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Riverstone South EAW <br />Draft — December 2020 <br />Field work was conducted during October 14-15, 2020, under the direction of Principal Investigator <br />Jeremy Nienow, PhD., RPA, and licensed archaeological surveyor. Fieldwork consisted of surface <br />surveying corn fields, a cabbage, and pumpkin patch, and shovel testing the wooded area. Surface <br />visibility in the agricultural fields ranged between 0 and 80%. Surface survey transects were spaced <br />on four to five -meter intervals. Fifty-two shovel tests were excavated. Shovel tests were typically 35- <br />40 centimeters (cm) wide and at least 80cm deep. <br />No prehistoric cultural material or archaeological features were identified during the field survey. <br />Shovel test profiles documented consistent ancient floodplain soils. Based on these results, no <br />additional archaeological work was recommended. The Phase I Archaeological Survey Report is <br />included in Appendix F. <br />15. Visual <br />Describe any scenic views or vistas on or near the project site. Describe any project related visual effects such <br />as vapor plumes or glare from intense lights. Discuss the potential visual effects from the project. Identify any <br />measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate visual effects. <br />There are no scenic views or vistas located on or adjacent to the project area. The project area is <br />near the Mississippi River, but the site has relatively gradual topography and does provide any views <br />that overlook the river. Substantial effects on visual resources are not anticipated in conjunction <br />with project development. Project development is expected to result in routine effects on visual <br />resources. The main visual effect will be the transition of views of the project area from mostly open <br />agricultural land to residential development. The project will not involve installation of intense <br />lights that would cause glare, nor will it include industries that would emit vapor plumes. <br />16. Air <br />a. Stationary source emissions. Describe the type, sources, quantities and compositions of any emissions <br />from stationary sources such as boilers or exhaust stacks. Include any hazardous airpollutants, criteria <br />pollutants, and any greenhouse gases. Discuss effects to air quality including any sensitive receptors, <br />human health or applicable regulatory criteria. Include a discussion of any methods used assess the <br />project's effect on air quality and the results of that assessment. Identify pollution control equipment and <br />other measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects from stationary source <br />emissions. <br />The proposed project does not include heavy industrial facilities, but the project will still involve <br />some stationary source air emissions. New residences and commercial buildings are expected to <br />include heating and cooling systems operated by natural gas and electricity, which will result in <br />direct or indirect sources of stationary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Emissions from heating <br />and cooling systems are expected to be similar to those from other homes in the surrounding area. <br />The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board is working on a framework for integrating greenhouse <br />gas (GHG) quantification and assessment requirements into the Environmental Review Program. <br />However, standard requirements and assessment methods are not yet complete. In light of this <br />constraint and in the absence of official guidance, the GHG assessment presented here is qualitative. <br />25 <br />