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DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET forCampus Park II Prepared forCity of Duluth October 18, 2004 for City ReviewPrepared by RLK Kuusisto, LTD Project No. 2004-749-M
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RGU Certification EXHIBITS
APPENDIX C. Hydro CAD - Existing Conditions D. Archaeologist Field Survey Report Agency Correspondence F.
Traffic Impact Study ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET Note to preparers: This form is available at http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us/. EAW Guidelines will be available in Spring 1999 at the web site. The Environmental Assessment Worksheet provides information about a project that may have the potential for significant environmental effects. The EAW is prepared by the Responsible Governmental Unit or its agents to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement should be prepared. The project proposer must supply any reasonably accessible data for — but should not complete — the final worksheet. If a complete answer does not fit in the space allotted, attach additional sheets as necessary. The complete question as well as the answer must be included if the EAW is prepared electronically. Note to reviewers: Comments must be submitted to the RGU during the 30-day comment period following notice of the EAW in the EQB Monitor. Comments should address the accuracy and completeness of information, potential impacts that warrant further investigation and the need for an EIS. 1. Project title: Campus Park II 2. Proposer: Summit Management Contact person Mr. Mark Lambert Address 101 East Fifth Street, Suite 910 City, state, ZIP St. Paul, MN 55101 Phone 651-223-5318 Fax 651-223-5493 E-mail m.lambert@earthlink.net 3. RGU: City of Duluth Contact person Mr. James Mohn Title Senior Planner-Urban Development Division Address 411 West First Street, Room 402 City, state, ZIP Duluth, MN 55802 Phone 218-723-3328 Fax 218-723-3540 E-mail jmohn@ci.duluth.mn.us 4. Reason for EAW preparation (check one) ___EIS scoping X Mandatory EAW___ Citizen petition ___ RGU discretion ___ Proposer volunteered If EAW or EIS is mandatory give EQB rule category subpart number 19B and subpart name: Residential Development 4410.4300 Subpart 19B. The project proposes more than 100 unattached units or 150 attached units in a city that does not meet the conditions of Item D. 5. Project location County St. Louis City/Township Duluth Part of Sections 16 and 21 Township 50N Range 14W Attach each of the following to the EAW:
6. Description a. Provide a project summary of 50 words or less to be published in the EQB Monitor. Response: The Campus Park II residential development proposes 285 units within a 31 acre vacant tract of land along Rice Lake Road in the City of Duluth. The residential units will be a combination of townhome and apartment units.
Response: The developer has previously developed this style of housing for students in Duluth and has been successful in providing a safe, affordable and controlled housing complex for students. The Campus Park II development will provide shuttle buses to the campuses, and a secure housing alternative to meet the demands of the growing campus population at the Duluth technical and liberal arts colleges. d. Are future stages of this development including development on any outlots planned or likely to happen? Yes No If yes, briefly describe future stages, relationship to present project, timeline and plans for environmental review. The 31-acre site represents the full scope of development being proposed by Summit Management. e. Is this project a subsequent stage of an earlier project? Yes No
Total project acreage: 31.0 acres Number of residential units: unattached 0 attached 285 maximum units per building 70 Commercial, industrial or institutional building area (gross floor space): total square feet Indicate areas of specific uses (in square feet): Office NA Manufacturing NA Retail NA Other industrial NA Warehouse NA Institutional NA Light industrial NA Agricultural NA Other commercial (specify) NA Building height . If over 2 stories, compare to heights of nearby buildings. Three-story apartments are proposed, one in each phase. These three-story apartments are in the 35-foot height and will be comparable to the College of St. Scholastica building north of the site. The three story apartments are located within the interior of the site and will be 25 feet below the highest elevation point of the site.
Response: Unit of Government Type of Application Status US Army Corps of Engineers Section 404 Permit for Wetland Impacts To be applied for Minnesota Dept of Health (MDH) Watermain Extension To be applied for Minnesota Pollution Control To be applied for Agency (MPCA) NPDES Permit for Construction Activities To be applied for Western Lake Superior Sanitary District Wastewater Connection Permit To be applied for City of Duluth Environmental Assessment Worksheet Under review Rezoning to R-3 To be applied for Property Transfer Approval Under Review Development Agreement To be applied for Construction Permits To be applied for Water Connection Permit To be applied for Sanitary Sewer Extension Permit To be applied for Building Permits To be applied for Utility Permits To be applied for Special Use Permit for Townhome/ Group Dwelling To be applied for Water Resources Management Ordinance (WRMO) To be applied for Special Use Permit and Variance To be applied for Vacation of streets and alleys on existing plats/ right of way dedication To be applied for Driveway Permit To be applied for Response: The site was originally used as cropland over the past century as shown on historical aerial photos. After the farming activities ceased, the 31-acre site has returned to a natural state with a secondary growth of forested tree cover and forested wetlands. The adjacent property on the west encompasses single family housing. The property on the south is undeveloped and has an original hardwood forest of Sugar Maples as the predominate species. South of the undeveloped acreage is single family housing. The property north of County Road 4 (Rice Lake Road) encompasses a closed police firing range, several homes and the College of St. Scholastica. The proposed land use will provide housing for the colleges and preserve a landscape buffer between the college and single family neighborhoods. The opportunity to create a safer and signalized intersection on Rice Lake Road will be a benefit to the current residents on Blackman Avenue who have expresses difficulties in accessing Rice Lake Road at peak traffic periods. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment is being undertaken on behalf of the project proposer; all potential environmental hazards will be identified as part of the Phase 1 ESA and remediated if necessary prior to site development. 10. Cover types. Estimate the acreage of the site with each of the following cover types before and after development: Before After Before After Types 1-8 wetlands 4.4 4.4 Lawn/landscaping 0 7.3 Wooded/forest 25.9 4.3 Impervious surfaces 0 13.4 Brush/Grassland 0.7 0 Other (Storm ponds) 0 1.6 Cropland 0 0 TOTAL 31.0 31.0 If Before and After totals are not equal, explain why:
11. Fish, wildlife and ecologically sensitive resources
Response: The undeveloped site is currently heavily wooded with natural wetland areas located across the property, providing extensive wildlife habitat. The units will be grouped and incorporated into the wooded areas and adjacent to the wetlands in order to preserve the maximum undeveloped areas for wildlife. The project will continue to preserve forested buffers and the wetlands will provide for a wildlife corridor between the southern forest and Rice Lake Road on the north. b. Are any state-listed (endangered, threatened, or special concern) species, rare plant communities or other sensitive ecological resources such as native prairie habitat, colonial waterbird nesting colonies or regionally rare plant communities on or near the site? Yes No If yes, describe the resource and how it would be affected by the project. Indicate if a site survey of the resources has been conducted and describe the results. If the DNR Natural Heritage and Nongame Research program has been contacted give the correspondence reference number: Describe measures to minimize or avoid adverse impacts. Response: A request for information has been submitted to the Department of Natural Resources on October 4, 2004. A response to this question will be prepared upon receipt of the information. If any species or resources of concern are identified to be potentially on or near the site, a site survey will be conducted and the site design will address the concerns. 12. Physical impacts on water resources. Will the project involve the physical or hydrologic alteration- dredging, filling, stream diversion, outfall structure, diking, and impoundment - of any surface waters such as a lake, pond, wetland, stream or drainage ditch? Yes No If yes, identify water resource affected and give the DNR Protected Waters Inventory number(s) if the water resources affected are on the PWI: . Describe alternatives considered and proposed mitigation measures to minimize impacts. Response: A wetland delineation was recently completed by Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik & Associates. A copy of the Wetland Delineation Report is included in Appendix A. Approximately 4.4 acres of wetlands were identified on-site as shown on Exhibit 12, EAW Concept Wetland Mitigation Plan. It appears that portions of Wetlands A, B, E and M were created by the construction of County Road 4, which created wetland swales along the southwest side of County Road 4 (Rice Lake Road). For the construction of the internal roadway and utility system minor grading impacts to provide suitable flatter parking areas, 1.0 acres of wetland impacts are anticipated, which is about 22% of the total delineated wetland area. The site plan design has been revised to minimize impacts to the wetlands after the updated delineation was completed. The applicant will continue to adjust the site and grading design to minimize the wetland impacts. The wetland quality of the site is generally good and each wetland has been categorized by the circular and cowardin classification. The one wetland (A) which will be impacted by the realignment of the public right of way for Blackman Avenue is listed on the Duluth 2001 inventory. No other wetlands on the site are listed in the Duluth NWI inventory. Wetland impacts will be mitigated on site at the 1:1 ratio required. The mitigation will be created adjacent to the remaining wetlands, resulting in larger, higher quality basins that will provide contiguous and protected wildlife areas. 13. Water use. Will the project involve installation or abandonment of any water wells, connection to or changes in any public water supply or appropriation of any ground or surface water (including dewatering)? Yes No If yes, as applicable, give location and purpose of any new wells; public supply affected, changes to be made, and water quantities to be used; the source, duration, quantity and purpose of any appropriations; and unique well numbers and DNR appropriation permit numbers, if known. Identify any existing and new wells on the site map. If there are no wells known on site, explain methodology used to determine. Response: Water Wells: RLK-Kuusisto, Ltd. has contacted the Minnesota Department of Health for existing well information. Also, a Phase 1 Environmental Assessment will be completed that will identify any existing wells that need to be abandoned. Any well abandonments will be completed in accordance with all state and local requirements. There are no new water wells anticipated with the project. Water Supply Changes/ Connections The project will be served by the City of Duluth Highland Water System public water supply and piping system which has adequate capacity for the demands anticipated for the multi-family residential development. The development will connect to an existing 8" diameter water main located within Blackman Avenue, west of the property, with pipe extensions through existing right of way along the Hawkins Street and Howtz Street alignments. The water piping system will be looped through the new development for the Phase 1 area, with tees and valves provided for connection during future phases identified on the site plan. The water main will be a public piping system located within easements. Water services will be provided for domestic and fire requirements for the new buildings. Fire hydrants will be located along the water main as required by the City of Duluth. 14. Water-related land use management district. Does any part of the project involve a shoreland zoning district, a delineated 100-year flood plain, or a state or federally designated wild or scenic river land use district? Yes No If yes, identify the district and discuss project compatibility with district land use restrictions. Response: There are no delineated flood plains, shoreland or river land use districts within the project area. 15. Water surface use. Will the project change the number or type of watercraft on any water body? Yes No If yes, indicate the current and projected watercraft usage and discuss any potential overcrowding or conflicts with other uses Response: N/A 16. Erosion and sedimentation. Give the acreage to be graded or excavated and the cubic yards of soil to be moved: acres ± 23 ; cubic yards ± 90,000 . Describe any steep slopes or highly erodible soils and identify them on the site map. Describe any erosion and sedimentation control measures to be used during and after project construction. Response: About 73 percent of the site, or approximately 23 acres, is anticipated to be cleared and graded. Existing terrain and contour information is illustrated in Exhibit 6, EAW Existing Conditions. The site is highest in elevation at the southwest corner of the property, and falls at a typical 8% to 12% slope to the northeast, dropping approximately 90 feet in elevation from the southwest corner of the property across the site to County Road 4 (Rice Lake Road) at the east end of the property. A rock outcropping covers the eastern portion of the site, with slopes up to 40%. Proposed improvements will direct the construction runoff into temporary sedimentation basins located adjacent to the existing wetlands, in the locations of the permanent ponds where possible. The basins will treat construction-type runoff until the rough grading is completed. Any temporary ponds required in addition to the permanent pond locations will be maintained until turf and other permanent erosion control measures are established. The proposed on-site routing plan illustrates the proposed pond system, outlets and contributing site areas as detailed in Response 17 and Exhibit 10, EAW Concept Drainage Plan. Construction of the proposed building pads, parking lots, and roadways will include grading about three quarters of the site. Earthwork will involve moving existing material around on the site and removing material unsuitable for fill, as required, in accordance with current regulations and geotechnical recommendations that will be obtained during the detailed design development process. The final grading design will endeavor to balance the site earthwork quantities while considering the limits of rock and minimizing associated blasting operations. Maximum slopes, as allowed by City standards, will be proposed for turf areas to minimize grading limits and impacts. Ponds will have maximum slopes and will be designed to be in accordance with the MPCA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements. Best Management Practices will be implemented during construction to minimize erosion. Best Management Practices (BMP’s) will be implemented during construction and as part of the final improvements. Minimum erosion control measures to be used during construction are shown on Exhibit 7, EAW Concept Grading Plan. Proposed BMP’s will minimize erosion and manage sedimentation as required by the City of Duluth and the MPCA National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements. A stormwater pollution prevention plan will be prepared, as required, and updated as the phased development occurs. During construction, erosion control measures will likely include silt fencing, hay bales, temporary rock construction entrances, and slope stabilization/erosion control fabric. Permanent BMP’s will include prompt sodding / seeding of disturbed areas. Storm water ponds and outlet structures will be designed, graded and surfaced to minimize sediment transportation into the existing wetlands and off-site. The proposed storm water ponds will be designed to have the capacity to provide storage and sedimentation management for storm water runoff during construction and from the entire fully developed site.
17. Water quality: surface water runoff
Response: Runoff from the site will continue to be routed to the north branch of Brewery Creek, which flows southeast and into a drainage tunnel, prior to discharging into the main Brewery Creek channel. The creek is then conveyed through a drainage tunnel into Lake Superior at 8th Avenue East. As detailed in Response 17a., the runoff during and after construction will be of high quality. There will be no impact on the quality of the downstream water bodies.
18. Water quality: wastewaters
Calculate the flow rate of a daily demand of 57,200 gallons / day over a 16 hour day: = 57,200 gallons X 1day X 1 hour X 1 cubic foot day 16 hours 3600 seconds 7.46 gallons = 0.14 cubic feet per second Multiply by 3.5 for the peak hour demand: = 0.14 cubic feet per second X 2.5 peaking factor = 0.35 cubic feet per second PEAK HOUR DEMAND Response: N/A 19. Geologic hazards and soil conditions
Response: An overview of the site based on the 1941 WPA report shows that most of the soil is a sandy loam, which is comprised of 50-80% sand, 0-50% silt, and a small amount of clay. In some areas the sandy loam transitions into gravelly sandy loam a few below the surface. In the central area of the site there are boulders below about 6’ in depth. In the east central and south central part of the site there is ledge rock, both on the surface and just below the surface. In the northwest corner and a small area in the south central area of the site there are some organic soils of peat and muck which are within a delineated wetland area. 20. Solid wastes, hazardous wastes, storage tanks
Response: During construction, there may be small quantities of fuel stored above ground onsite. The contractor will be responsible for fuel storage that is in compliance with state and local regulations. 21. Traffic. Parking spaces added: 850 . Existing spaces (if project involves expansion) N/A. Estimated total average daily traffic generated . Estimated maximum peak hour traffic generated (if known) and time of occurrence: 233 vehicles/hour during 4:30 – 5:30 PM hour. Provide an estimate of the impact on traffic congestion on affected roads and describe any traffic improvements necessary. If the project is within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, discuss its impact on the regional transportation system. Parking spaces added : 850 Existing parking spaces: 0 Estimated total daily traffic generated: 2200 vehicles per day Estimated maximum peak hour traffic generated and time of occurrence: 233 vehicles/hour, during the 4:30 – 5:30 PM hour The recommended alternative development concept plan will include a realignment of Blackman Avenue resulting in the consolidation of Rice Lake Road intersections. The new alignment will cross Rice Lake Road at Chinook Drive, providing a south leg to the existing three-legged intersection and will result in the closure of the existing Blackman Avenue and Rice Lake Road intersection. With full Build-out of the proposed development, the traffic demands at this new intersection will satisfy traffic signal warrants. Operational analyses of the new Blackman Avenue/ Chinook Drive at Rice Lake Road intersection, as well as at the site access intersections indicate adequate Level of Service A or B for all movements. A complete traffic analysis report is presented in Appendix E. 22. Vehicle-related air emissions. Estimate the effect of the project's traffic generation on air quality, including carbon monoxide levels. Discuss the effect of traffic improvements or other mitigation measures on air quality impacts. Note: If the project involves 500 or more parking spaces, consult EAW Guidelines about whether a detailed air quality analysis is needed. Response: Impact from vehicle related air emissions is expected to be negligible, due to the forecasted low overall number of vehicle trips, few stops and acceptable intersection Level of Service (LOS) at the access intersection. Complete details on Level of Service are available in Appendix E. The proposed utilization of the shuttle bus and students’ cars often parked for periods longer than normal fulltime working households, will assist in keeping the use of vehicles below a full market rate residential community. Vehicle emissions control technology is improving on a regular basis. Improvements in vehicle emissions technology are typically factored into vehicle-related emissions’ studies like those discussed above. To this point, improvements to vehicle emissions technology have not been factored into the above discussion. Trip generation is below the Pollution Control Agency’s Indirect Source Permit mandatory threshold. 23. Stationary source air emissions. Describe the type, sources, quantities and compositions of any emissions from stationary sources of air emissions such as boilers, exhaust stacks or fugitive dust sources. Include any hazardous air pollutants (consult EAW Guidelines for a listing) and any greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) and ozone-depleting chemicals (chloro-fluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons or sulfur hexafluoride). Also describe any proposed pollution prevention techniques and proposed air pollution control devices. Describe the impacts on air quality. Response The project will involve installation of natural gas-fired home heating devices in the proposed buildings. Natural gas-fired heaters exhaust small amounts of PM, NOx, CO and HC. These home heating devices will not adversely affect air quality in the air. 24. Odors, noise and dust. Will the project generate odors, noise or dust during construction or during operation? Yes No If yes, describe sources, characteristics, duration, quantities or intensity and any proposed measures to mitigate adverse impacts. Also identify locations of nearby sensitive receptors and estimate impacts on them. Discuss potential impacts on human health or quality of life. (Note: fugitive dust generated by operations may be discussed at item 23 instead of here.) Response: Odors Construction and operation of the proposed development will not generate significant odors. Noise Construction will generate low levels of noise from equipment and vehicles. It is anticipated that construction activities will last up to two years to build the Phase 1 infrastructure and buildings. Construction related noise for the remaining phase of development is anticipated to occur sometime in the next five years. Construction noise will be controlled by using equipment, which is property muffled. The noise sensitive receptors to the site are the residents who live on the west side of the property, a minimum 200 feet from the project. To limit impacts on nearby receptors, construction activities will be limited to work hours authorized by the city. Operation of the facilities will not generate significant noise. Traffic anticipated for the development will be consistent with the traffic levels and associated noise levels typical of a multi-family residential development per the zoning regulations. Traffic and other noise generated by the residents will be controlled by restrictions in the rental agreements with students that are strictly enforced by the Owner. Dust Dust will be generated during construction by earthmoving equipment and by vehicles driving over unpaved surfaces. The majority of the dust generating operations will occur at the beginning of the construction period for several months. As the building floors are constructed and the vehicular drive areas are paved, the amount of dust will be reduced to an insignificant amount. During construction, and particularly during the earthmoving operations, dust control activities will be implemented by the contractor to include watering the unpaved areas and stockpiles during dry and windy conditions, limiting the amount of exposed soils, and revegetating/ repaving the areas as soon as practicable. Operation of the facilities will not generate significant dust, as noted in Response 23.
25. Nearby resources. Are any of the following resources on or in proximity to the site? Archaeological, historical or architectural resources? Yes No Prime or unique farmlands or land within an agricultural preserve? Yes No Designated parks, recreation areas or trails? Yes No Scenic views and vistas? Yes No Other unique resources? Yes No If yes, describe the resource and identify any project-related impacts on the resource. Describe any measures to minimize or avoid adverse impacts. Response: A request for information for the Campus Park II property was submitted to the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) on August 4, 2004. The SHPO responsed in an email to Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik and Associates with the following: "No historic properties were identified in a search of the Minnesota Archaeological Inventory and Historic Structures Inventory for the search area requested. A report containing the archaeological sites identified is attached. The result of this database search provides a listing of recorded archaeological sites and historic architectural properties that are included in the current SHPO databases. Because the majority of archaeological sites in the state and many historic architectural properties have not been recorded, important sites or structures may exist within the search area and may be affected by development projects within that area. Additional research, including field survey, may be necessary to adequately assess the area's potential to contain historic properties. With regard to Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAW), a negative known site/structure response from the SHPO databases is not necessarily appropriate information on which to base a "No" response to EAW Question 25a. It is the Responsible Governmental Unit's (RGU) obligation to verify the accuracy of the information contained within the EAW. A "No" response to Question 25a without written justification should be carefully considered. If you require a comprehensive assessment of a project's potential to impact archaeological sites or historic architectural properties, you may need to hire a qualified archaeologist and/or historian. Please contact the SHPO by phone at 651-296-5434 or by email at mnshpo@mnhs.org for current lists of professional consultants in these fields." In response, a Phase I archaeological survey was requested by Summit Management for the area of the Rice Lake Road housing development. On October 13 Summit Management authorized the Duluth Archaeology Center to conduct the Phase I survey. To conduct this survey, a standardized process that has generally been approved by the Minnesota State Archaeologists Office (SAO) and the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) will be followed. The initial step in this process is to request a state archaeological survey license from the SAO. This was submitted on October 14, 2004. Once the license is granted by the SAO, a field investigation of the property can commence. Prior to the start of the field aspect of the Phase I archaeological survey, interviews and discussion will be held or attempted with those individuals who have expressed concerns about possible burials within the project area. Multiple attempts will be made to address their concerns and attempts will be made to learn which area(s) of the project that they believe contain the possible burials. Once and if this data has been gathered and the SAO license has been granted, the possible burial locations will receive intensive, close interval walkover examination. Close interval walkover examination will be spaced at approximately 2 to 3 meters between transect intervals. In addition the remainder of the project area will also receive walkover examination but at a much wider interval of 5 to 10 meters between transects. If no burial specific data can be acquired, then the archaeology field supervisor will make the decision on which areas will receive the intensive walkover survey. If evidence of human remains or a burial is identified, the SAO will be contacted, in general a close interaction with the SAO will be maintained. A second survey methodology, shovel testing, may be utilized in those areas that appear based on field observation to have a higher potential for pre-Contact occupations. It should be made clear that no postulated burial areas will be shovel tested as a means to identify a burial. If a site or a highly probable burial area is identified, its location will be recorded on a map using GPS coordinates. In addition, a site sketch map will be drawn of any identified cultural locality. A cultural locality, for the purposes of this survey, is defined as the remnants left by humans, structural or artifactual, on or below the ground surface. Once the Phase I archaeological survey has been completed, a report will be prepared discussing the methodology employed, the results of the survey, and any conclusions drawn from the survey results. This report will be sent to Summit Management and the SAO. Any final determination of burials is the sole purview of the Minnesota SAO and not the Duluth Archaeology Center. 26. Visual impacts. Will the project create adverse visual impacts during construction or operation? Such as glare from intense lights, lights visible in wilderness areas and large visible plumes from cooling towers or exhaust stacks? Yes No If yes, explain. Response: There will be typical visual impacts during construction including minor vehicle exhaust plumes and safety lighting. However, the visual impacts will be insignificant and are not considered to be adverse. The residential dwellings west of the project are at least 200 feet from the project. The project will endeavor to preserve a portion of the existing forested area as a buffer along the west and south property boundaries. Post-construction lighting will be provided for safety and security in the residential development. The lighting will be designed and located to avoid impact to the adjacent residential area on the west.
27. Compatibility with plans and land use regulations. Is the project subject to an adopted local comprehensive plan, land use plan or regulation, or other applicable land use, water, or resource management plan of a local, regional, state or federal agency? Yes No. If yes, describe the plan, discuss its compatibility with the project and explain how any conflicts will be resolved. If no, explain. Response: The City of Duluth currently does not have an applicable comprehensive plan. A new comprehensive plan is being drafted at this time by the Planning Department. The plan is not subject to an adopted comprehensive plan. The 31-acre site will require the zoning to be changed from the R1C and R1B to a R-3 zoning. The rezoning process and approval requires public hearing and is an independent process from the comprehensive plan. 28. Impact on infrastructure and public services. Will new or expanded utilities, roads, other infrastructure or public services be required to serve the project? Yes No If yes, describe the new or additional infrastructure or services needed. (Note: any infrastructure that is a connected action with respect to the project must be assessed in the EAW; see EAW Guidelines for details.) Response: Transportation System The relocation of Blackman Avenue, if approved by the City and County, will be realigned in a public right of way. Rice Lake Road will have improved geometrics at the intersection with Chinook, which will provide for turn lanes and bypass lanes necessary to address the ADT and necessary turning movements. Upon the initiation of Phase 2, a second entrance will be established onto Rice Lake Road which will equally distribute the ADT amount for the two entrances. Utilities The City has adequate sanitary sewer capacity and water distribution systems to address the new development’s requirements. The project will not burden the existing system. The Developer will work with the utility companies to bring utility service to the site for gas, electric, communications and cable utilities. Communications and electric utilities have been confirmed to be located in the vicinity of the project and have adequate capacity to serve the development. During project development, requirements to extend other utilities to the site boundaries, such as gas and cable, will be identified. Police and Fire Protection Services Police and fire services will be provided by the City of Duluth. 29. Cumulative impacts. Minnesota Rule part 4410.1700, subpart 7, item B requires that the RGU consider the "cumulative potential effects of related or anticipated future projects" when determining the need for an environmental impact statement. Identify any past, present or reasonably foreseeable future projects that may interact with the project described in this EAW in such a way as to cause cumulative impacts. Describe the nature of the cumulative impacts and summarize any other available information relevant to determining whether there is potential for significant environmental effects due to cumulative impacts (or discuss each cumulative impact under appropriate item(s) elsewhere on this form). Response: There are no foreseeable future projects that would be expected to cause cumulative impacts to the environmental effects of this project. If other residential developments are proposed in the future in the vicinity of the project, those development projects will be required to obtain all necessary permits and clearances related to infrastructure requirements and environmental impacts.
30. Other potential environmental impacts. If the project may cause any adverse environmental impacts not addressed by items 1 to 28, identify and discuss them here, along with any proposed mitigation. Response: No other adverse environmental impacts are anticipated with the Campus Park II development.
31. Summary of issues. Do not complete this section if the EAW is being done for EIS scoping; instead, address relevant issues in the draft Scoping Decision document, which must accompany the EAW. List any impacts and issues identified above that may require further investigation before the project is begun. Discuss any alternatives or mitigative measures that have been or may be considered for these impacts and issues, including those that have been or may be ordered as permit conditions. Response: A summary of the issues follows:
RGU CERTIFICATION. The Environmental Quality Board will only accept SIGNED Environmental Assessment Worksheets for public notice in the EQB Monitor. I hereby certify that:
Signature ______________________________ Date ____________________ Title ___________________________________________________ Environmental Assessment Worksheet was prepared by the staff of the Environmental Quality Board at Minnesota Planning. For additional information, worksheets or for EAW Guidelines, contact: Environmental Quality Board, 658 Cedar St., St. Paul, MN 55155, 651-296-8253, or http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us/. |