The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), as the Responsible Governmental Unit for environmental review of the Whitewater River Channel Restoration project in Winona County, Minnesota, has issued the attached Record of Decision regarding the Need for an Environmental Impact Statement for the project. The project's Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) notice was published in the EQB Monitor on March 16, 2015 EQB Monitor. (Vol. 39, No. 06, pp.2-3).
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 651-259-5157.
Attachments:
- Cover letter for Record of Decision
- Record of Decision (May 26, 2015)
- Attachment: Comments received during the 30-day review and comment period
The proposed project:
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposes a stream restoration project in Whitewater State Park on the Middle Fork Whitewater River in Winona County. The project would restore approximately 1,800 feet of unstable channel to enhance ecological function, reduce water quality impairments, and improve aquatic habitat and public safety. Project includes repositioning approximately 700 feet of stream channel to a former alignment, restoring the stream banks, and installing a series of rock riffle structures.
Review Period:
Public notice of the availability of this EAW was in the March 16, 2015 EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period was open from March 16, 2015 until April 15, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
Environmental Assessment Worksheet
- Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project EAW Cover Letter
- Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project EAW
Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project Figures
- Figure 1: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, Winona County
- Figure 2: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, USGS Map, 1:24,000
- Figure 3: Whitewater State Park Visitor Map – Existing Conditions
- Figure 4: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, Existing Site Conditions and Design Features
- Figure 5: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, Natural Pant Communities & Land Cover
- Figure 6: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, NRCS Soil Units
- Figure 7: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, Project Design and Site Plan
- Figure 8: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, New Channel Profile
- Figure 9: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, Cross Sections Showing Excavation and Fill Profiles
- Figure 10: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, Typical Dimensions for Channel Sections (Run, Riffle, Glide, and Pool)
- Figure 11: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, Riffle Details
- Figure 12: Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project, Channel Block and Wier Details
Whitewater River Channel Restoration Project Table 1
Attachments
- Attachment A – DNR NHIS Rare Features Database concurrence
- Attachment B – Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office correspondence
Send comments:
Written and signed comments on the EAW were due by Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 4:30 p.m.
By mail:
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Ecological and Water Resources, Box 25
Attn: Ronald Wieland
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025
Electronically:
Send to [email protected]. "Whitewater Restoration" 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 651-259-5157.