DNR seeks comments on EAW for Rochester Sand and Gravel – North Quarry Project

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DNR seeks comments on EAW for Rochester Sand and Gravel – North Quarry Project
(Released April 7, 2011)


The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting public comments until May 4 on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for a proposed expansion of an existing sand pit and limestone quarry aggregate mining operation within the Rochester Sand and Gravel North Quarry, in Olmstead County.

The project proposal was made by Milestone Materials, a division of Mathy Construction Company. It involves the extraction of limestone aggregate from 60 feet to 120 feet below grade. In addition, aggregate washing will be done on-site.

The water appropriated for dewatering will be treated within a series of settling ponds to be constructed on site and then discharged to the south fork of the Zumbro River. The company will pursue progressive reclamation of the site as aggregate resource extraction is completed.

This project and aggregate mining operations will be occurring over many years. The duration of the operations will depend on the demand for aggregate. The aggregate products produced by this site mostly are used in road and building construction for base course, hot mix asphalt production, and ready mix concrete.

The EAW is required by the Minnesota Environmental Review Program Rules because the project involves both a new water appropriation for commercial or industrial purposes averaging more than 30 million gallons of water per month, and nonmetallic (sand and gravel) mineral mining.

The EAW is posted on the DNR website. Additional copies may be requested by calling 651-259-5101 or 651-259-5072.

A copy of the EAW also is available for public review at:

DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155
DNR Central Region Headquarters, 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106
DNR Rochester Area Offices, 2300 Silver Creek Road NE, Rochester, MN 55906
Rochester Public Library (Region 10 Regional Library), Reference Department, 101 Second Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904
Minneapolis Public Library, Technology and Science, Government Documents, Second Floor, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1992.
The EAW was published in the April 4. EQB Monitor. Written comments on the EAW must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4, to Charlotte W. Cohn, EAW Project Manager, Environmental Policy and Review Unit, Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025.

Electronic or email comments may be sent to Environmentalrev.dnr@state.mn.us with “Rochester Sand and Gravel - North Quarry Project” in the subject line.
When submitting comments electronically, include name and U.S. mailing address. Written comments also may be sent by fax to 651-297-1500.

For additional information, or copies of the EAW, call 651-259-5072.