DNR seeks comments on environmental assessment on Minnesota Falls Dam

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DNR seeks comments on environmental assessment worksheet for the Minnesota Falls Dam Removal Project
(Released June 27, 2011)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting public comments until July 27 on an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW) that was prepared for a project to remove the Minnesota Falls Dam located on the Minnesota River in Yellow Medicine and Chippewa counties.

The worksheet evaluates the environmental effects from Northern States Power Company proposal to remove the Minnesota Falls Dam located on the Minnesota River downstream from the city of Granite Falls. The dam is classified as a high hazard dam that no longer serves its original purpose. The dam has several potential structural deficiencies that would need to be repaired if the dam is not removed.

A copy of the EAW is available online.  Additional copies may be requested by calling 651-259-5156.

Public comments on the EAW will be accepted during the 30-day public review period from June 27 to July 27. A copy of the EAW is available for public review at:

DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155
DNR Southern Regional Headquarters, 261 Highway 15 South, New Ulm, MN 56073
Minneapolis Public Library, Government Documents, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Montevideo/Chippewa County Library, 224 South First St., Montevideo, MN 56265
Granite Falls Public Library, 155 Seventh Ave., Granite Falls, MN 56241-1505.
The EAW was published in the June 27 EQB Monitor. Written comments on the EAW must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27, to Randall Doneen, DNR Division of Ecological and Water Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025.

Electronic or email comments may be sent to environmentalrev.dnr@state.mn.us with “Minnesota Falls Dam Removal EAW” in the subject line. If submitting comments electronically, include name and mailing address. Written comments may also be sent by fax to 651-297-1500.