Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 01/18/2017

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Item-by-item guidance Chapter If large amounts of soils will be excavated,the EAW should identify the types involved,quantities,to where they will be relocated and how they will be used. If soil borings have been conducted,it may be necessary for the RGU to have this information,especially if the project may have potential to contaminate the soils or ground water,including projects involving use of on-site sewage treatment by septic tanks and drainfields. Legislation in 2013 established a new mandatory category for silica sand projects. In addition to the EAW content already required under statute and rule, an environmental assessment worksheet for silica sand projects must include "a hydrogeologic investigation assessing potential groundwater and surface water effects and geologic conditions that could create an increased risk of potentially significant effects on groundwater and surface water." There are interrelationships among geology,groundwater and surface water in some areas,particularly where karst conditions exist.Karst is typically found in the southeastern quarter of the state and should be carefully considered when siting a facility or stormwater ponds. EAWs for projects with karst conditions should also include information on shallow ground water,exposed bedrock,or karst conditions that include sinkholes or disappearing streams. It is important that information regarding geology and water in EAW Items 10 and 11 account for those interrelationships. Category Specific Guidance: Highway projects(Subp 22):For lengthy projects with a variety of adjoining land uses,provide a general overall description of the land uses and more detail for those areas where there may be conflicts or the land uses are more sensitive. Natural areas(Subp 30):Answer if grading or other erosion-causing activities will occur. Environmental Quality Board EAW Guidelines—October 2013 22