HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-02-20 PACKET 04.L.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 2/20/O8 � � � .
PREPARED BY: Community Development Howard Biin
ORIGINATING DEPARTIVIENT STAFF AUl`HOR
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COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST:
Consider authorizing the distribution of a Request for Qualifications to consulting firms for
preparation of the EIS for the Nelson Mine Expansion proposal.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the distribution of a Request for Qualifications to consulting firms for preparation of
the EIS.
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION:
❑ PLANNING
❑ PUBLIC SAFETY
❑ PUBLIC WORKS
❑ PARKS AND RECREATION
❑ HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS
❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY
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SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
DATE
REVIEWED
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APPROVED
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� MEMO/LETTER: John McCool dated 2/15/08
❑ RESOLUTION:
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGA� RECOMMENDATION:
❑ OTHER:
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS:
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City Administrator
DENIED
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Date
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COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: �APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER
CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE
MINNESOTA
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
FROM: John McCool, Senior Planner
DATE: February 15, 2008
RE: Request for Qualifications — Preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for the
Nelson Mine Expansion Proposal
I ntrod uction
Aggregate Industries is proposing to expand their sand and gravel mining operations south and east
of their current mining operations on Lower Grey Cloud Island. This additional land area
encompasses approximately 404 acres of land that is below the backwaters of the Mississippi River.
Because the National Environmental Policy Act requires the preparation of a Federal Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS), it was decided that the EIS should be prepared that satisfies both state and
federal requirements.
Background
On December 19, 2007, the City Council approved into an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers to jointly be designated as the Responsibie Governmental Unit (RGU) for the study. The
City Council also approved an agreement requiring Aggregate Industries to reimburse the City for alI
costs in preparing the EIS.
Discussion
Aggregate Industries will pay for the preparation of the EIS that satisfies state and federal EIS
requirements. The City and the Amy Corps wiii contract for consulting services necessary to
complete the EIS. The City, Army Corps, and Aggregate Industries will work together in the
selection of consultants and the scope of the consultant's contracts. Consulting services will include
a technical review for air quality, water quantity, water quality, noise, traffic, habitat impacts;
preparation of a draft EIS; review of the draft EIS for compliance with state and federal rules; and
preparation of answers to questions raised at the public meetings held concerning the EIS.
In addition, a technical workgroup of state agencies, city government, county officials, and federal
partners will meet throughout the process. Completing the review process and final adoption of the
EIS will take a couple years.
Action Requested
Authorize the distribution of a Request for Qualifications to consulting firms for preparation of the EIS.