DEPARTMENT: Attorney
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Join The Metropolitan Council In Challenging Environmental Impact Statement Adequacy Determination For Nelson Mine Backwater Project
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the County Attorney's Office to file, along with the Metropolitan Council, a petition for review of the City of Cottage Grove's (Cottage Grove) Determination of Adequacy of the Environmental Impact Statement for the Nelson Mine Backwater Project.
SUMMARY
Amrize Midwest Inc. (Amrize) is proposing to move its mine area that supports its existing Nelson Sand & Gravel Mine Facility. Details of the project and environmental review can be found here: https://www.cottagegrovemn.gov/598/Nelson-Mine-Backwaters-Project-EIS. The planned new mine area would be an approximately 395-acre parcel of land within the backwaters of the Mississippi River on Lower Grey Cloud Island, and the move would occur over a 20- to 25-year period. The project required the completion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Cottage Grove is the Responsible Government Unit designated for the EIS and is responsible for verifying the accuracy of environmental documents and complying with environmental review processes. Minnesota Rules Chapter 4410 control the environmental review process.
The proposed mine will reach 200' deep in the Mississippi River approximately 2,000' from Schaar's Bluff in Spring Lake Park Reserve. See attached Map. Spring Lake Park Reserve is located on a west-to-east flowing reach of the Mississippi River with north-facing bluffs and river terraces that support rare ecosystems and offer expansive river views. As one of seven "park reserves" in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Park System, Spring Lake Park Reserve is distinguished by its close relationship with the Mississippi River and its breadth of cultural and natural resources. The County has made and will continue to make significant investment in the Spring Lake Park Res...
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