Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) Jordan SW Interceptor

Transcription

1 Public Comment Information EAW Public comment period begins: December 26, 2016 EAW Public comment period ends: 4:30 p.m. on January 25, 2017 Notice published in the EQB Monitor: December 26, 2016 Notice of Availability of an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) Jordan SW Interceptor Doc Type: Public Notice Facility Specific Information Facility name and location: City of Jordan 210 East First Street Jordan, MN Facility contact: Tom Nikunen City Administrator 210 East First Street Jordan, MN Phone: Fax: MPCA Contact Information MPCA EAW contact person: Kim Grosenheider Project Manager 520 Lafayette Rd N St. Paul, MN Phone: Fax: Kim.Grosenheider@state.mn.us Admin staff phone: MPCA Permit contact person: Corey Mathisen Permit Engineer 520 Lafayette Rd N St. Paul, MN Phone: Fax: Corey.Mathisen@state.mn.us General Information The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is distributing this Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for a 30-day review and comment period pursuant to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) rules. The MPCA uses the EAW and any comments received to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project and decide on the need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). An electronic version of the EAW is available on the MPCA Environmental Review webpage at If you would like a copy of the EAW or NPDES/SDS Permit or have any questions on the EAW or NPDES/SDS Permit, contact the appropriate person(s) listed above. Description of Proposed Project The city of Jordan (City) proposes to construct the Jordan Southwest Interceptor (Interceptor). The Interceptor, which consists of underground sewer pipes, will provide sanitary sewer service to current and future development areas within the City and anticipated annexation areas. The Interceptor will extend 2.53 miles from approximately 1/3 mile east of Delaware Avenue on the north side of the Union Pacific railroad tracks to the City s Wastewater Treatment Facility on Syndicate Street. Written comments on the EAW must be received by the MPCA EAW contact person within the comment period listed above. NOTE: All comment letters are public documents and will be part of the official public record for this project. Need for an EIS The MPCA Commissioner will make a final decision on the need for an EIS after the end of the comment period. p-ear2-112a TTY or Available in alternative formats i-admin /2/14 Page 1 of 1

2 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET This Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) form and EAW Guidelines are available at the Environmental Quality Board s website at: The EAW form provides information about a project that may have the potential for significant environmental effects. The EAW Guidelines provide additional detail and resources for completing the EAW form. Cumulative potential effects can either be addressed under each applicable EAW Item, or can be addresses collectively under EAW Item 19. Note to reviewers: Comments must be submitted to the RGU during the 30-day comment period following notice of the EAW in the EQB Monitor. Comments should address the accuracy and completeness of information, potential impacts that warrant further investigation and the need for an EIS. 1. Project Title: Jordan Southwest Interceptor, Jordan MN 2. Proposer: City of Jordan 3. RGU: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Contact person: Tom Nikunen Contact person: Kim Grosenheider Title: City Administrator Title: Project Manager Address: 210 East First Street Address: 520 Lafayette Road North City, State, ZIP: Jordan, MN City, State, ZIP: St. Paul, MN Phone: Phone: Fax: Fax: tnikunen@ci.jordan.mn.us kim.grosenheider@state.mn.us 4. Reason for EAW Preparation: (check one) Required: oeis Scoping X Mandatory EAW Discretionary: o Citizen Petition o RGU Discretion o Proposer Initiated If EAW or EIS is mandatory give EQB rule category subpart number(s) and name(s): Mandatory EAW Category: Part , subpart 18A. For expansion, modification, or replacement of a municipal sewage collection system. 5. Project Location: County: Scott City/Township: Jordan Section: 18 Township: 114N Range: 23W Section: 24 Township: 114N Range: 24W Watershed (81 major watershed scale): Lower Minnesota River Watershed GPS Coordinates: , Printed on recycled paper containing 30% fibers from paper recycled by consumers

3 At a minimum attach each of the following to the EAW: County map showing the general location of the project; U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 minute, 1:24,000 scale map indicating project boundaries (photocopy acceptable); and Site plans showing all significant project and natural features. Pre-construction site plan and post-construction site plan. Figures: Figure 1. Regional Location Figure 2. Project Location Figure 3. USGS Topographic Map Figure 4. Jordan Ultimate Growth Boundary Figure 5. Existing Land Cover Figure 6. Farmland Classifications Figure 7. Future Land Use Plan Figure 8. Zoning Map Figure 9. Depth to Bedrock Map Figure 10. Soils Map Figure 11. Water Resource Map Figure 12. County Well Index Map Figure 13. Delineated Wetlands Figure 14. MPCA Database Review Figure 15. MNDNR Significant Natural Resource Areas Attachments: Attachment A MNDNR Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) Response Attachment B Biodiversity Site Avoidance Plan Attachment C MNDNR Coordination Loggerhead Shrikes and Henslow s Sparrow Attachment D State Historic Preservation Office Response 6. Project Description: a. Provide the brief project summary to be published in the EQB Monitor, (approximately 50 words). The city of Jordan (City) proposes to construct the Jordan Southwest Interceptor (Interceptor). The Interceptor, which consists of underground sewer pipes, will provide sanitary sewer service to current and future development areas within the City and anticipated annexation areas. The Interceptor will extend 2.53 miles from approximately 1/3 mile east of Delaware Avenue on the north side of the Union Pacific railroad tracks to the City s Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) on Syndicate Street. Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 2 Worksheet

4 b. Give a complete description of the proposed project and related new construction, including infrastructure needs. If the project is an expansion include a description of the existing facility. Emphasize: 1) construction, operation methods and features that will cause physical manipulation of the environment or will produce wastes, 2) modifications to existing equipment or industrial processes, 3) significant demolition, removal or remodeling of existing structures, and 4) timing and duration of construction activities. The City is located in Scott County (see Figure 1). The Interceptor will follow just north of the Union Pacific railroad tracks near Highway 169 (see Figure 2). Figure 3 provides a United States Geological Society (USGS) topographic map of the Interceptor location and surrounding features. The City s existing 2030 Comprehensive Plan 1 projects residential and commercial/business growth and thus establishes the need for additional sanitary sewer service. Figure 4 is a map of the City s anticipated growth area and the Interceptor alignment. The Interceptor will service the western and southwestern Jordan growth areas, in addition to some existing development, and will tie directly into the City s existing WWTF. The City is presently working on its 2040 update to the existing 2030 Comprehensive Plan, which the City will submit to the Metropolitan Council in 2018, consistent with Metropolitan Council requirements. The City expects the Interceptor to remain in use for many decades, perhaps 100 years or more. Therefore, the City must design and construct the Interceptor large enough to meet the needs of projected long term growth. The Interceptor will have a design flow of 13.1 million gallons per day (MGD). The actual amount of wastewater conveyed in the Interceptor will depend on development connected to the Interceptor. Initially, the Interceptor will convey wastewater only from existing development. However, the City anticipates the Interceptor will eventually convey wastewater from new residential, commercial, and light industrial developments. As part of the comprehensive planning process referenced, the City plans to perform a comprehensive evaluation of the City s WWTF to determine the need for improvements. The City s WWTF evaluation is occurring independently of the proposed Interceptor. The City will comply with any required environmental review and/or permitting procedures associated with any future upgrades or expansions to the WWTF. Interceptor Construction The Interceptor is designed to be 2.53 miles in length and follow the north side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks for most of its alignment. While final design has not been completed, the anticipated sizing of the interceptor is as follows: WWTF to Syndicate Street: 42 Syndicate Street alignment: 30 Valley View Drive alignment between Syndicate Street and Creek Lane: 30 Valley View Drive/Creek Lane to southwest terminus of Interceptor: 24 1 The City of Jordan s 2008 Comprehensive Plan Update webpage. Retrieved July Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 3 Worksheet

5 The pipe and manholes will be lined concrete, PVC, or other suitable material as determined during final design. The City will construct the Interceptor in compliance with City Engineers Association of Minnesota (CEAM) standards regarding corrosion resistance and leak prevention. The City will place some sections of the Interceptor pipe underground in open land areas and other sections of the pipe under existing roadways. (See Figure 2.) The City will utilize trench excavation as the primary method of construction. The depth of the Interceptor will range from 16 to 25.5 feet. Excavated soil will be stockpiled onsite and used to backfill the trenches. The City anticipates that dewatering activities will be required during Interceptor construction at some locations due to high water table conditions. The City will obtain a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) Temporary Water Appropriation permit for construction dewatering. The Interceptor path will be: 4,880 feet through open/undeveloped land to 195th Street (north of railroad right-of-way) 3,780 feet under 195th Street to County Highway 9 (Quaker Avenue) 600 feet through open/undeveloped land (north of railroad right-of-way) 2,640 feet under Valley View Drive 570 feet under Syndicate Street 880 feet under access road to the WWTF The City will work with property owners to obtain permanent utility easements that extend approximately 20 feet from either side of the Interceptor in the non-roadway portions of the construction area. Actual easement dimensions will vary according to depth of trench at specific locations, as well as parcel and field conditions. The City also anticipates obtaining temporary construction easements generally ten feet beyond the permanent utility easements depending on location-specific construction considerations. The City will excavate approximately 5.03 acres of open land for the installation of the Interceptor. After installation of each section of Interceptor pipe, the City will use excavated material as backfill around the Interceptor pipe. The City will dispose of any remaining excavated materials in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. After Interceptor pipe installation and backfill, the City will seed disturbed areas to promote vegetative growth. The City estimates a total of approximately 7.21 acres will be impacted by under-road installation of the Interceptor. The City will be removing more than one road in order to install sections of the Interceptor pipe. The City will be doing this in different stages. Once the Interceptor is in place, the City will reconstruct the roads. 195th Street will be reconstructed to existing dimensions. However, the City is evaluating various scenarios for Valley View Drive reconstruction. Regardless of the design selected, the City will construct the Interceptor within existing right-of-way, and the roadway impervious surface will be equal to or less than current conditions. The City intends to construct the Interceptor in the Spring or Summer of 2017, after completion of the environmental review process and receiving all required permits and approvals. The City anticipates the Interceptor will likely take two construction seasons to build. Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 4 Worksheet

6 c. Project magnitude: Total Project Acreage Linear project length Number and type of residential units Commercial building area (in square feet) Industrial building area (in square feet) Institutional building area (in square feet) Other uses specify (in square feet) Structure height(s) 18.1 acres 2.53 miles NA NA NA NA NA NA d. 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 City is constructing the Interceptor to provide sanitary sewer service to existing and anticipated development in the western and southwestern portions of Jordan, including areas the City anticipates it will annex. The City has identified the need and plan for the Interceptor in the City s 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The City will carry out the Interceptor construction through a contractor. The City, existing and future developers, residents, and industrial and commercial operators will benefit through access to the City s WWTF. e. Are future stages of this development including development on any other property planned or likely to happen? X Yes o No If yes, briefly describe future stages, relationship to present project, timeline and plans for environmental review. The City has predicted the need for sewer extensions to the Interceptor in its 2030 Comprehensive Plan in order to provide expanded sanitary sewer service in the future. The City identifies future sewer extensions from the southwest end of the Interceptor. One sewer extension line would branch off from the Highway 169 crossing and extend approximately two miles to the eastsoutheast through undeveloped land to connect with the relatively recent development south of County Road 66. The second sewer extension line would branch off from Highway 169 crossing and extend approximately four miles to the south-southeast along a ravine. Development needs will drive the timing of these sewer extensions. The City is not able to give specific timeframes. Future stages of development may require environmental review. f. Is this project a subsequent stage of an earlier project? o Yes X No If yes, briefly describe the past development, timeline and any past environmental review. 7. Cover Types: Estimate the acreage of the site with each of the following cover types before and after development: Before After Before After Wetlands Lawn/landscaping Deep water/streams NA NA Impervious surface Wooded/forest Stormwater Pond NA NA Brush/Grassland Other (describe) NA NA Cropland TOTAL Figure 5 provides Minnesota land cover classification system information. Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 5 Worksheet

7 8. Permits and Approvals Required: List all known local, state and federal permits, approvals, certifications 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 Minnesota Rules, Chapter Unit of Government Type of Application Status Federal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 permit To be obtained State Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) MPCA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)/State Disposal System (SDS)- General Stormwater Construction (CSW) Permit (NPDES/SDS CSW Permit) Sanitary Sewer Extension Permit to City WWTF Temporary Water Appropriation (dewatering) Well closure and replacement To be obtained To be obtained Minnesota Department of To be obtained Natural Resources (MNDNR) Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Gopher State One Call Utility line location verification Prior to Excavation Local City of Jordan To be obtained Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) Approval as Local Government Unit (LGU) To be obtained if needed for trench dewatering Cumulative potential effects may be considered and addressed in response to individual EAW Item Nos. 9-18, or the RGU can address all cumulative potential effects in response to EAW Item No. 19. If addressing cumulative effect under individual items, make sure to include information requested in EAW Item No Land Use: a. Describe: i. Existing land use of the site as well as areas adjacent to and near the site, including parks, trails, prime or unique farmlands. Please refer to Figure 2 and Figure 5. Approximately 1.04 mile of the Interceptor is in undeveloped/open areas, and approximately 1.49 mile is under existing roadway. As depicted on Figure 6, a small portion of the southwest corner of the Interceptor area is classified as farmland of statewide importance. The City is installing the majority of the Interceptor directly north of Union Pacific railroad tracks. From the western Interceptor limit to the bend in Valley View Drive, the adjacent land use to the north is primarily agricultural or wooded. East of the bend in Valley View Drive the land uses adjacent of the roadway (and Interceptor alignment) is a combination of residential and light industrial (large lumber and millwork facility). Holzer Park is adjacent to the north/northeast of the Interceptor area. Holzer Parkark is comprised primarily of two ballfields. The City s WWTF is adjacent to the northeast portion of Holzer Park. Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 6 Worksheet

8 ii. Plans. Describe planned land use as identified in comprehensive plan (if available) and any other applicable plan for land use, water, or resources management by a local, regional, state, or federal agency. Figure 7 shows a map of existing land use and the City s plan for future development. Southeast of the Interceptor, there is existing residential, public institutional, commercial, and parkland. The City is planning new residential and commercial development south of the Interceptor. The City is planning new commercial and industrial development north of the Interceptor. iii. Zoning, including special districts or overlays such as shoreland, floodplain, wild and scenic rivers, critical area, agricultural preserves, etc. Figure 8 shows the City s current zoning information. The east side of the map shows general industrial, light industrial, townhouse/multi-family residence, single/two family residence and highway commercial zoning. The west side of the map shows Scott County urban business reserve and urban expansion reserve zoning. b. Discuss the project s compatibility with nearby land uses, zoning, and plans listed in Item 9a above, concentrating on implications for environmental effects. The City s 2030 Comprehensive Plan identifies the need for the Interceptor. The Interceptor will be belowground and will not negatively affect current or future land uses. The Interceptor is necessary for the City s desired development and will be compatible with nearby land uses, zoning and the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. c. Identify measures incorporated into the proposed project to mitigate any potential incompatibility as discussed in Item 9b above. Not applicable. 10. Geology, Soils and Topography/Land Forms: a. Geology - Describe the geology underlying the project area and identify and map any susceptible geologic features such as sinkholes, shallow limestone formations, unconfined/shallow aquifers, or karst conditions. Discuss any limitations of these features for the project and any effects the project could have on these features. Identify any project designs or mitigation measures to address effects to geologic features. Figure 9 provides a map of the Minnesota Geological Survey s depth to bedrock for the area surrounding and below the Interceptor. Depth to bedrock generally increases from feet at the west end of the proposed Interceptor alignment to approximately 90 feet at the east end 2. The greatest bedrock depth is feet. The bedrock shifts sharply from Valley View Drive to Syndicate Street. The uppermost bedrock is dolomitic sandstone of the St. Lawrence Formation 3. The Interceptor area does not contain any known karst features; the St. Lawrence is Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 7 Worksheet

9 not among the formations in Minnesota known for developing karst 4. The City does not expect geologic conditions to pose limitations to constructing the Interceptor. b. Soils and topography - Describe the soils on the site, giving NRCS (SCS) classifications and descriptions, including limitations of soils. Describe topography, any special site conditions relating to erosion potential, soil stability or other soils limitations, such as steep slopes, highly permeable soils. Provide estimated volume and acreage of soil excavation and/or grading. Discuss impacts from project activities (distinguish between construction and operational activities) related to soils and topography. Identify measures during and after project construction to address soil limitations including stabilization, soil corrections or other measures. Erosion/sedimentation control related to stormwater runoff should be addressed in response to Item 11.b.ii. Figure 10 provides a map, and table 10.b. provides a list of United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soils classifications for the Interceptor area. Table 10.b. Interceptor Area Soils Soil Series Slopes Drainage Class Duelm variant, fine sandy loam (De) N/A Somewhat poorly drained Sparta fine sand (HdB) 2-6 percent Excessively drained Sparta fine sand (HdB2) 2-6 percent Excessively drained Sparta fine sand (HdC2) 2-12 percent Excessively drained Salida gravelly sandy loam (EdB) 0-6 percent Excessively drained Dune land (Dg) N/A Excessively drained Alluvial land, frequent overflow (Ab) 0-6 percent Moderately well drained Faxon silty clay loam (Fa) 0-2 percent Poorly drained Copaston silt loam (CdA) 0-2 percent Somewhat excessively drained The Interceptor area s relative flatness reduces the potential for soil erosion during construction. Most soils in the Interceptor area are well drained to excessively drained (see Figure 10). The Interceptor area does not present unique challenges from a constructability perspective. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System/State Disposal System (NPDES/SDS) Construction Stormwater (CSW) permit requires best management practices (BMPs) for erosion/sediment control, such as soil stabilization within 14 days of construction activity (discussed in section 11.B.ii.). While most of the Interceptor area is moderately well drained to excessively drained, there are no anticipated impacts to nearby groundwater resources during construction or after Interceptor completion. The project will not generate hazardous chemicals or wastes which could potentially seep into groundwater. The Interceptor will be constructed in compliance with applicable CEAM standards regarding corrosion resistance and leak prevention. See section 11.a.ii. for a discussion of nearby wells. 11. Water Resources: a. Describe surface water and groundwater features on or near the site in a.i. and a.ii. below. i. Surface water - lakes, streams, wetlands, intermittent channels, and county/judicial ditches. Include any special designations such as public waters, trout stream/lake, wildlife 4 Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 8 Worksheet

10 lakes, migratory waterfowl feeding/resting lake, and outstanding resource value water. Include water quality impairments or special designations listed on the current MPCA 303d Impaired Waters List that are within 1 mile of the project. Include MDNR Public Waters Inventory number(s), if any. Figure 11 provides general water resource information. The western and central portions of the larger Interceptor area contain several United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) National Wetland Inventory (NWI) areas north of Highway 169, and a large wetland complex south of Highway 169. Within the wetland complex is a MNDNR Public Waters Inventory (PWI) stream (unnamed) which flows north to Sand Creek, also a PWI stream. Sand Creek flows southsoutheast. The MPCA has categorized Sand Creek Impaired due to turbidity 5. To protect Sand Creek, the City will use erosion prevention and sediment control BMPs during construction. The City performed a wetland delineation of the Interceptor area, which found many of the NWI areas north of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks to not be wetlands. Figure 13 shows the delineated wetlands in the Interceptor area. Section 11.b.iv.a provides more details of the wetland delineation. ii. Groundwater aquifers, springs, seeps. Include: 1) depth to groundwater; 2) if project is within a MDH wellhead protection area; 3) identification of any onsite and/or nearby wells, including unique numbers and well logs if available. If there are no wells known on site or nearby, explain the methodology used to determine this. Under contract by the City, American Engineering Testing conducted a geotechnical study along the Interceptor path. This study included 42 borings along the Interceptor alignment. This study found the depth to groundwater to range from 1.7 feet to 31.2 feet. The Interceptor will not be in a designated wellhead protection area (see Figure 11). However, a wellhead protection area, Jordan Merged - Wellhead Protection ID 36701, is located approximately 1,500 feet to the southeast of the Interceptor area. The City does not anticipate the Interceptor to affect this wellhead protection area. Figure 12 identifies wells, including their unique well number, in the general proximity of the proposed Interceptor. The City obtained this information from the MDH County Well Index (CWI). The four wells nearest to the Interceptor construction are residential water supply wells: well at a depth of 160 feet, well at a depth of 240 feet, well at a depth of 260 feet, and well at a depth of 205 feet. However, the closest of these wells is over 200 feet from the anticipated construction area and is across the railroad tracks. The City anticipates that the Interceptor design and construction will not pose an impact to these wells. Based on the geotechnical study, the City anticipates the need for some construction dewatering in the vicinity of these located wells. However, only 30 feet of drawdown would be needed for trench construction, and the shallowest of the identified water supply wells is 160 feet. Therefore, construction dewatering should not substantially impact the 5 MPCA Sand Creek Watershed Impairment information. Accessed August Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 9 Worksheet

11 performance of these wells. While unlikely, should there need to be any constructionoriented or permanent impacts to wells, the City will work with the landowner to ensure that there is no disruption of water supply. Although very unlikely, if construction requires a water supply well to be closed, the City will accommodate the property owner, and obtain necessary permitting and approvals through MDH. It may be noted on Figure 12 that there are five unlocated wells in the vicinity of the Interceptor area. According to the Minnesota Geological Survey(MGS), the CWI- the original information source of the well locations, unlocated wells have not been field checked and digitized or determined via GPS. They are calculated from township-range-section and subsection (if available) information recorded on the well log submitted. The coordinates may be only those of the center of the section in which the well is located. The MGS advises that these locations should not be assumed to be correct. b. Describe effects from project activities on water resources and measures to minimize or mitigate the effects in Item b.i. through Item b.iv. below. i. Wastewater - For each of the following, describe the sources, quantities and composition of all sanitary, municipal/domestic and industrial wastewater produced or treated at the site. 1) If the wastewater discharge is to a publicly owned treatment facility, identify any pretreatment measures and the ability of the facility to handle the added water and waste loadings, including any effects on, or required expansion of, municipal wastewater infrastructure. The Interceptor, when completed, will convey wastewater to the existing City s WWTF. The Interceptor itself will not create wastewater. The Interceptor s design flow will be 13.1 MGD. The City anticipates that the Interceptor will remain in use for many decades, perhaps 100 years or more. Therefore, the City must design and construct the Interceptor large enough to meet the needs of projected long term growth. The actual amount of wastewater conveyed in the Interceptor will depend on development connected to the Interceptor. Initially, the Interceptor will convey wastewater from the City s existing development. However, the City anticipates the Interceptor will eventually convey wastewater from new residential, commercial, and light industrial developments. The City s WWTF will receive wastewater from the Interceptor, treat it and then discharge it to Sand Creek on a continuous basis. The MPCA has issued the City a NPDES/SDS permit to operate the WWTF. The MPCA has the ability to enforce and fine the City for improper operation. As part of its 2040 Comprehensive Plan updating process, the City is planning to perform a comprehensive evaluation of WWTF expansion needs. The City s WWTF evaluation is occurring independently of the proposed Interceptor. If the City plans to upgrade the WWTF, the City will comply with any required environmental review and permitting requirements. Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 10 Worksheet

12 2) If the wastewater discharge is to a subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS), describe the system used, the design flow, and suitability of site conditions for such a system. Not applicable. 3) If the wastewater discharge is to surface water, identify the wastewater treatment methods and identify discharge points and proposed effluent limitations to mitigate impacts. Discuss any effects to surface or groundwater from wastewater discharges. Not applicable. ii. Stormwater - Describe the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff at the site prior to and post construction. Include the routes and receiving water bodies for runoff from the site (major downstream water bodies as well as the immediate receiving waters). Discuss any environmental effects from stormwater discharges. Describe stormwater pollution prevention plans including temporary and permanent runoff controls and potential BMP site locations to manage or treat stormwater runoff. Identify specific erosion control, sedimentation control or stabilization measures to address soil limitations during and after project construction. The City will install the Interceptor belowground. When the City removes roads as part of the Interceptor construction, the City will be replacing the roads to be the same as pre-construction, with potentially the exception of Valley View Road. The City believes there will be no added impervious surface. Post-construction stormwater drainage direction, quantity and quality will remain generally unchanged. (See section 6.b. for details of potential Valley View Road designs.) Construction of the Interceptor will cause soil disturbance and, therefore, increase the potential for erosion and sedimentation. The City will apply for an MPCA-issued NPDES/SDS CSW Permit. The City must develop a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan that will identify BMPs to mitigate surface water impacts. BMPs may include erosion control blankets, silt fences, and bio rolls. The City will stabilize disturbed soils and will comply with the NPDES/SDS CSW Permit. The MPCA may impose penalties if the City does not comply with the NPDES/SDS CSW Permit. Figure 11 identifies the Interceptor location, NWI wetlands, and waterways. Figure 13 identifies actual delineated wetlands as discussed in Section 11.a.i. In general, stormwater flows from the Interceptor area to the southeast. The City s culvert systems convey stormwater under the railroad and under Highway 169. In the western portion of the Interceptor area, stormwater flows to an unnamed creek within a wetland complex south of Highway 169. This creek drains northeast to Sand Creek. In the eastern portion of the Interceptor area, drainage flows directly to Sand Creek. Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 11 Worksheet

13 iii. Water appropriation - Describe if the project proposes to appropriate surface or groundwater (including dewatering). Describe the source, quantity, duration, use and purpose of the water use and if a MDNR water appropriation permit is required. Describe any well abandonment. If connecting to an existing municipal water supply, identify the wells to be used as a water source and any effects on, or required expansion of, municipal water infrastructure. Discuss environmental effects from water appropriation, including an assessment of the water resources available for appropriation. Identify any measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental effects from the water appropriation. Based on a geotechnical study for the project, the City believes construction activities will require at least some dewatering due to shallow water table conditions. The City will obtain the MNDNR Groundwater Appropriations permit for construction dewatering only. Once constructed, the Interceptor will not require groundwater to operate. iv. Surface Waters a) Wetlands - Describe any anticipated physical effects or alterations to wetland features such as draining, filling, permanent inundation, dredging and vegetative removal. Discuss direct and indirect environmental effects from physical modification of wetlands, including the anticipated effects that any proposed wetland alterations may have to the host watershed. Identify measures to avoid (e.g., available alternatives that were considered), minimize, or mitigate environmental effects to wetlands. Discuss whether any required compensatory wetland mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts will occur in the same minor or major watershed, and identify those probable locations. Figure 11 shows NWI wetland areas. At the far southwest portion of the Interceptor route, there is a NWI wetland. As previously noted, the City commissioned a wetland field delineation 6 to provide more details of the wetland conditions. The City found the field-delineated wetland areas to be more limited since many of the NWI-mapped areas did not meet state and federal criteria for wetland determination based on the field review (see Figure 13). The City is assuming an Interceptor construction width of 30 feet on either side of the pipe (excavation plus stockpiling), and expects approximately 1,340 square feet of the delineated wetland will be impacted as a result of the construction of the interceptor. This includes the removal of 5-10 trees. Other than the trees, the impacts will be temporary, as the City will return the land cover to pre-construction conditions, seeded with native seed mixes. Under federal and state regulatory requirements, the Interceptor is exempt from requiring a replacement plan under a utilities exemption. b) Other surface waters- Describe any anticipated physical effects or alterations to surface water features (lakes, streams, ponds, intermittent channels, county/judicial ditches) such as draining, filling, permanent inundation, dredging, diking, stream diversion, impoundment, aquatic plant removal and riparian 6 Jordan Southwest Interceptor Wetland Delineation Report, Bolton & Menk, October 28, Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 12 Worksheet

14 alteration. Discuss direct and indirect environmental effects from physical modification of water features. Identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental effects to surface water features, including in-water Best Management Practices that are proposed to avoid or minimize turbidity/sedimentation while physically altering the water features. Discuss how the project will change the number or type of watercraft on any water body, including current and projected watercraft usage. Not Applicable. 12. Contamination/Hazardous Materials/Wastes: a. Pre-project site conditions - Describe existing contamination or potential environmental hazards on or in close proximity to the project site such as soil or ground water contamination, abandoned dumps, closed landfills, existing or abandoned storage tanks, and hazardous liquid or gas pipelines. Discuss any potential environmental effects from preproject site conditions that would be caused or exacerbated by project construction and operation. Identify measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects from existing contamination or potential environmental hazards. Include development of a Contingency Plan or Response Action Plan. Figure 14 shows MPCA permitted sites from the What s in my Neighborhood? database search. The database showed environmental permits held by the City s WWTF, various auto repair/salvage operations adjacent to the eastern portion of the Interceptor plus a relatively large-scale transformer repair company just west of Valley View Drive at Syndicated Street. The database does not have details of compliance with permits. The MPCA does not anticipate the Interceptor to impact these permitted sites. The MPCA database identified an Unpermitted Dump Site just southwest of the stabilization ponds associated with the WWTF, called the City of Jordan Stabilization Ponds. The MPCA has classified this site as inactive, and the MPCA did not identify the site in the MPCA s Dump Assessment Study 7 (2001) as requiring analysis. If the City detects evidence of past dumping during construction activities, the City will follow applicable regulatory requirements. b. Project related generation/storage of solid wastes - Describe solid wastes generated/stored during construction and/or operation of the project. Indicate method of disposal. Discuss potential environmental effects from solid waste handling, storage and disposal. Identify measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects from the generation/storage of solid waste including source reduction and recycling. The City will generate some construction-related solid waste, but no solid waste will be generated from operation. The City will contract with a licensed solid waste hauler to properly dispose of solid waste generated during construction. 7 MPCA Dump Assessment Study Accessed August Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 13 Worksheet

15 c. Project related use/storage of hazardous materials - Describe chemicals/hazardous materials used/stored during construction and/or operation of the project including method of storage. Indicate the number, location and size of any above or below ground tanks to store petroleum or other materials. Discuss potential environmental effects from accidental spill or release of hazardous materials. Identify measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects from the use/storage of chemicals/hazardous materials including source reduction and recycling. Include development of a spill prevention plan. During Interceptor construction, machinery containing fuel (a hazardous material) will be present onsite. The City s contractor will be responsible for maintaining the machinery, providing an appropriate area for fueling, and cleaning any spills that may occur. Postconstruction, the Interceptor will not generate any hazardous waste. d. Project related generation/storage of hazardous wastes - Describe hazardous wastes generated/stored during construction and/or operation of the project. Indicate method of disposal. Discuss potential environmental effects from hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal. Identify measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects from the generation/storage of hazardous waste including source reduction and recycling. Neither the construction or operation of the Interceptor will generate hazardous waste. 13. Fish, Wildlife, Plant Communities, and Sensitive Ecological Resources (rare features): a. Describe fish and wildlife resources as well as habitats and vegetation on or in near the site. Approximately 60% of the Interceptor (7,870 feet) will be under roadway and does not have the potential to significantly impact biotic resources. For the portions of the Interceptor through open ground (5,360 feet), the Interceptor area is primarily open/agricultural with some wooded areas, primarily at the west end (see Figure 2). In this westerly area, the trees are primarily younger cottonwoods, with a limited number of willows, white oaks, American Elms, and Green Ash. As identified in section 11.b.iv, a wetland field delineation established that many of the areas identified as NWI wetlands, are not in fact wetlands as defined under the Minnesota WCA and Section 404 of the Clean Waters Act. Figure 13 shows the delineated wetland in the Interceptor area. b. Describe rare features such as state-listed (endangered, threatened or special concern) species, native plant communities, Minnesota County Biological Survey Sites of Biodiversity Significance, and other sensitive ecological resources on or within close proximity to the site. Provide the license agreement number (LA- ) and/or correspondence number (ERDB ) from which the data were obtained and attach the Natural Heritage letter from the MDNR. Indicate if any additional habitat or species survey work has been conducted within the site and describe the results. The City requested MNDNR search the Natural Heritage Information System (NHIS) database for rare species or other significant natural features known to occur within an approximately onemile radius of the Interceptor path. The database results are summarized below. Attachment A provides the MNDNR s letter to the City. Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 14 Worksheet

16 Minnesota Biological Survey Site of Moderate Biodiversity Significance Information The NHIS database showed an area of Moderate Biodiversity Significance adjacent to the Interceptor area on the south side of 195th Street in the central portion of the Interceptor. (See Figure 15.) This Site contains the following species: Dry Barrens Prairie (Southern) native plant community which is considered between critically imperiled and imperiled in Minnesota. Louisiana broomrape (Orobanche ludoviciana var. Ludoviciana) which is a state-listed threatened plant species that is found in prairie and savanna. This City will limit construction activities to the footprint of the roadway itself in the effected portions of the Interceptor. (Attachment B provides the communication between the MNDNR and the City on this issue.) Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) and Henslow s sparrow (Ammondramus henslowii) Information The NHIS database showed two state-listed endangered birds, the loggerhead shrike and the Henslow s sparrow, documented near the Interceptor site. However, MNDNR staff did not identify records of these species in the immediate Interceptor vicinity. Based on MNDNR recommendations, the City will take the following steps to minimize impacts: Minimize tree and shrub removal between April and July where practicable. Inspect any trees or shrubs that will be removed between April and July for active nests prior to removal. Report any loggerhead shrike sightings to the MNDNR. (Attachment C provides the communication between the MNDNR and the City on this issue.) Northern long-eared bat (NLEB Myotis septentrionalis) Information The NHIS database indicated that northern long-eared bats may be adversely affected by the Interceptor. However, the NHIS does not contain any known occurrences of northern long-eared bat roosts or hibernacula within an approximately one-mile radius of the Interceptor. The northern long-eared bat, a state-listed species of special concern and a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act by the USFWS, can be found throughout Minnesota. During the winter this species hibernates in caves and mines, and during the active season (approximately April-October) it roosts underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees. Interceptor construction will require the removal of trees (primarily at the far western portion of the Interceptor area), which could adversely affect this species. USFWS guidance 8 provides that the Interceptor will produce an incidental take, thus no permit is required since: The Interceptor will not purposefully take long eared bats. The Interceptor will not be constructed within a northern long-eared bat hibernaculum or alter its entrance or environment. Based on the NHIS search and the City s knowledge of the Interceptor area, there are no known roosting trees within 150 feet, or any known hibernaculum within 0.25 miles of the Interceptor. 8 Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 15 Worksheet

17 Gopher Snake (Pituophis catenifer) Information The NHIS database identified the gopher snake, a state-listed species of special concern, near the Interceptor and warned that it may be encountered during construction activities. To mitigate impacts to the gopher snake, the City will use biodegradable netting or at minimum remove conventional erosion control netting from the Interceptor area after use. c. Discuss how the identified fish, wildlife, plant communities, rare features and ecosystems may be affected by the project. Include a discussion on introduction and spread of invasive species from the project construction and operation. Separately discuss effects to known threatened and endangered species. Sections 13.a and 13.b discuss potential affects to sensitive biotic resources. The City does not anticipate spreading or introducing invasive species with the construction or operation of the Interceptor. The City s contractor will use BMPs to control state-listed noxious weeds 9. The construction contractor will dispose of excavated material, which does not remain on site as backfill, according to regulatory requirements. Construction vehicles that may come into contact with invasive species will be checked and washed onsite prior to leaving the work area. Reseeding and landscaping materials will be free of invasive plants or plant parts. d. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to fish, wildlife, plant communities, and sensitive ecological resources. Sections 13.b and 13.c discuss measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects. 14. Historic Properties: Describe any historic structures, archeological sites, and/or traditional cultural properties on or in close proximity to the site. Include: 1) historic designations, 2) known artifact areas, and 3) architectural features. Attach letter received from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Discuss any anticipated effects to historic properties during project construction and operation. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects to historic properties. The Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office found a number of archaeological and historical/architecture sites within one mile of the Interceptor. (See Attachment D.) The City believes none of the identified sites are close enough to be impacted by the construction or operation of the Interceptor. The closest known property is 1,800 feet from the Interceptor. If, during construction, the City finds historic, cultural, or archaeological resources, work will be stopped until the area can be properly investigated and, if necessary, appropriate measures to prevent and/or mitigate impacts will be implemented. 15. Visual: Describe any scenic views or vistas on or near the project site. Describe any project related visual effects such as vapor plumes or glare from intense lights. Discuss the potential visual effects from the project. Identify any measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate visual effects. 9 Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 16 Worksheet

18 The City does not anticipate the Interceptor to create any adverse visual effects to the area. The City will install the Interceptor belowground. The City does not anticipate any effects to the viewshed. Once the City completes construction, the surface will be re-vegetated and/or paved similar to preconstruction land uses. 16. Air: a. Stationary source emissions - Describe the type, sources, quantities and compositions of any emissions from stationary sources such as boilers or exhaust stacks. Include any hazardous air pollutants, criteria pollutants, and any greenhouse gases. Discuss effects to air quality including any sensitive receptors, human health or applicable regulatory criteria. Include a discussion of any methods used assess the project s effect on air quality and the results of that assessment. Identify pollution control equipment and other measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects from stationary source emissions. The City does not anticipate the Interceptor will generate any air stationary source emissions. b. Vehicle emissions - Describe the effect of the project s traffic generation on air emissions. Discuss the project s vehicle-related emissions effect on air quality. Identify measures (e.g. traffic operational improvements, diesel idling minimization plan) that will be taken to minimize or mitigate vehicle-related emissions. Construction will cause a temporary increase in vehicle emissions, because of various construction vehicles, along with construction worker personal vehicles at the Interceptor construction areas. However, the City does not expect these increases to be unusual for a construction project of this nature, or to be significant. Once constructed, the Interceptor will not create any increase in traffic. c. Dust and odors - Describe sources, characteristics, duration, quantities, and intensity of dust and odors generated during project construction and operation. (Fugitive dust may be discussed under item 16a). Discuss the effect of dust and odors in the vicinity of the project including nearby sensitive receptors and quality of life. Identify measures that will be taken to minimize or mitigate the effects of dust and odors. Interceptor construction activities will create some dust, mostly associated with truck traffic and earth moving equipment. The City will do the following to minimize dust: Minimize the period and extent of areas being exposed or graded at any one time. Spraying construction areas and haul roads with water, especially during periods of high wind or high levels of construction activity. Minimize the use of vehicles on unpaved surfaces. Covering or spraying material piles and trucks. The City does not expect any odors associated with Interceptor construction. The wastewater conveyed through the Interceptor will have odor. However, the subgrade and watertight Interceptor pipe will prevent odors from reaching the surface. Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 17 Worksheet

19 17. Noise: Describe sources, characteristics, duration, quantities, and intensity of noise generated during project construction and operation. Discuss the effect of noise in the vicinity of the project including 1) existing noise levels/sources in the area, 2) nearby sensitive receptors, 3) conformance to state noise standards, and 4) quality of life. Identify measures that will be taken to minimize or mitigate the effects of noise. The City s construction of the Interceptor will generate noise. However, this noise will be temporary and will end once the Interceptor is constructed. Existing railroad and Highway 169 traffic are the most significant sources of noise in the area. The City expects construction to be below applicable MPCA noise standards 10. Once the City has placed the Interceptor in operation, it will not generate a significant level of noise. 18. Transportation: a. Describe traffic-related aspects of project construction and operation. Include: 1) existing and proposed additional parking spaces, 2) estimated total average daily traffic generated, 3) estimated maximum peak hour traffic generated and time of occurrence, 4) indicate source of trip generation rates used in the estimates, and 5) availability of transit and/or other alternative transportation modes. Construction equipment and delivery vehicles will cause a temporary increase in traffic. Construction traffic will use existing local public roadway network. Operation of the Interceptor will not generate traffic or require the construction of parking spaces. The City s maintenance of the Interceptor may cause minor traffic interruptions. However, the City only expects this to occur once or twice per year. b. Discuss the effect 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 City anticipates no additional traffic congestion or delays from the operation of the Interceptor. Construction will require the temporary closure and detour of portions of Syndicate Street, Valley View Drive, and West 195th Street. The City will insure local residential and business access during construction as much as possible. Certain construction activities such as paving, pouring concrete, and digging trenches may create temporary periods of limited or no access. The City s contractor will closely coordinate with local property owners prior to activities restricting access and make accommodations for special circumstances. 10 The MPCA noise standards. Minn. R Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 18 Worksheet

20 c. Identify measures that will be taken to minimize or mitigate project related transportation effects. The City will provide detour routes as needed during construction of the Interceptor. The City does not anticipate a need to provide additional/alternative transportation routes during Interceptor operation and/or maintenance. 19. Cumulative Potential Effects: (Preparers can leave this item blank if cumulative potential effects are addressed under the applicable EAW Items) a. Describe the geographic scales and timeframes of the project related environmental effects that could combine with other environmental effects resulting in cumulative potential effects. The City anticipates the potential for environmental effects are greatest during the construction of the Interceptor. The City believes these potential environmental effects will be temporary, and will be mitigated by following applicable MPCA CSW permit, MNDNR Groundwater Appropriations permit for construction activities and other permitting requirements. The City anticipates construction activities for the Interceptor in the spring or summer of 2017 and conclude in The City anticipates the Interceptor to be in use for many decades, perhaps 100 years or more. The Interceptor will be underground. As a result, the City does not expect environmental effects from its operation. b. Describe any reasonably foreseeable future projects (for which a basis of expectation has been laid) that may interact with environmental effects of the proposed project within the geographic scales and timeframes identified above. The City is constructing the Interceptor to allow for future commercial, industrial, and residential development surrounding the Interceptor area. The City s extensive 2040 Comprehensive Planning process will direct future development. c. Discuss the nature of the cumulative potential effects and summarize any other available information relevant to determining whether there is potential for significant environmental effects due to these cumulative effects. The City does not believe there is the potential for significant cumulative effects from construction and operation of the Interceptor. 20. Other Potential Environmental Effects: If the project may cause any additional environmental effects not addressed by items 1 to 19, describe the effects here, discuss the how the environment will be affected, and identify measures that will be taken to minimize and mitigate these effects. The MPCA has not identified any impacts or issues that need further investigation at this time. Jordan Southwest Interceptor Environmental Assessment Jordan, Minnesota 19 Worksheet

21

22 Servic elay ercr edits: CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 1: Regional Location September 2016 Information Text Hennepin County Carver County Jackson Shakopee Scott County + Louisville Savage Prior Lake Project Location Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure01_RegionalLocation_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 11/3/2015 5:21:38 PM Legend Sibley County Proposed SW Interceptor Highways County Boundary 0 4 Miles Source: Scott County, MnGeo Blakely City Township Lakes Parks Belle Plaine I + Belle Plaine Le Sueur County Saint Lawrence Jordan Helena Sand Creek New Prague Spring Lake Cedar Lake Rice County Credit River New Market Elko New Market Dakota County "`$

23 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS VARNER ST N CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 2: Project Location September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure02_ProjectLocation_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 4:32:38 PM DELAWARE AV Manhole Terminus FAIRVIEW LN 195 ST W 190 ST W BEAUMONT WAY HERITAGE TRL LODGE DR 195 ST W 185 ST W BEAUMONT BLVD APPLE CIR CORPORATE DR ENTERPRISE DR Ş EhGH QUAKER AV VALLEY VIEW DR JOHNSON MEMORIAL DR SUNSET DR?ÒA@ HILLSIDE DR MENDOZA AV SYNDICATE ST 2 ST W 6 ST W 3 ST W VALLEY VIEW DR 1 ST W WEST ST N Legend Jordan WWTP RICE ST N?ºA@ MILL ST Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus Wastewater Treatment Facility Parcels Highways Road Centerlines Railroad DNR Streams 0 1,500 Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo I

24 Servic Socie elay ty,i-c ercr ubed edits: Copy right: 201 3Na tiona l Geog raph ic CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 3: USGS Topographic Map September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure03_USGS_Topo_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:01:49 PM Manhole Terminus Jordan City Saint Lawrence Township Ş EhGH?ÒA@ Legend Jordan WWTP?ºA@ Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus Wastewater Treatment Facility City Limits Jordan City Sand Creek Township Jordan City 0 1,500 Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo, USGS I Sand Creek Township

25 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 4: Jordan Ultimate Growth Boundary September 2016 EhGH Carver County Sand Creek Township Jordan Saint Lawrence Township EiGH Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure04_UltimateGrowthBoundary_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:10:39 PM Belle Plaine Belle Plaine Township Legend Helena Township Jordan Ultimate Growth Boundary Proposed SW Interceptor Wastewater Treatment Facility 0 6,000 Feet Source: City of Jordan, Scott County, DNR, MnGeo City Township Highways Scott County Parcels County Boundary Public Water Inventory - Watercourse Public Water Inventory - Basin Spring Lake Township I Cedar Lake Township

26 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS VARNER ST N Jordan City CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 5: Existing Land Cover September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure05_ExistingLandCover_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:11:23 PM Jordan WWTP EhGH Ş ?ÒA@ Legend?ºA@ I City Limits Land Cover (MLCCS) 31 Highways % Impervious Road Centerlines % Impervious Railroad % Impervious % Impervious Proposed SW Interceptor % Impervious 21 Open Ground Short Grasses Under Road Agricultural Land Wastewater Treatment 92 Facility 23. Maintained Tall Grass Tree Plantation 21 Manhole Terminus Forest Existing 14Sanitary System Wetland Forest Sanitary Manholes Wetland Shrubs Sanitary Pipe 61. Tall Grasses Wetland Emergent Veg Dry Tall Grasses Open Water , Feet 92. Wetland Open Water Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo DELAWARE AV 21 FAIRVIEW LN ST W ST W 14 BEAUMONT WAY HERITAGE TRL 92 LODGE DR Jordan City 185 ST W 195 ST W BEAUMONT BLVD APPLE CIR Saint Lawrence Township CORPORATE DR 13 ENTERPRISE DR QUAKER AV VALLEY VIEW DR JOHNSON MEMORIAL DR SUNSET DR 63 HILLSIDE DR MENDOZA AV SYNDICATE ST 14 2 ST W 13 6 ST W 3 ST W VALLEY VIEW DR 1 ST W WEST ST N RICE ST N 13 MILL ST 23 Jordan City Sand Creek Township Sand Creek Township 12 31

27 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 6: Farmland Classifications September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure06_FarmlandClassifications_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:11:46 PM DELAWARE AV 195 ST W FAIRVIEW LN 190 ST W BEAUMONT WAY HERITAGE TRL LODGE DR 185 ST W Jordan City BEAUMONT BLVD APPLE CIR Saint Lawrence Township 195 ST W CORPORATE DR ENTERPRISE DR Ş EhGH QUAKER AV JOHNSON MEMORIAL DR Legend VALLEY VIEW DR SUNSET DR?ÒA@ HILLSIDE DR MENDOZA AV SYNDICATE ST 6 ST W 3 ST W Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus VALLEY VIEW DR 1 ST W WEST ST N Jordan WWTP RICE ST N?ºA@ Wastewater Treatment Facility Farmland Classification All areas are prime farmland 0 1,500 Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo, NRCS City Limits Highways Road Centerlines Railroad MILL ST Jordan City Sand Creek Township Jordan City Farmland of statewide importance Prime farmland if protected from flooding Prime farmland if drained I Sand Creek Township

28 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 7: Future Land Use Plan September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure07_FutureLandUsePlan_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:12:08 PM DELAWARE AV 195 ST W FAIRVIEW LN 190 ST W BEAUMONT WAY HERITAGE TRL LODGE DR 185 ST W Jordan City BEAUMONT BLVD APPLE CIR Saint Lawrence Township 195 ST W CORPORATE DR ENTERPRISE DR Ş EhGH QUAKER AV JOHNSON MEMORIAL DR Legend VALLEY VIEW DR SUNSET DR?ÒA@ City Limits Road Centerlines Railroad HILLSIDE DR MENDOZA AV SYNDICATE ST 6 ST W 3 ST W VALLEY VIEW DR 1 ST W Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus Wastewater Treatment Facility WEST ST N Jordan WWTP RICE ST N?ºA@ MILL ST Jordan Future Land Use Commercial-Neighborhood Commercial-CBD Commercial-Highway Industrial Park Public Institutional Road Jordan City Single Family Residential Medium Density Residential High Density Residential 0 1,500 Feet Manufactured Home Source: City of Jordan, Scott County, DNR, MnGeo Sand Creek Township Jordan City I Sand Creek Township

29 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 8: Zoning Map September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure08_ZoningMap_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:12:35 PM DELAWARE AV 195 ST W FAIRVIEW LN 190 ST W BEAUMONT WAY HERITAGE TRL LODGE DR 185 ST W Jordan City BEAUMONT BLVD APPLE CIR Saint Lawrence Township 195 ST W CORPORATE DR ENTERPRISE DR Ş EhGH QUAKER AV JOHNSON MEMORIAL DR Legend VALLEY VIEW DR SUNSET DR?ÒA@ HILLSIDE DR MENDOZA AV SYNDICATE ST 6 ST W 3 ST W Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus VALLEY VIEW DR 1 ST W Wastewater Treatment Facility Scott County Zoning A-1: Ag Preservation C-1: General Commercial I-1: Rural Industrial RR-2: Rural Residential UBR: Urban Business Reserve UER: Urban Expansion Reserve WEST ST N Jordan WWTP RICE ST N City Limits Railroad?ºA@ Jordan Zoning MILL ST Jordan City Sand Creek Township Jordan City C1: Neighborhood Business C2: Central Business C3: Highway Commercial I: Light Industrial I2: General Industrial Park 0 1,500 Feet Source: City of Jordan, Scott County, DNR, MnGeo R1: Single Family Res. R2: Single/Two Family Res. R3: Townhouse/Multi-Family Res. R4: Multi-Family Res. R5: Mobile Home District Sand Creek Township I

30 10 Servic elay ercr edits: 20 Jordan City Sand Creek Township Jordan City 70 CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 9: Depth to Bedrock September Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure09_DepthToBedrock_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:15:37 PM Jordan City Saint Lawrence Township Ş EhGH Legend City Limits Highways Railroad Proposed SW Interceptor 70 Open Ground Under Road Wastewater Treatment Facility Manhole Terminus ,500 Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo, MGS Jordan WWTP 80 90?ºA@ Sand Creek Township 105 Bedrock Depth Contours Bedrock Depth (ft) I

31 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS Jordan City CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 10: Soils September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure10_Soils_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:18:30 PM W CdB Fa TcA Sc CdA EaA CdB Symbol De HdB HdB2 HdC2 EbB Dg Ab Fa CdA Ab CdA EaA Fa HdB2 Fa WaD2 WaA CdA HeC Sc HdB HeA HdB2 Cc DELAWARE AV Ia INT W Dd W AaB Ta DbA Ia Sc TcA 195 ST W HdA De EbB Dc Dd Ta DaB HdB HdB DbA EbB HdB2 DaA W HdB FAIRVIEW LN HeC2 Ia Ab W Sc HdC HdC HdC HdB Dg Ta 190 ST W De Ma EbC2 TcB PaA Ta HdB HdC2 Soil Name Duelm variant, fine sandy loam Sparta fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes Sparta fine sand, 2 to 6 percent slopes Sparta fine sand, 6 to 12 percent slopes Salida gravelly sandy loam, 0 to 6 percent slopes Dune land Alluvial land, frequent overflow, 0 to 6 percent slopes Faxon silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes Copaston silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes De DbA Sc HdC EaA Ga HeB HdA Dg HdB2 EbC2 HdB Ia HdB2 HdC HdA Ta CdA HdB W Fa HdC2 HdB2 Ia Ta Dg HdC2 AaB DbA EbB2 HdC HdB2HdB TbB EaA EbB2 EbB2 HdB HdC HdA BEAUMONT WAY Sc HdB DaA EbB EaA Fa TcC Dg DbB2 Fa HdB2 DbA HERITAGE TRL Dg HdB2 DaB PbA EbB DaA TbB LODGE DR 185 ST W Jordan City 195 ST W BEAUMONT BLVD TbB APPLE CIR Saint Lawrence Township EbB2 EaA HdA Ta EbB De EbB2 EaA PaB EbB HdC2 HdB2 HdB2 Gp EbB2 TbE Ta EbC2 HdB CORPORATE DR EbB2 ENTERPRISE DR HdC2 HdB2 HdC2 EbB2 EaA EbB PaB Ş Ma Dg EbB EhGH QUAKER AV HdB2 JOHNSON MEMORIAL DR HeB HdB Ta Ta EaC HeB HeC2 DaA HeA Gp Dg Cc Legend Fa TcD HeB2 VALLEY VIEW DR PaB SUNSET DR?ÒA@ KaA KaA EaC2 Ta DaA Cc Ab TbD HILLSIDE DR MENDOZA AV SYNDICATE ST Gp Ta 6 ST W 3 ST W Railroad HeB Proposed SW Interceptor DbA EbC2 AaA City Limits Highways HeA AaA Road Centerlines Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus DbA DbA Ab DaA Wastewater Treatment Facility HeB2 Gp AaA VALLEY VIEW DR 1 ST W W WaA AaA Ab WEST ST N Ta 0 1,500 Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo, NRCS EaA EbC HaE2 TcC DaB EaA EbC EaA WaA Wb Cc Ta AaA EbB LcB AaA HeA HdB Jordan WWTP AaA TcD RICE ST N M-W W LcC AaA?ºA@ TcB Sb EaB HeB LcC2 AaA AaA TcB MILL ST Soils by Drainage Class Unclassified Excessively drained LcC2 TcB LcB TcD LcB LcB Ab Gp TcD Sb Somewhat excessively drained Well drained Moderately well drained Poorly drained Somewhat poorly drained Very poorly drained LaC2 LaC2 AaA HdB AaA Gp Sb LbC2 LcC2 Ga Ta Sand Creek Township LdE3 I LcC2 TcD Ga LcB2 TcD Ab Wb AaA LcB2 LaB LaD LaC LcB2 LcB2 HcC3 LcB HaC LcC2 LcD2 LcD2 LcD2 Sb LcC LcB2 LaC2

32 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 11: Water Resource Information September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure11_WaterResourcesInformation_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:18:46 PM DELAWARE AV 195 ST W FAIRVIEW LN 190 ST W BEAUMONT WAY HERITAGE TRL LODGE DR 185 ST W BEAUMONT BLVD APPLE CIR Jordan City Saint Lawrence Township Unnamed Creek 195 ST W CORPORATE DR ENTERPRISE DR Ş EhGH QUAKER AV?ÒA@ JOHNSON MEMORIAL DR Legend VALLEY VIEW DR SUNSET DR Sand Creek HILLSIDE DR MENDOZA AV SYNDICATE ST 6 ST W 3 ST W Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus Wastewater Treatment Facility 0 1,500 Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo VALLEY VIEW DR 1 ST W WEST ST N City Limits Highways Railroad Jordan WWTP Jordan Merged WHP ID: RICE ST N?ºA@ MILL ST Wellhead Protection Area Jordan City Sand Creek Township Jordan City Public Water Inventory - Watercourse Impaired Streams 2012 National Wetland Inventory Public Water Inventory - Basin I Sand Creek Township

33 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 12: County Well Index September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure12_CWI_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/14/ :14:40 AM W W 70W DELAWARE AV W W W W W ST W 70W FAIRVIEW LN ST W W W W W BEAUMONT WAY 70W Note: 70W HERITAGE TRL 70W LODGE DR 185 ST W W Jordan Merged Ş WHP ID: W ST W W BEAUMONT BLVD APPLE CIR Jordan City CORPORATE DR ENTERPRISE DR Saint Lawrence Township 70W W EhGH QUAKER AV JOHNSON MEMORIAL DR MGS advises that the depictions of "Unlocated Wells" is based only on township, range, section (and perhaps sub-section) information from well logs. This information has not been field verified and MGS advises that these depictions should not be assumed to be correct. VALLEY VIEW DR SUNSET DR SYNDICATE ST?ÒA@ HILLSIDE DR MENDOZA AV 3 ST W 0 1,500 Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo, MGS W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W ST W VALLEY VIEW DR Jordan WWTP W 1 ST W WEST ST N 70W W W W W Legend Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus Wastewater Treatment Facility RICE ST N?ºA@ MILL ST Jordan City Sand Creek Township Jordan City Unlocated Wells Wells Sand Creek Township Wellhead Protection Area City Limits Highways Road Centerlines Railroad I

34 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 13: Delineated Wetland September 2016 LAW Note Field delineation determined wetland limits to be less extensive than the NWI mapping presented on Figure ST W Manhole Terminus Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure13_DelineatedWetland.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:19:44 PM Legend Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus Wastewater Treatment Facility Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo City Limits Highways Railroad PWI Watercourse Field Delineated Wetland Open Ground Disturbance (30 ft either side of interceptor) San Francisco Township Saint Lawrence Township Jordan City Sand Creek Township I I

35 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS VARNER ST N CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 14: MPCA Database Review September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure14_MPCA_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:20:20 PM DELAWARE AV Manhole Terminus #* #* FAIRVIEW LN 195 ST W 190 ST W BEAUMONT WAY #*#* HERITAGE TRL LODGE DR #* 185 ST W Jordan City BEAUMONT BLVD APPLE CIR Saint Lawrence Township 195 ST W Legend CORPORATE DR ENTERPRISE DR City Limits Highways EhGH Wastewater Treatment Facility Manhole Terminus Road Centerlines Railroad Ş Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road 0 1,500 Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo, MPCA QUAKER AV #* VALLEY VIEW DR #* #*#*?ÒA@ JOHNSON MEMORIAL DR SUNSET DR MPCA WIMN Sites Tank Site astewater Discharger #* #* #* HILLSIDE DR MENDOZA AV #* SYNDICATE ST 2 ST W 6 ST W 3 ST W Construction Stormwater Permit Feedlot VALLEY VIEW DR 1 ST W Hazardous Waste, Small to Minimal QG Industrial Stormwater Permit Leak Site Multiple Activities WEST ST N #* #* Jordan WWTP #* #* #* #* #*?ºA@ RICE ST N #* #* MILL ST #* Permitted Facility, Individual Permit #* Unpermitted Dump Site #* VIC Site Jordan City Sand Creek Township Jordan City I #* MPCA Delta Program Interests #* Construction Stormwater Permit #* Feedlot #* Industrial Stormwater Permit #* Leak Site Sand Creek Township

36 Servic elay ercr edits: Scot tcou ntyg IS CLIENT LOGO Proposed Southwest Interceptor EAW City of Jordan Figure 15: DNR Significant Resource Areas September 2016 Map Document: \\METROSOUTH1\gis\JORD\T \ESRI\Maps\110078_Figure15_NaturalResources_85x11L.mxd Date Saved: 9/13/2016 5:20:43 PM Jordan City Saint Lawrence Township Ş EhGH City Limits Highways Railroad Proposed SW Interceptor Open Ground Under Road Manhole Terminus Wastewater Treatment Facility 0 1,500 Feet Source: Scott County, DNR, MnGeo, MBS Jordan WWTP?ºA@ Jordan City Sand Creek Township Jordan City Significant Ecological Areas Outstanding High Moderate Biodiversity Significance Sites Outstanding High Moderate Below I Sand Creek Township

37 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Box Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota Phone: (651) ATTACHMENT A November 4, 2015 Correspondence # ERDB Mr. Peter Langworthy Bolton & Menk, Inc Nicollet Avenue Burnsville, MN RE: Natural Heritage Review of the proposed Jordan Southwest Interceptor, Dear Mr. Langworthy, County Township (N) Range (W) Section(s) Scott & 19 Scott & 24 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, rare features 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). Please note that the following rare features may be adversely affected by the proposed project: A portion of the proposed project is adjacent to an area that the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS) has identified as a Site of Moderate Biodiversity Significance (see attached map). Sites of Biodiversity Significance have varying levels of native biodiversity and are ranked based on the relative significance of this biodiversity at a statewide level. Sites ranked as Moderate contain occurrences of rare species and/or moderately disturbed native plant communities, and/or landscapes that have a strong potential for recovery. This Site contains Dry Barrens Prairie (Southern) native plant community which is considered between critically imperiled and imperiled in Minnesota. The Site also contains Louisiana broomrape (Orobanche ludoviciana var. Ludoviciana), a state listed threatened plant species that is found in prairie and savanna. Minnesota s endangered species law (Minnesota Statutes, section ) and associated rules (Minnesota Rules, part to and 6134) prohibit the taking of threatened or endangered species without a permit. Given the ecological significance of this area and the presence of the threatened plant species, the MBS Site should be considered an avoidance area. GIS shapefiles of MBS Sites of Biodiversity Significance and DNR Native Plant Communities can be downloaded for free from the MN Geospatial Commons website at (under the Biota Category). Please submit a brief avoidance plan for DNR review, or contact me if this area cannot be avoided as a plant survey may be required. Before any survey work is initiated, a qualified surveyor (see attached list) should submit a survey proposal for DNR review (see attached document). Project planning should take into account that the botanical survey needs to be conducted during the appropriate time of the year, which may be limited. Please visit the DNR Rare Species Guide at for more information on the biology, phenology, habitat use, and conservation measures of this rare plant. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

38 The loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus) and Henslow s sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii), both state listed endangered birds, have been documented in the vicinity of the project site. These birds use grasslands and can be found in native prairie, pastures, shelterbelts, old fields or orchards, cemeteries, grassy roadsides, and farmyards. If the project boundary contains suitable habitat, then it is possible that these birds may breed in the area. Please contact me if any construction will occur during the breeding season, April through July, as the DNR may request that a survey for active nests be conducted prior to construction. Please refer to the DNR Rare Species Guide at for more information on the biology, habitat use, and conservation measures of these rare species. The northern long eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), a state listed species of special concern, can be found throughout Minnesota. During the winter this species hibernates in caves and mines, and during the active season (approximately April October) it roosts underneath bark, in cavities, or in crevices of both live and dead trees. Activities that may impact this species include, but are not limited to, wind farm operation, any disturbance to hibernacula, and destruction/degradation of habitat (including tree removal). Effective May 4, 2015, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) listed the northern long eared bat as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and implemented an interim 4(d) rule. If you believe that your project may adversely affect ( take ) the northern long eared bat, you should determine whether the take is exempt under the interim 4(d) rule or whether you need a Federal permit. To make this determination, please refer to the USFWS Key to the Interim 4(d) Rule available at Please note that the NHIS does not contain any known occurrences of northern long eared bat roosts or hibernacula within an approximate one mile radius of the proposed project. The gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer), a state listed species of special concern, and multiple other snake species that are considered Species in Greatest Conservation Need as identified in Minnesota s State Wildlife Action Plan ( have been documented in the vicinity of the proposed project and may be encountered on site. For more information on these rare species, please visit Given the presence of these rare snakes, the DNR recommends that the use of erosion control mesh, if any, be limited to wildlifefriendly materials (see enclosed fact sheet). The Environmental Assessment Worksheet should address whether the proposed project has the potential to adversely affect the above rare features and, if so, it should identify specific measures that will be taken to avoid or minimize disturbance. Please include a copy of this letter in any DNR license or permit application. 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. Page 2 of 3

39 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 results of this Natural Heritage Review are valid for one year; the results 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 for an updated review if construction has not occurred within one year. 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. To determine whether there are other natural resource concerns associated with the proposed project, 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, Samantha Bump Natural Heritage Review Specialist enc: Links: cc: Rare Features Database: Index Report and Detailed Report Rare Features Database Reports: An Explanation of Fields Wildlife Friendly Erosion Control Loggerhead Shrike Fact Sheet Map DNR List of Surveyors Survey Proposals and Reports MBS Sites of Biodiversity Significance DNR Native Plant Communities Leslie Parris Page 3 of 3

40 T114N R24W Section14 ERDB# Jordan Southwest Interceptor Multiple TRS Scott County T114N R24W Section13 T114N R23W Section18 GIS shapefiles of MBS Sites of Biodiversity Significance and DNR Native Plant Communities can be downloaded from the MN Geospatial Commons at Legend Native Plant Communities Dry Barrens Prairie (Southern) MBS Sites of Biodiversity Significance Outstanding High Moderate Below County Boundries PLS Section T114N R24W Section23 Scott T114N R24W Section24 T114N R23W Section Miles T114N R24W Section25 T114N R23W Section30 Copyright 2015, State of Minnesota, DNR Rare Feature, Prairie Railroad Survey, Native Plant Community, and Sites of Biodiversity Significance data are from the Natural Heritage Information System. The absence of rare features for a particular location should not be construed to mean that the DNR is confident rare features are absent from that location.

41 Landowners Guide for Maintaining and Encouraging Loggerhead Shrikes L oggerhead shrikes are in trouble but you may be able to help. Throughout the United States, and particularly in the Midwest, loggerhead shrikes are disappearing at an alarming rate. So serious is the decline that the loggerhead shrike is one of six bird species considered threatened in Minnesota. What is a loggerhead shrike? Loggerhead shrikes are special birds an interesting cross between songbird and hawk. They feed on large insects such as grasshoppers and beetles, mice, small birds, frogs and toads. Shrikes spend much of their time perched on powerlines, fences or the top-most branches of trees and shrubs, scouting for prey and then swooping down to catch it. Then the bird either eats its prey, impales it on a nearby thorn or barbed wire fence or wedges it into the fork of a branch. Because shrikes lack the strong, sharp claws and feet of hawks, impaling food holds it in place as the bird tears at it with its bill. Your first clue that loggerhead shrikes are on your property may be finding an animal impaled on a fence barb or a thorn. This habit has earned the loggerhead shrike the nickname butcher bird. What do loggerhead shrikes look like? The robin-sized loggerhead shrike has a slate-gray back with a light breast. The most distinguishing markings of this bird are the black mask, which extends across the eye, and the black and white wing and tail patches which flash when the bird flies. Males and females are similar in size and color. In Minnesota, loggerhead shrikes are most easily confused with eastern kingbirds and northern shrikes. However, eastern kingbirds have no mask, their heads are entirely dark, and they do not have white patches on their wings. The northern shrike looks very similar to the loggerhead shrike, but occurs in Minnesota from October through April, whereas the loggerhead shrike is here from March to October. During the early spring and fall, when both shrikes are in the state, they can be told apart by the loggerhead shrike s completely black bill and its mask which extends across the top of the bill. Where do they live? Loggerhead shrikes were once found throughout much of the unforested region of the state. Today, their numbers are very low. Recent surveys have located fewer than 30 nests in the state (Fig. 1). It is very important that we try to maintain habitat for the few shrikes that still breed in Minnesota. black mask no mask Loggerhead Shrike slate gray white wing patches Eastern Kingbird entirely dark gray above Shrikes use grassy, open areas with scattered trees and shrubs such as pastures, prairie patches and grassy roadsides. A few trees and shrubs, along with fences and powerlines provide nesting sites and perches from continued on back