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Haviland Fields Development <br />Finding of Facts and Record of Decision <br />Agency <br />Comment <br />Response <br />MN DNR <br />determined that this project will pose no impacts to <br />agricultural lands or activities. We have no further <br />comments. <br />Page 14, Stormwater. The increase in impervious <br />surfaces will also increase the amount of road salt <br />used in the project area. Chloride released into <br />groundwater as well as local lakes and streams does <br />not break down, and instead accumulates in the <br />environment, potentially reaching levels that are toxic <br />to aquatic wildlife and plants. Consider promoting <br />local business and city participation in the Smart <br />Salting Training offered through the Minnesota <br />Pollution Control Agency. There are a variety of classes <br />available for road applicators, sidewalk applicators, <br />and property managers. More information and <br />resources can be found at this website. Many winter <br />maintenance staff who have attended the Smart <br />Salting training — both from cities and counties and <br />from private companies — have used their knowledge <br />to reduce salt use and save money for their <br />organizations. <br />We also encourage cities and counties to consider how <br />they may participate in the Statewide Chloride <br />Management Plan and provide public outreach to <br />reduce the overuse of chloride. Here are some <br />educational resources for residents as well as a sample <br />ordinance regarding chloride use. <br />Page 14, Stormwater. We encourage the development <br />to use weed -free, native seed mixes in landscaping <br />and stormwater features to the greatest extent <br />possible in order to provide pollinator and wildlife <br />habitat. <br />Page 14, Stormwater. Please make sure that all <br />required avoidance measures for the Blanding's turtle <br />(state -threatened), are incorporated into the SWPPP <br />and construction plans. This section should mention <br />that only wildlife -friendly erosion control materials will <br />be used. <br />Page 21, Rare Features. This section states that <br />minimal tree removal will be required as part of the <br />project, however, Table 3: Cover Types shows that the <br />project proposes to remove over seven acres of trees, <br />which is a large impact in such a developed area and <br />near a river corridor. Even if significant trees are <br />replaced, it will take decades for new trees to grow <br />enough to provide the same ecological benefit. We <br />strongly encourage the proposer to preserve as many <br />trees as possible. <br />Comment noted. The project <br />proposer and/or building manager <br />will complete the Smart Salting <br />Training offered through the MPCA <br />to help reduce salt and chloride use. <br />The City will also consider how they <br />participate in the Statewide Chloride <br />Management Plan and project public <br />outreach to reduce chloride use. <br />Comment noted. Disturbed areas <br />will be reestablished using <br />appropriate native seed mixes, and <br />native plants will be used in <br />landscaping to help absorb water <br />and reduce the water demand for <br />irrigation. <br />Comment noted. The Threatened <br />and Endangered Species section <br />notes that the use of erosion control <br />blankets shall be limited to "bio- <br />netting" or "natural -netting" types, <br />and specifically not products <br />containing plastic mesh netting or <br />other plastic components. <br />Comment noted. Further ways to <br />minimize tree removal will be <br />considered as the project design <br />advances. <br />6 <br />