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) 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 Web site 1. Project Title: Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements 2. Proposer: City of Howard Lake 3. RGU: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Contact Person Lana Tullis Contact Person Barbara Jean Conti and Title Project Engineer and Title Project Manager Address Nicollet Avenue Address 520 Lafayette Road North Burnsville, Minnesota St. Paul, Minnesota Phone Phone Fax Fax lanatu@bolton-menk.com barbara.conti@pca.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. 18.B Wastewater Systems 5. Project Location: County Wright City/Twp Howard Lake/Victor Township SW 1/4 SE 1/4 Section 3 Township 118N Range 27W Tables, Figures, and Appendices attached to the EAW: Figure 1. State Map Figure 2. County map showing the general location of the project Figure 3. United States Geological Survey 7.5 minute, 1:24,000 scale map indicating project boundaries Figure 4. Site plan showing all significant project and natural features Figure 5. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Database Review Figure 6. Minnesota Historical Society Database Review p-ear1-04 TDD (for hearing and speech impaired only): Printed on recycled paper containing 30% fibers from paper recycled by consumers

3 6. Description: a. Provide a project summary of 50 words or less to be published in the EQB Monitor. The city of Howard Lake proposes to upgrade its wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) and increase its capacity from 369,000 gallons per day (gpd) to 850,000 gpd. The project includes construction of a new pretreatment building, oxidation ditch, clarifier, chlorine contact basin, and biosolids storage facility. Treated effluent will continue to discharge to Mallard Pass Lake from the existing outfall. The phosphorus load limit will be frozen at the currently permitted level. 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. Background The city of Howard Lake s existing WWTF is permitted to treat an average wet weather flow of 369,000 gpd. Treatment processes currently include static screening, aerated grit removal, extended aeration with two oxidation ditches, clarification, chemical feed, and chlorination/dechlorination. The existing WWTF has reached the maximum hydraulic treatment capacity during peak wet weather flow conditions and is nearing the treatment capacity for reduction of Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD) load to the WWTF. The proposed WWTF expansion addresses hydraulic concerns and provides increased treatment capacity to meet the projected demand associated with new construction. Proposed Project Proposed modifications at the existing WWTF include both demolition of existing facilities and construction of new facilities. Demolition activities include removal of the existing pretreatment building, aerated grit chamber, and the existing chlorine contact basin. These facilities are undersized for the proposed flow rates. The contractor will be responsible for disposal of the materials in an appropriate manner and protection of adjacent facilities, both on and adjacent to the WWTF site, from damage due to dust and/or debris. Construction activities include a preliminary treatment building, control structures, oxidation ditch, clarifier, chlorine contact basin, and biosolids storage facility. The preliminary treatment building is a 1,600-square foot masonry building to enclose the mechanical screening and grit removal equipment. The remaining facilities are all partially below grade, cast-in-place concrete facilities. The combined footprint of these process tanks is approximately 12,000 square feet and, with the exception of the clarifier and biosolids storage tank, these facilities are all open-top concrete basins. Erosion control will be provided for the excavated material. Excess fill material will be used on site with prompt establishment of a vegetative cover. The control structures are used for flow control to the oxidation ditches and clarifiers. The proposed oxidation ditch is similar to the two existing oxidation ditches with an operating volume of 200,000 gallons and will be used for biological treatment of the wastewater. The proposed final clarifier is 55 feet in diameter and is used to separate active biomass from the treated wastewater. The return activated sludge is added to the control structure to be recycled through the oxidation ditches. The Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 2 Worksheet

4 waste activated sludge is pumped to the biosolids storage facility until it can be land applied. The chlorine contact basin has a volume of approximately 43,000 gallons and provides a minimum of 15 minutes detention time for complete disinfection of the effluent at peak hourly wet weather flow rates. The construction phase of the project is estimated at approximately 18 months. 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 effective treatment of municipal wastewater for the residents of Howard Lake. This project will be funded by the city of Howard Lake and paid through sewer access charges and usage fees. Residents of Howard Lake are expected to benefit from the project. 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. The proposed design life of the facility described in this EAW is 20 years. However, the capacity of the WWTF is based on actual population growth and the result of infiltration and inflow reduction efforts. When the proposed capacity of 850,000 gpd eventually is met, the existing site can accommodate one additional oxidation ditch and replacement of the existing final clarifiers with larger units. 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 proposed expansion increases the capacity of the original WWTF built in 1981 and the 1997 expansion. 7. Project Magnitude Data Total Project Area (acres) 2 acres (includes existing WWTF site) or Length (miles) NA 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 Manufacturing Retail Other Industrial 1,600 (wastewater pretreatment building) Warehouse Institutional Light Industrial Agricultural Other Commercial (specify) Building height 12 If over 2 stories, compare to heights of nearby buildings -- Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 3 Worksheet

5 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 MPCA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Submitted (NPDES) Permit Reissuance MPCA Plan and Specification Approval Submitted MPCA General Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity To be submitted Wright County Conditional Use Permit To be submitted City of Howard Lake Building Permit To be submitted 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 proposed expansion is located on the existing WWTF site. The site is located in a residential area with single family housing located on the west, north, and east. The closest homes are located within 100 feet of the existing facility. The area to the south of the site has a grass/shrub cover crop and may have been used as farmland. No soil contamination or abandoned storage tanks have been identified on, or in the proximity of, the proposed site. 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 0 0 Lawn/landscaping Wooded/forest 0 0 Impervious Surfaces Brush/grassland Other (WW basins, Cropland 0 0 open top, no runoff) 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. The existing WWTF currently discharges to Mallard Pass Lake. The upgraded WWTF will continue to discharge to Mallard Pass Lake. Although the quantity of water discharged will increase, the quality will increase and no adverse affects are anticipated to impact the fish and wildlife presently inhabiting the area. The WWTF is located approximately five miles northeast of the Grass Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The facility discharges downstream of the WMA; therefore, no impact on the WMA is anticipated. Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 4 Worksheet

6 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 Describe measures to minimize or avoid adverse impacts. The DNR s review of the Natural Heritage Database identified one rare plant or animal species. The Notropis anogenus (Pugnose Shiner) was last observed in June The exact location was not indicated; however, this species prefer shallow habitats with dense aquatic vegetation. 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 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 changes 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. Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 5 Worksheet

7 16. Erosion and Sedimentation. Give the acreage to be graded or excavated and the cubic yards of soil to be moved: 0.7 acres; 2,000 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. Existing grade on the south and east of the site, where the proposed oxidation ditch and clarifier will be sited, is at an approximately 15 percent slope. Best management practices (BMPs) are required, including silt fences, inlet protection, rock construction entrance, minimization of the time and area of disturbed surfaces, and establishment of vegetative cover within 21 days for slopes less than 1 percent. Steep slopes require additional care, including establishment of vegetative cover within 7 days for slopes steeper than 3:1 and 14 days for slopes between 3:1 and 10:1. BMPs are provided to minimize erosion during construction. 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. The addition of the proposed structures increases the impervious area by 0.2 acres and is not anticipated to change the water quality of runoff at the site. 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. Precipitation that falls into the open-topped basins will be captured there. Runoff on the remaining WWTF site will be overland flow until it is captured by the municipal stormwater collection system. Once completed, the project will have little additional impact to the current runoff situation. Increased WWTF capacity will allow additional development in the area. Current housing developments in Howard Lake include Lake Ridge with a proposed 94-acre, 191 single family home development located west of town and which was the subject of an EAW in Village Park is a proposed 65-acre mixed housing development. The proposed capacity of these two developments accounts for approximately 450 connections. Lots remain available in the Dutch Lake Addition, which is a 40-lot development located on the south end of Mallard Pass Lake. Construction activity greater than one acre in total size, or smaller sites that are part of a larger development, is subject to the requirements of an NPDES General Stormwater Permit for Construction Activity. The developers of the housing projects listed above are responsible for obtaining and complying with applicable permits. 18. Water Quality Wastewater. a. Describe sources, composition and quantities of all sanitary, municipal and industrial wastewater produced or treated at the site. The wastewater received at the WWTF is normal domestic sewage. The following design characteristics for the incoming flow were used for the proposed facility: Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 6 Worksheet

8 Average Wet Weather Flow 0.85 mgd Peak Hourly Wet Weather Flow 3.0 mgd Peak Instantaneous Wet Weather Flow 3.6 mgd CBOD lb/day Total Suspended Solids 970 lb/day Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen 175 lb/day Total Phosphorus 42 lb/day Equivalent Population 4,350 mgd = million gallons per day lb/day = pounds per day 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 expanded WWTF will include fine screening, secondary treatment with oxidation ditch extended aeration, final settling, and disinfection. The design will include ammonia removal through nitrification and enhanced biological phosphorus removal. Biosolids will be stored in concrete storage tanks on site prior to off-site disposal on agricultural land. The treated wastewater is discharged to Mallard Pass Lake. Mallard Pass Lake has been assigned use classifications of 2B, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5, and 6 waters of the state under MPCA rules chapter The multiple classifications include considerations for aquatic life and recreation, industrial consumption, agriculture and wildlife, aesthetic enjoyment and navigation, and other beneficial uses not specifically listed. Mallard Pass Lake is in the North Fork Crow River watershed of the Upper Mississippi River basin. The proposed expansion meets the definition of a significant discharge as stated in Minn. R Therefore, a nondegradation of all waters review is required. The draft NPDES Permit was prepared based on the recommendations of the nondegradation review. The proposed permit limits are as follows. Parameter Proposed Limit CBOD5 25 mg/l Total Suspended Solids 30 mg/l Fecal Coliforms* 200 organisms / 100 ml ph (standard unit) Total Residual Chlorine mg/l Total Phosphorus** 1.0 mg/l (1.4 kg/day) * The fecal coliform limit is applicable from April 1 October 1. ** The phosphorus mass limit is frozen at the existing load limit. mg/l = milligrams per liter kg/day = kilograms per day Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 7 Worksheet

9 Phosphorus has been identified as a pollutant of concern as the discharge is directly to a lake. Mallard Pass Lake is directly upstream of Dutch Lake, which is hypereutrophic. Additionally, downstream portions of the Mississippi River (Lake Pepin) are impaired for excess nutrients. The current NPDES Permit contains a phosphorus limit of 1 mg/l and a mass limit of 1.4 kg/day. The mass limit is calculated from a concentration of 1 mg/l at the existing flow rate of MGD. A discharge of 1.4 kg/day is approximately 1,124 pounds per year (lb/yr) of phosphorus. The mass limit will remain the same (frozen) for the proposed expansion. Without the frozen mass limit, the expanded WWTF could have discharged over 2,500 lb/yr of phosphorus at 1 mg/l. It should be noted that once a Total Maximum Daily Load is established for Lake Pepin, additional controls or limits may be required. 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. Not applicable. 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. Not applicable. 19. Geologic hazards and soil conditions. a. Approximate depth (in feet) to Ground water: < 1 minimum; > 15 average. Bedrock: > 41 minimum; -- 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. Typical soil and geologic characteristics at the site were evaluated based on the results of seven subsurface borings collected in June The water levels at the time were greater than 15 feet below the surface; however, actual water levels in clay soils may be near the ground surface during periods of significant precipitation. Bedrock was not encountered. The deepest borings were 41 feet below the existing surface. No geologic site hazards have been identified. b. Describe the soils on the site, giving SCS classifications, if known. Discuss soil granularity 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 soil characteristics were predominately clay tills. The clay material has a low potential for ground-water contamination and result in slow transport rates of spilled material and/or chemicals in comparison to granular material. Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, 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. Biosolids produced on site will be thickened and stored in two existing and one proposed concrete storage tanks with a combined volume of 775,000 gallons. The biosolids will be pumped in a liquid form from the storage facility to land application vehicles in the spring and fall. Agricultural land application will be performed in accordance with the land application regulations in 40 CFR Part 503. 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. During construction, the heavy equipment will use diesel fuel. The contractor will be responsible for proper filling practices to eliminate spills. Following construction, the WWTF will maintain a diesel powered emergency generator to ensure pumping and treatment of the wastewater in the event of a power outage. Secondary containment and monitoring are provided for the diesel fuel storage associated with the emergency generator. Wastewater treatment chemicals, including chlorine gas, sulfur dioxide gas, and ferric chloride solution, will be properly stored and contained. 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 no known above or below ground tanks used to store petroleum products. The wastewater treatment chemicals, in use at the existing WWTF, are stored in the existing control building with secondary containment. 21. Traffic. Parking spaces added: 0 Existing spaces (if project involves expansion): 3 Estimated total average daily traffic generated: Estimated maximum peak hour traffic generated (if known) and its timing: See below 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. Traffic to and from the site will be limited to the WWTF operators, vendors, service technicians, and their guests. This is estimated at approximately six to ten trips per day. These trips are also required for the existing WWTF. Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 9 Worksheet

11 Currently, biosolids are moved with a tractor and wagon. The number of loads per day varies somewhat with the season and application field, with approximately ten trips per day. Biosolids storage capacity will be increased as part of the proposed project and filling time is expected to be reduced with the new facility. At the full capacity of the expanded WWTF, traffic due to biosolids load-out will occur for approximately two weeks in the spring and fall. Initially, only one transfer per year may be needed, most likely in the fall. As the flows increase to the permitted maximum, it is estimated that approximately trucks per day will be required. 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. Traffic related to the operation of the WWTF will not increase vehicle-related air emissions as the required trips to and from the facility are currently being made to and from the existing facility. The additional traffic expected from biosolids loadout is not expected to result in a significant amount of air emissions. Vehicle-related air emissions will temporarily increase during construction of the proposed facility improvements due to the use of heavy, diesel powered, construction equipment. 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. The project does not include the addition of an additional emergency generator. 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 and noise will be generated daily during the construction phase of the proposed project, which is estimated at 12 to 18 months. Work will be completed during normal working hours, Monday through Friday from approximately 7:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Measures to mitigate dust emissions from construction activities include application of water to areas actively graded and avoidance of construction activities during periods of high winds. Additional dust controls will include minimizing the amount of open graded areas, as well as watering regularly, particularly in areas with soils susceptible to wind erosion. Following completion of construction, the site will be final graded, seeded, and mulched to revegetate disrupted areas and minimize dust. The completed site will include bituminous surfacing in lieu of gravel to minimize dust generated for the life of the facility. Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 10 Worksheet

12 Odors are reduced at the facility with enclosed pretreatment facilities, covered final clarifiers, and biosolids storage facilities. The primary source of noise pollution at a WWTF is the emergency generator. This equipment is used only in the event of a power outage or to reduce peak electric demands. The existing generator is located inside the control building. The proposed generator will either be located inside or include insulation to meet noise reduction requirements. The adjacent residential area has been identified as a nearby sensitive receptor for odor, noise, and dust. 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. Results from the Historical Society search identified only the Howard Lake City Hall. 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. Construction is limited to normal working hours, Monday through Friday from approximately 7:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Evening and weekend work is typically only warranted when low flow conditions are required to perform a certain activity. 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. 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.) New or expanded utilities are not required to serve the project. However, this project could be described as an expanded utility provided to serve other projects. In other words, expansion of the WWTF enables Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 11 Worksheet

13 construction of residential and commercial construction with an approximate population equivalent of 2,150 persons (approximately 800 homes). 29. Cumulative impacts. Minn. R , 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). Stormwater In addition to the WWTF, existing sources of stormwater to Mallard Pass Lake include surface runoff from residential development surrounding the perimeter of the lake. Expansion of the WWTF enables the city of Howard Lake to grow and develop in other areas of the city that are not adjacent to Mallard Lake. As noted in Item 17, two new development areas have been identified by the city. These projects are not expected to impact the water quality of Mallard Pass Lake as they are not located on the shoreland of Mallard Pass Lake. As noted in Item 17, the proposed residential developments will be subject to NPDES Permit requirements and may also be subject to local stormwater management rules. The permit requires BMPs, which may include silt fences, stormwater retention ponds, or other control measures prior to any discharge of stormwater to the municipal stormwater collection system. Other potential development projects are dependent on local economics, and the timing of future development is uncertain. Thus, it is impossible to determine how much development may be enabled by the proposed project and present the potential for cumulative effects. Considering what is known at this time, significant cumulative effects from the proposed project, and those that are known and been approved by the city are not expected. Secondary impacts from the enabled development include the potential for additional shoreland development, traffic, stormwater runoff, land use conversions, and habitat loss. The city of Howard Lake and the MPCA, if applicable, will review the proposed developments and the potential environmental impacts. The enabled developments would also be subject to the requirements of the NPDES General Stormwater Permit for Construction Activity. An increase in development would result in an increase in traffic, air pollution, stormwater runoff, and the generation of solid waste, and result in a reduction in the amount of open space and wildlife habitat in the area. Surface Water There are a number of other discharges on or near the North Fork of the Crow River. The City of Waverly WWTF is approximately five miles from the project. State and federal law requires effluent limits that consider the cumulative sources of pollutants to receiving waters and to ensure that the discharge does not cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards. As discussed in Item 18, the proposed discharge would be subject to permit limits that will freeze the mass loading of phosphorus at currently permitted levels. Howard Lake Wastewater Treatment Improvements Environmental Assessment Howard Lake, Minnesota 12 Worksheet

14

15 FIGURE 1

16 FIGURE 2

17 FIGURE 3 WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY Howard Lake, Minnesota Wastewater Treatment Facility

18 FIGURE 4

19 FIGURE 5

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21 FIGURE 6 Barbara, Attached are the results from the MN Historical Society Database Search for Howard Lake. Thomas Cinadr's message references New Germany - that is not correct. Lana Tullis, P.E. Bolton & Menk, Inc Nicollet Avenue Burnsville, MN PH: (952) FX: (952) lanatu@bolton-menk.com -----Original Message----- From: Cinadr, Thomas [mailto:thomas.cinadr@mnhs.org] Sent: Tuesday, January 23, :33 AM To: Lana Tullis Subject: RE: City of New Germany Database Search 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. For further information contact Kelly Gragg-Johnson by phone at or at kelly.graggjohnson@mnhs.org. Archaeological sites and historic properties were identified in a search of the Minnesota Archaeological Inventory and Historic Structures Inventory for the search area requested. Reports containing the results of the search are 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. With regard to Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAW), a negative known site/structure response from the SHPO databases is not necessarily appropriate information on which to base a "No" response to EAW Question 25a. It is the Responsible Governmental Unit's (RGU) obligation to verify the accuracy of the information contained within the EAW. A "No" response to Question 25a without written justification should be carefully considered. 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. Please contact the SHPO by phone at or by at mnshpo@mnhs.org for current lists of professional consultants in these fields. The Minnesota SHPO Survey Manuals and Database Metadata can be found at

22 Tom Cinadr Survey and Information Management Coordinator Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office Minnesota Historical Society 345 Kellogg Blvd. West St. Paul, MN (voice) (fax) -----Original Message----- From: Lana Tullis Sent: Friday, January 19, :39 AM To: Cinadr, Thomas Subject: RE: City of New Germany Database Search Thank you, Attached is a copy of the request submitted for Howard Lake we discuessed. Let me know if you have any additional questions. Lana Tullis, P.E. Bolton & Menk, Inc Nicollet Avenue Burnsville, MN PH: (952) FX: (952) lanatu@bolton-menk.com

23 Archaeological Site Locations Site Number Site Name Twp. Range Sec. Quarter Sections Acres Phase Site Description Traditio Context Reports NR CEF DOE County: Wright 21WR0047 Dutch Lake C-E 35 1 LS WR Dutch Lake C-E 35 1 LS WR Dutch Lake C-E 35 1 LS THY WR SE-SW-NE-NE SA WR WR NW-SW-NW AS WR Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Page 1 of 1

24 History/Architecture PROPERTY NAME ADDRESS Twp Range Sec Quarters USGS Report NRHP CEF DOE Inventory Number COUNTY Wright CITY/TOWNSHIP: Howard Lake Howard Lake City Hall th St NE-SW-NW Howard Lake WR-78-1H Y WR-HLC-001 Howard Lake Coop Electric Plant xxx George St NW-SW-NW Howard Lake WR-78-1H WR-HLC-002 Howard Lake Coop Electric Plant NW-SW-NW Howard Lake WR H WR-HLC-002 Howard Lake Nursery (partially razed) xxx Lake St SW-NW-SE Howard Lake WR-HLC-004 Bridge No CSAH 6 under BN Inc SW-NW-NW Howard Lake WR-HLC-006 Tuesday, January 23, 2007 Page 1 of 1