Hawkes Company, Peat Mining - Mercil Site Project EAW

Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Hawkes Company, Peat Mining - Mercil Site Project located in Marshall County, Minnesota has issued a Record of Decision regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.

The DNR has concluded that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 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 public 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.

Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)

Public notice of the availability of this EAW is in the May 15, 2017 EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period is open from May 15, 2017 until 4:30 p.m., June 14, 2017.

The proposed project:

Hawkes Company Inc. is planning to expand its current peat mining activities to a new 299-acre site containing rich fen and upland located approximately 1.5 miles southeast of current operations. Of this 299-acre site, Hawkes Company proposes to mine 198 acres of peat. Peat mined from this site would be used as a soil additive for high-quality turf in sporting arenas and golf courses worldwide.

Send comments:

Written and signed comments on the EAW must be received by Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 4:30 p.m.

By mail:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Ecological and Water Resources
Attn: Lisa Fay
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025

Electronically:

Send to [email protected] with "Hawkes Peat EAW" in the subject line. Include your name and mailing address.

By fax:

Submit signed comment letters by fax to 651-296-1811.

Questions:

Please call 651-259-5110.

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