Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Nelson Slough Improvement Project, located in Marshall County, Minnesota, has issued the Record of Decision (ROD) regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.
The DNR has concluded that an 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 ROD. The Record 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 the ROD 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.
The proposed Nelson Slough Improvement Project (project) is located near the City of Strandquist in Marshall County. The project involves stabilizing several miles of Judicial Ditch 19 (JD 19) and improving structures within Nelson Slough, including replacement of the 50-year-old outlet structure and increasing the height of the embankments. The installation of rock drop structures and flattening of the channel side slopes in strategic locations would improve slope stability and alleviate severe channel erosion that has occurred in JD 19 immediately upstream and downstream of the site. Upon completion, the proposed project would provide a reduction in flood damage to adjacent agricultural lands and public transportation infrastructure within the JD 19 sub watershed, downstream Tamarac River and Red River of the North. The project would also provide more control over impoundment water levels, improving wildlife habitat at Nelson Slough. The project was developed by the Middle-Snake-Tamarac Rivers Watershed District (MSTRWD).
Documents
The DNR has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the project. Public notice of the availability of these documents for public comment is in the Oct. 5 EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period will be open from Oct. 5 until 4:30 p.m., Nov. 4.
A paper copy of the EAW is available for public review at:
- Crookston Public Library, 110 North Ash Street, Crookston, MN 56716
- Karlstad Library, 104 1st Street S, Karlstad, MN 56732
- Greenbush Public Library, 224 Main St N, Greenbush, MN 56726
Additional copies may be requested by calling 651-259-5723.