Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Gilmore Creek Stream Restoration Project, in St. Louis County, Minnesota, has issued the Record of Decision (below) regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.
The MDNR has concluded that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required because the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. The justification for this determination is contained in the Record of Decision. The Record of Decision also contains the Department's responses to all substantive written comments received on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet during the 30-day review and comment period. Issuing this Record of Decision concludes the State environmental review process for this project according to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board rules, Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1000 to 4410.1700. This project can proceed to permitting and approvals.
- Record of Decision, Cover Letter
- Record of Decision
- Record of Decision, Attachment A - Public Comments
Proposed Project
The project is proposed as permit-driven, compensatory mitigation for loss of an unnamed stream at Northshore Mining Company's (NSM's) Babbitt mine. The project will restore approximately 2,000 feet of an offsite degraded creek, Gilmore Creek, to its original plan and profile; reestablishing natural stream processes, improving floodplain connectivity, and stabilizing hydrology.
Review Period
A 30-day public review and comment period was open from July 8, 2013 through August 7, 2013. Public notice of the availability of this EAW is in the July 8, 2013 EQB Monitor.
Documents
Figures
Attachments
- Appendix A – Northshore Mining Expansion and Mitigation Stream Inventory Report
- Appendix B – Minnesota DNR NHIS Concurrence Letter
- Appendix C – Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office Letter
Send comments
Written and signed comments on the EAW were to be received by Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 4:30 p.m.
By mail:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Box 25
Attn: Jill Townley
500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
Electronically:
Send to [email protected]. "Gilmore Creek EAW" must be included in the subject line. Include your name and mailing address so that you can be added to the mailing list.
By fax:
Submit signed comment letters by fax to (651) 296-1811.
Questions
Please call (651) 259-5168 if you have questions about this EAW.