Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 08/21/2023

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.•��F1NESOLocal RGUs T9•. Preparing EAWS:A Procedural Guide for Preparing EAWs: A Procedural Guide for local RGUs Overview-Preparing an EAW Step 1—Determine whether the project Here's an overall summary of the steps involved in requires a mandatory EAW coordinating an Environmental Assessment Worksheet(EAW) In the environmental review rules,there are criteria that for environmental review: make EAWs mandatory for many different types of projects. These criteria are called"mandatory thresholds"and can be Steps 1-5 Preliminary steps found in MN Rule 4410.4300. If a project's size is above Steps 6-8 Get started the mandatory threshold for its category,then environmental review becomes mandatory(required). Steps 9-10 Review the data submittal Steps 11-16 Put the EAW on public notice and As a matter of practice,RGU staff should compare all project receive comments applications to the mandatory threshold list,making certain to review the appropriate threshold for the project type,but Steps 17-21 Reach an informed decision also thresholds for wetlands,streams,and ditches. RGU staff Step 22 Notify Required Parties can consult the EQB's guidance document called"A Guide to the Environmental Review Rules"(located on the EQB website)for a complete list of the mandatory thresholds for Introduction environmental review. There are three reasons for which an EAW can be ordered for a project: If RGU staff determine that a project requires mandatory environmental review,they should proceed to Step 3 of this ■ When the project crosses one of the mandatory EAW document. thresholds ■ When a Responsible Government Unit(RGU)orders a discretionary EAW Step 2—Determine whether a discretionary ■ When an RGU orders an EAW as a result of a citizen petition EAW should he ordered Any government unit with approval authority for a project can This document is designed to be another resource for RGU order a discretionary EAW if it determines that,because of staff that need to prepare a mandatory EAW,or those that the nature or location of the proposed project,the project may are reviewing a project for which a discretionary EAW have the potential for significant environmental effects. may be necessary. In addition to reviewing this document, there are other guidance documents and resources on the If the project does not meet the following criteria,however, Environmental Quality Board(EQB)website regarding it is considered exempt from environmental review,and a environmental review rules and procedures for EAWs discretionary EAW cannot be ordered. that may be useful. The EQB website is located at www.eqb.state.mn.us. The action or project must involve the physical manipulation of the environment,directly or indirectly. If RGU staff are uncertain of the procedures regarding citizen petitions for environmental review,they may wish to consult The action or project must involve at least one the documents on the EQB website,particularly"Guide to governmental approval,one form of governmental financial assistance,or be conducted by a the Environmental Review Rules"and"Processing Petitions: A Procedural Guide for Local Government RGUs". RGU government unit. staff may also contact EQB staff for assistance with questions ■ Action or project approval and construction must take beyond the scope of these materials. The EQB's phone place in the future;that is,projects already number,email,and mailing address can be found on its constructed or those with all required governmental website at www.egb.state.mn.us. approvals are not subject to further review unless an 4