Agenda - Council Work Session - 05/20/2014

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May 14, 2014 Location: Pbrama >H:Drive >15153 >FindingsReport development of the Subject Property. The purpose of said additional research was to improve the competitiveness of this site in the larger marketplace. Examples below: • Conducting Phase I & II Environmental Assessments (EA), Limited Site Investigation (LI), and a Response Action Plan (RAP) • Conducting Pre Building Demolition Hazardous Material Survey, and an Hazardous Materials Abatement Plan • Wetland Delineation Survey • Geotechnical Soils testing Standard Review Process includes the following: • Stormwater management program review. • Site plan review process (several land use /zoning standards related to environmental concerns enforced) • Building plan review process (several State building codes related to environmental concerns enforced) For a more in -depth environmental review, the City would rely on the State of Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB). This level of review includes either an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) or EAW (Environmental Assessment Worksheet); and, would require an actual development proposal. Who decides if an EQB review is needed? Responsibility of making case -by -case decisions on the need for EISs and EAWs and for determining if an EIS or EAW is mandatory lies with local governments and State agencies. For almost any project, the rules identify the governmental unit which has this responsibility. The EQB provides assistance to governmental units in interpreting the rules and carrying out their responsibilities, but the EQB is not involved in decisions, except in specific, limited circumstances. The EQB has the following 'minimum' thresholds for requiring a review on the Subject Property specifically. • Residential: 250 single family homes, 375 multiple family units • Data Center: 500 employees or 450,000 square feet of building • NOTE: cumulative effects do not exist in this scenario, as defined by the EQB For more information on the EQB, please see the appendix or click here. Another environmental review option the City may be interested in considering is an Alternative Urban Area wide Review (AUAR). For more information please see the Appendix or click here. MEETING NOTES Safety was not discussed at length; comments and questions were minimal, in comparison to other issues outlined in this Findings Report. Stormwater ponds received most discussion, followed by general environmental concerns. A number of questions were asked at this meeting. Follow up answers were provided via email, and are included in the Findings Report Appendix (click here fora hyperlink, page 15). OMC Study Group, Findings Report (DRAFT) Page 28 of 42