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���1S1ESpl, <br /> Q� o Quick Reference: Environmental Assessment Worksheet <br /> Z1.E�'TAl C21}P4a. <br /> Quick Reference: Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) <br /> The EAW is a brief document designed to lay out the basic facts of a project necessary to determine if an <br /> Environmental Impact Statement(EIS) is required for the proposed project. The EAW form consists of 20 <br /> questions that provide the information needed to determine if the project will have significant environmental <br /> impacts. In addition to the legal purpose of the EAW in determining the need for an EIS, the EAW also <br /> provides permit information, informs the public about the project, and helps identify ways to protect the <br /> environment. The EAW is not meant to approve or deny a project,but instead act as a source of information <br /> to guide other approvals and permitting decisions. The EAW is completed by the Responsible Governmental <br /> Unit(RGU) designated according to Minnesota Rules 4410. <br /> Environmental Review Exemptions <br /> Some projects of a specific size and nature are exempted from the environmental review process as indicated <br /> in Minnesota Rules 4410.4600. If a project is identified as exempt, then it is not required to go through <br /> environmental review in order to move forward. <br /> Mandatory Environmental Review <br /> Projects that meet or exceed the thresholds described in Minnesota Rules 4410.4300 are required to complete <br /> an EAW. If a project meets or exceeds the thresholds described in Minnesota Rules 4410.4400, then an EIS is <br /> required. When determining if a project meets a mandatory environmental review category threshold, it is <br /> important to keep in mind any connected actions, phased actions, or project expansions within the last three <br /> years that cumulatively may trigger mandatory environmental review. These provisions are described in <br /> Minnesota Rules 4410.1000, Subpart 4, and Minnesota Rules 4410.43 00, Subpart 1 respectively. <br /> Discretionary Environmental Review <br /> Projects that are not exempt nor require a mandatory environmental review can still go through the EAW <br /> process according to Minnesota Rules 4410.1000, Subpart 3. A government unit with approval authority over <br /> a project can order a discretionary EAW if it determines that the project may have the potential for significant <br /> environmental effects. A discretionary EAW can be particularly appropriate for projects with some possibility <br /> of significant adverse environmental impacts or the perception of such. A discretionary EAW can help the <br /> RGU identify the adverse environmental impacts of a project and their severity. Additionally, discretionary <br /> environmental review may be ordered by a RGU in response to a citizen petition or if the project proposer <br /> wishes to initiate environmental review to determine if the project has the potential for significant <br /> environmental impacts. <br /> Please note that this quick reference guide is not intended to substitute for Minnesota Rules 4410.It is designed to help RGUs <br /> and others implement the environmental review process more effectively and efficiently. The guide does not alter the rules or <br /> change their meaning;if any inconsistencies arise between this guide and the rules,the rules take precedent.Please contact <br /> EQB Staff with any questions at Env.Review(a-)state.mn.us or 651-757-2873. <br /> Updated December 2015 Page 1 <br />