wenck does not believe there are any known historic structures or archaeological sites in the project area/facility site. Please feel free to contact me at (763) or if you have any questions. Sincerely, WENCK ASSOCIATES, INC. Amy Denz Environmental Planner Cc: Tom Shustarich

30 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Box Lafayette Road Appendix B St. Paul, Minnesota Phone: (651) lisa.joyal@state.mn.us August 21, 2012 Correspondence # ERDB Ms. Amy Denz Wenck Associates, Inc Pioneer Creek Center, PO Box 249 Maple Plain, MN RE: Natural Heritage Review of the proposed Shamrock Transfer and Recycling Capacity Expansion, T31N R23W Section 27, Anoka County Dear Ms. Denz, As requested, the Minnesota Natural Heritage Information System has been queried to determine if any rare species or other significant natural features are known to occur within an approximate one-mile radius of the proposed project. Based on this query, several state-listed plants have been documented within the search area (for details, see the enclosed database reports; please visit the Rare Species Guide at for more information on the biology, habitat use, and conservation measures of these rare species). However, given that the project does not include construction outside of the existing building, I do not believe the proposed project will negatively affect any known occurrences of rare features. The Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS), a collection of databases that contains information about Minnesota s rare natural features, is maintained by the Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Department of Natural Resources. The NHIS is continually updated as new information becomes available, and is the most complete source of data on Minnesota's rare or otherwise significant species, native plant communities, and other natural features. However, the NHIS is not an exhaustive inventory and thus does not represent all of the occurrences of rare features within the state. Therefore, ecologically significant features for which we have no records may exist within the project area. If additional information becomes available regarding rare features in the vicinity of the project, further review may be necessary. The enclosed results include an Index Report and a Detailed Report of records in the Rare Features Database, the main database of the NHIS. To control the release of specific location information, which might result in the destruction of a rare feature, both reports are copyrighted. The Index Report provides rare feature locations only to the nearest section, and may be reprinted, unaltered, in an environmental review document (e.g., EAW or EIS), municipal natural resource plan, or report compiled by your company for the project listed above. If you wish to reproduce the index report for any other purpose, please contact me to request written permission. The Detailed Report is for your personal use only as it may include specific location information that is considered nonpublic data under Minnesota Statutes, section , subd. 2. If you wish to reprint or publish the Detailed Report for any purpose, please contact me to request written permission. For environmental review purposes, the Natural Heritage letter and database reports are valid for one year; they are only valid for the project location (noted above) and the project description provided on the NHIS Data Request Form. Please contact me if project details change or if an updated review is needed. Please note that locations of the gray wolf (Canis lupus), state-listed as special concern, and the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis), federally-listed as threatened, are not currently tracked in the NHIS. As such, the Natural Heritage Review does not address these species. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

31 Furthermore, the Natural Heritage Review does not constitute review or approval by the Department of Natural Resources as a whole. Instead, it identifies issues regarding known occurrences of rare features and potential effects to these rare features. Additional rare features for which we have no data may be present in the project area, or there may be other natural resource concerns associated with the proposed project. For these concerns, please contact your DNR Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist (contact information available at Please be aware that additional site assessments or review may be required. Thank you for consulting us on this matter, and for your interest in preserving Minnesota's rare natural resources. An invoice will be mailed to you under separate cover. Sincerely, Lisa Joyal Endangered Species Review Coordinator enc. cc: Rare Features Database: Index Report Rare Features Database: Detailed Report Rare Features Database Reports: An Explanation of Fields Melissa Doperalski

32 Printed July 2012 Data valid for one year Minnesota Natural Heritage Information System: Rare Features Database Detailed Report of records within 1 mile radius of: ERDB# Shamrock Transfer & Recycling Expansion T31N R23W Section 27 Anoka County Page 1 of 9 Vertebrate Animal Element Name and Occ. #: Bartramia longicauda (Upland Sandpiper) #244 EO ID #: Observed Area: Last Observed Date: MN Status: Tracked, but no legal status Extent Known?: First Observed Date: Federal Status: Ownership Type: Unknown Last Survey Date: State Rank: S4B Location Description: Anoka County, MN Global Rank: G5 T31N R23W S28, T31N R23W S27 EO Rank: Not ranked Site Name: BLAINE 27 Managed Area(s): Survey Site #/Name: Survey Type: Surveyor(s): Robertsen, M. General Description: INFERRED BREEDING. ONE PAIR SEEN/HEARD. PAIR SEEN AGAIN ON JULY 4, 1990 AT SAME LOCALITY BY K. BARDON. EO Data: Element Name and Occ. #: Bartramia longicauda (Upland Sandpiper) #245 EO ID #: Observed Area: Last Observed Date: MN Status: Tracked, but no legal status Extent Known?: First Observed Date: Federal Status: Ownership Type: Unknown Last Survey Date: State Rank: S4B Location Description: Anoka County, MN Global Rank: G5 T31N R23W S28, T31N R23W S27 EO Rank: Not ranked Site Name: BLAINE 28 Managed Area(s): Survey Site #/Name: Survey Type: Surveyor(s): Robertsen, M. General Description: INFERRED BREEDING. ONE PAIR SEEN/HEARD. NEAR CBS SITE #17. PAIR SEEN AGAIN ON JULY 4, 1990 AT SAME LOCALITY BY K. BARDON. EO Data: Vascular Plant Copyright 2012, Division of Ecological and Water Resources, State of Minnesota DNR - MAY NOT BE REPRINTED OR PUBLISHED WITHOUT PERMISSION

33 Printed July 2012 Data valid for one year Minnesota Natural Heritage Information System: Rare Features Database Detailed Report of records within 1 mile radius of: ERDB# Shamrock Transfer & Recycling Expansion T31N R23W Section 27 Anoka County Page 2 of 9 Element Name and Occ. #: Agalinis purpurea (Purple Gerardia) #2 EO ID #: Observed Area: Last Observed Date: MN Status: Tracked, but no legal status Extent Known?: First Observed Date: Federal Status: Ownership Type: Private individual Last Survey Date: State Rank: SNR Location Description: Anoka County, MN Global Rank: G5 T31N R23W S35, T31N R23W S27, T31N R23W S26, T31N R23W S34 EO Rank: Not ranked Site Name: BLAINE 26 Managed Area(s): Survey Site #/Name: Survey Type: Vegetation Plot: Surveyor(s): Husveth, J. General Description: PLANTS ESTIMATED THROUGH PORTIONS OF 40+ ACRE SITE. MOST COMMONLY DISTRIBUTED ALONG DEER PATHS IN FULL SUN, & IN AREAS OF EXPOSED SOIL/SPARSE VEGETATION. WET MEADOW/RICH FEN. SOUTH OF 95TH AVE & EAST OF 35W. ASSOC SPP: CAREX LASIO, VIOLA LANCE, RUBUS SPP, SPIRAEA TOMEN, S. ALBA, POLYGALA CRUC, CAREX CRYPT, SPHAGNUM SPP, LIATRIS PYCN, DROSERA INTER, PANICUM LANUG & JUNCUS MARGIN. EO Data: Element Name and Occ. #: Agalinis purpurea (Purple Gerardia) #3 EO ID #: Observed Area: Last Observed Date: MN Status: Tracked, but no legal status Extent Known?: First Observed Date: Federal Status: Ownership Type: Private individual Last Survey Date: State Rank: SNR Location Description: Anoka County, MN Global Rank: G5 T31N R23W S22, T31N R23W S26, T31N R23W S27 EO Rank: Not ranked Site Name: BLAINE 27 Managed Area(s): Survey Site #/Name: Survey Type: Vegetation Plot: Surveyor(s): Husveth, J. General Description: 500+ PLANTS OBSERVED IN FLOWER IN OVER 10+ ACRES OF WET MEADOW/RICH FEN HABITAT. PRODUCING SEED. ON EXPOSED, SANDY, SATURATED SOILS ALONG EDGES OF A RECENTLY EXCAVATED WETLAND MITIGATION BASIN WITHIN THE AIRPORT AREA IN SE BLAINE. NO ORGANIC MATERIAL WITHIN THE SURFACE SOIL HORIZON, POOR SOILS. ASSOC SPP: VIOLA LANCE, ELEOCHARIS ACIC, LUDWIGIA PAL, JUNCUS BREV, POLYGALA SANG, RUBUS SPP, CAREX CRYPT & POLYGALA SPP. NO APPARENT THREATS, EXCEPT FOR STORMWATER LEVELS. EO Data: Copyright 2012, Division of Ecological and Water Resources, State of Minnesota DNR - MAY NOT BE REPRINTED OR PUBLISHED WITHOUT PERMISSION