The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project in Hennepin County, Minnesota, has issued the attached 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 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.
For additional information, or copies of the Record of Decision, please call 651-259-5082.
The proposed project:
Minneapolis Leased Housing Associates IV, Limited Partnership (MLHA) is proposing the development and operation of the A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project (Project), restoring hydroelectric renewable energy using existing, historic infrastructure at the Pillsbury A-Mill building on the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Project would generate up to 600 kilowatt (kW) of renewable power to meet approximately 70% of on-site residential demands and would be located at St. Anthony Falls on the Mississippi River at river mile (RM) 854 in Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota.
Review Period:
Public notice of the availability of this EAW was in the May 11, 2015 EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period was open from May 11, 2015 through June 10, 2015.
Documents:
- A Mill Hydro - draft EAW for publication
- A Mill EAW Figures
- Attachment 1
- Hydraulic Modeling of Downstream Channel
- A-Mill Artist Lofts Project Entrainment Study
- Mussel Survey Final Report
Send comments:
Written and signed comments on the EAW must be received by Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
By mail:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Box 25
Attn: Kate Frantz
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
Electronically:
Send to [email protected]. " Pillsbury A-Mill Artist Lofts Hydroelectric Project 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) 259-5082.