HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-11-26 PACKET 06.3A.
STAFF REPORT CASES: V2018-054, V2018-055, SP2018-066,
CUP2018-067, V2018-068, & EAW2018-069
ITEM: 6.3A
PUBLIC MEETING DATE: 11/26/18 TENTATIVE COUNCIL REVIEW DATE: 12/19/18
APPLICATION
APPLICANT: Up North Plastics, Inc.
REQUEST: An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW), a conditional use
permit, and a site plan review for the construction of an additional
428,353 square foot manufacturing facility on their site. They have also
applied for variances to maximum height requirements for the proposed
new buildings, silos and cooling towers; minimum architectural and
landscaping requirements; and location of loading docks.
SITE DATA
LOCATION: 9480 Jamaica Avenue South
ZONING: I-2, General Industry
GUIDED LAND USE: Industrial
LAND USE OF ADJACENT PROPERTIES: CURRENT GUIDED
NORTH: Commercial Commercial
EAST: Industrial Industrial
SOUTH: Industrial Industrial
WEST: Industrial Industrial
SIZE: Addition of 428,353 square feet
RECOMMENDATION
Approval, based on the findings of fact and subject to the conditions
stipulated in this staff report.
COTTAGE GROVE PLANNING DIVISION
Planning Staff Contact: John McCool, Senior Planner; 651-458-2874; jmccool@cottagegrovemn.gov
Application Accepted: 10/31/18 60-Day Review Deadline: 12/30/18
City of Cottage Grove Planning Division 12800 Ravine Parkway South Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastics Expansion Project
Site Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit & Variance Applications
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067,
V2018-054, V2018-055, V2018-068, & EAW2018-069
November 26, 2018
Proposal
Up North Plastics has applied for the following planning applications:
1. Variances:
a) Variance to City Code Title 11-6-5, Landscaping, to add trees and shrubs on the 88-acre
site.
b) Variance to City Code Title 11-6-13, Architecture, which requires the exterior wall for non-
residential structures that are visible from a highway, public street, park, or public view from
adjacent properties be composed of at least 65 percent Class 1 materials.
c) Variance to City Code Title 11-11-4, Development Standards, to exceed the 45-feet maxi-
mum building height to construct a 94.5-foot tall building; six 64-foot tall silos (70 feet at
top of the guardrail) that have a 18.5-foot diameter; sixteen 97-foot tall silos (102 feet at
top of the guardrail) that have a 29.75-foot diameter; and six additional silos that will be 97
feet tall (102 feet at top of the guardrails.
d) Variance to Title 11-11-5B(2), Performance Standards, regarding the ordinance require-
ment that loading docks shall not be permitted along the side of a building which faces a
public street.
2. Site plan review for their proposed construction of another plastic manufacturing facility con-
sisting of approximately 428,353 square feet. This proposed light industrial use will process
and convert a variety of plastic film products that are not currently produced in Up North
Plastic’s existing facility.
3. Conditional use permit application for Up North Plastic’s proposed site improvements as
shown on the site plan.
4. An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed construction of a new
manufacturing facility consisting of 428,353 square feet on Up North Plastic’s existing 88-acre
site. The proposed new building is located northwest of their existing manufacturing facility at
9480 Jamaica Avenue South.
The proposed new plant project includes 28 silos varying in height from 64 to 102 feet for storage
of plastic pellets that will be used in manufacturing a variety of plastic sheet materials. In addition,
212 parking spaces for employees are proposed along the west side of the new manufacturing
plant, additional concrete surfaced drive aisles will be constructed around the perimeter of the
new building, and two additional railroad spurs will be constructed. Access to the 212-employee
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 2 of 14
parking area will be at the north end of the Ideal Avenue cul-de-sac. Three stormwater basins will
also be graded on the property to manage their stormwater runoff from the additional impervious
surfaces (e.g. building, parking, outdoor storage areas, drive aisles, etc.).
The location map for the Up North Plastics site and proposed manufacturing facility is below:
Location Map
Review Process
Application Received: October 31, 2018
Acceptance of Completed Application: November 2, 2018
Tentative City Council Date: December 19, 2018
60-Day Review Deadline: January 1, 2019
Planning Considerations
Ordinance Criteria
Up North Plastic’s 88-acre site is zoned I-2, General Industry District. This zoning classification is
consistent with the industrial land use designation shown on the Future Land Use Map of the
City’s Future Vision 2030 Comprehensive Plan, adopted on March 2, 2011. The proposed ware-
house and light industrial uses operating within these structures and on the property are permitted
uses in the I-2 District. The current zoning classification and existing industrial land use are both
consistent with the proposed industrial land use classification in the draft 2040 Future Land Use
map for the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
The City’s Zoning Ordinance requires site plan approval for new structures and major additions
to existing structures. The purpose of the site plan review is to ensure that new development
conforms to the City’s development standards and ordinance regulations. Plastics manufacturing
and fabrication is a conditional use in the I-2 District. The ordinance lists 12 performance stand-
ards that must be met in order to grant the permit. All minimum building and parking setbacks are
compliant for this proposed expansion.
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 3 of 14
Along with the various site plan regulations associated with this new manufacturing plant, vari-
ances are required. The proposed metal exterior building materials, color scheme, and design for
this new manufacturing plant will be consistent with the existing exterior materials, color, and
texture on the existing manufacturing facility. The ordinance requires a minimum of 65 percent of
the exterior walls to consist of Class 1 building materials (i.e.; copper panels, fired clay face brick,
natural stone, synthetic or cultured stone, transparent glass, opaque or mirror window panels, or
other comparable or superior materials). The ordinance also states that all final architectural de-
signs and exterior wall surface materials shall be reviewed and approved by the Community
Development Director prior to the issuance of a building permit.
A variance is also necessary to allow the 17 truck access/loading dock doorways (typically 9 feet
by 10 feet) along the south side of the building. These doorways can be seen from the Ideal
Avenue cul-de-sac. City Code Title 11-11-5 specifically states loading docks “shall not be permit-
ted on the side of a building facing a public street.” The southwest corner of the new building will
be approximately 50 feet from the Ideal Avenue cul-de-sac.
A variance to the minimum landscaping requirements is also necessary. The 15 percent minimum
open space requirement for the 88-acre site is compliant, but the minimum number of trees and
shrubs on the property is not. There are several areas along Ideal Avenue, 95th Street, and
Jamaica Avenue that additional trees and shrubs could be planted. Planting additional trees, par-
ticularly along 95th Street and Ideal Avenue, will help mitigate some public views of outdoor
storage on Up North Plastic’s site.
Background
The original building was built by Whirlpool in 1965 and was used for the manufacturing and
assembly of home appliances. Whirlpool vacated the property in the early 1980’s.
In 1985, Up North Plastics bought the property and the City granted a height variance to allow
construction of two 100-foot towers, one 60-foot tower, and six 60-foot storage silos. A conditional
use permit was also approved. In 1990, Up North Plastics received approval to amend their con-
ditional use permit and a revised variance request to permit twelve 85-foot storage silos. Two of
the six 60-foot silos were removed from the site.
In 1996, Up North Plastics received approval to amend their conditional use permit and another
variance to permit construction of 12 more storage silos and 8 blending tanks. In 1998, Up North
Plastics received administrative approval to relocate a portion of their existing parking lot. The
new parking lot construction and old lot removal was completed in the spring of 1999.
In September 1999, the City Council approved a conditional use permit and site plan review for
expansion of the operation by constructing a 320-foot by 410-foot concrete storage pad for the
long-term storage of semi-trailers. The approval for the additional storage area was predicated on
prohibiting any long-term storage in the south and southeast parking lots and within the dock area.
The applicant was also required to install earth berms and landscaping to aid in screening the
trailer storage areas.
In 2015, Up North Plastics constructed an 86,640 square foot building addition on the west side
of their existing principal building. That project included concrete paving on the south, west, and
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 4 of 14
north sides of the proposed warehouse expansion. The paved expansion area on the south side
of the new addition included three loading docks and two truck doorway openings on the west
side of the addition. The area north of the building addition and on the west and north sides of the
existing 80-foot by 150-foot maintenance building was also paved for the ongoing outdoor storage
and parking for semi-trailers.
Site Characteristics
The entire site is approximately 88 acres and is located at the northwest corner of 95th Street and
Jamaica Avenue. The total gross floor area of their existing manufacturing, warehouse, and office
facility is approximately 381,540 square feet. Up North Plastics also has an existing accessory
building that is located northwest of their existing principal structure. This structure is 80 feet by
150 feet and is used to store their maintenance and operating equipment.
Three access drives exist on 95th Street and one access drive on Ideal Avenue. Public access
onto the property is restricted by a chain-link fence that is eight feet in height. Employee and visitor
parking are located on the east and southeast sides of the main manufacturing facility. The rest
of the paved areas are dedicated to truck maneuvering, parking, and outside storage along the
south, west, and north sides of the existing building. The large green spaces along Jamaica Ave-
nue, Ideal Avenue, and 95th Street are routinely mowed. Landscaping and earth-berms exist
along 95th Street and were installed in the 1999-2000 timeframe. The existing landscaping is
consistent with the requirements of the City’s approval in 1999 but does not comply with current
minimum landscaping requirements. A landscaping plan was not submitted. If approval of these
applications is considered by the City, a landscaping plan is recommended to be prepared and
submitted to the City before a building permit will be issued.
Up North Plastic’s perimeter is secured with a chain-link fence that is eight-feet in height. A portion
of this fence at the north end of the Ideal Avenue cul-de-sac will be modified for the new access
drive to connect to the 212 parking spaces proposed along the new manufacturing facility.
Up North Plastics accepts industrial grade low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low-density
polyethylene (LLDPE) plastics as well as plastic film. These materials are required to be dry and
free of contaminants. For this reason, those plastic materials are stored in semi-trailers located
on their property.
Site Plan
Up North Plastic’s site plan shows another plastic manufacturing facility consisting of approxi-
mately 428,353 square feet in the northwest corner of their 88-acre site. This proposed light in-
dustrial use will process and convert a variety of plastic film products that are not currently
produced in Up North Plastic’s existing facility. Other site improvements include the construction
of a 212-employee parking area along the west side of the new plant, construction of two to three
railroad track spurs along the west side of their existing railroad track spurs, and excavating three
stormwater basins along the south side of Canadian Pacific railroad track.
An illustration of these proposed improvements is shown on the next page.
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 5 of 14
Proposed Site Plan
Landscaping
The overall lawn maintenance and existing landscaping on the property was found to be generally
in good condition. Construction of the proposed new manufacturing plant will require about 30
trees to be removed.
City staff is recommending that a minimum of 150 trees be planted along the east side of Ideal
Avenue, on the south side of the semi-trailer storage area located west of the west access drive
on 95th Street, in the southeast corner of Up North Plastic’s property along 95th Street, and along
the west side of 95th Street. These trees should be a mix of deciduous and conifer trees. Photo-
graphs of the area along the east side of Ideal Avenue north of 95th Street, along the north side
of 95th Street, and the west side of Jamaica Avenue are shown on the next page.
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 6 of 14
East side of Ideal
Ave. - few trees
West side of Ideal
Outdoor trailer
Ave. – more trees
parking
Ideal Ave. Cul-de-sac Looking South Ideal Ave. Cul-de-sac Looking East
Ideal Ave. Cul-de-sac Looking East Ideal Ave. Cul-de-sac Looking East
95th Street Looking Northeast 95th Street Looking Northwest
The illustration on the next page is an aerial photo of the southern part of the Up North Plastics’
property. The green highlighted areas show where additional landscaping is recommended.
Enhancing these areas with additional landscaping will help screen public views from the public
roadways of outdoor storage.
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 7 of 14
Suggested Areas for Landscaping
Parking
The existing number of visitor and employee on-site parking spaces exceeds the City’s minimum
ordinance regulations for this office and manufacturing use. Constructing the proposed new
manufacturing plant will not eliminate any off-street parking but will include an additional 212 park-
ing spaces along the west side of the new plant.
Minimum parking standards and parking setbacks are compliant with zoning regulations.
Architecture
The proposed 428,353 square foot manufacturing plant is proposed to have the same uniform rib
metal panels with a masonry brick façade on all four sides. The lower eight feet of the building ele-
vation will be brick with the remaining portion of the façade being the insulated metal panels. The
main part of the new building will be approximately 40 feet in height, which is about nine feet taller
than the existing manufacturing plant. Along the east side of the new manufacturing plant, a portion
of the roof elevation will be elevated above the main plant. This elevated roof will have two tiers that
will extend approximately 27 feet and 54 feet above the 40-foot main building. The highest elevation
of this part of the building will be approximately 94.5 feet.
Illustrations of the masonry brick and insulated metal panels are shown on the next page.
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 8 of 14
By ordinance, the City would typically not support use of metal panels for the exterior walls of a
relatively large manufacturing facility. The ordinance permits the use of metal for accenting only.
However, given the design and materials of the existing manufacturing plant, staff supports the cur-
rent proposal to promote consistency between the existing and proposed new manufacturing plant.
A photograph of the west side of Up North Plastic’s existing plant is shown below:
Up North Plastics – West Elevation
Building elevations for the new 428,353 square foot manufacturing plant are shown on the next page.
A copy of these elevations is also attached to this planning staff report.
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 9 of 14
North Building Elevation
East Building Elevation
South Building Elevation
West Building Elevations
Proposed New Plant Illustration
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 10 of 14
Utilities
Up North Plastic’s property is within the Metropolitan Urban Service Area (MUSA). City sanitary
sewer and water services exist from 95th Street. All city utilities in this vicinity provide the neces-
sary capacities to serve the existing and proposed new manufacturing plants.
An 18-inch diameter watermain is located along Up North Plastic’s west property line. Their utility
plan shows approximately four 6-inch diameter water pipes that will extend from the existing 18-
inch diameter watermain to install fire-hydrants and gate valves into the site. An 8-inch diameter
watermain is also proposed to be extended along the north side of the proposed new building
from the 18-inch diameter watermain that is along the west property line. Additional fire hydrants
will be installed on the north and east sides of the new building.
The proposed building expansion will require a portion of the Up North Plastics’ stormwater and
water systems to be relocated around the new building. The property owner is required to flush
the water system and is responsible for maintaining their private watermains, hydrants, and fire
suppression systems.
The applicant must submit their utility and grading plan to the City Engineer, Public Safety De-
partment, Public Works Department, and Building Official for review and approval. The fire hydrant
placement on the site shall comply with the Fire Marshal’s requirements. Once these plans have
been approved by the City, a building permit will then be issued by the City. A review letter from
Bolton & Menk dated November 20, 2018, is included, which details the comments on the grading
and utility plans that will need to be addressed.
Stormwater Management Plan
A stormwater management plan (dated October 30, 2018) prepared by Loucks was submitted to
the City for review and approval. The document described the project site as being approximately
33.4 acres of disturbed area. The grading for the existing infiltration basin in the southwest corner
of Up North Plastics’ site is not proposed to be modified, although drainage areas to the basin will
shift slightly. Most of the new disturbed drainage will be directed to the east and treated in new
stormwater basins.
The City’s engineering consultant has reviewed the property owner’s stormwater management
plan. A letter from Bolton & Menk dated November 20, 2018, includes items that need to be
addressed. City approval of this report is required before a building permit can be issued for the
proposed building addition.
An illustration of the grade changes along the north and east sides of Up North Plastic’s site is
shown on the next page.
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 11 of 14
Public Hearing Notices
The public hearing notice was mailed to 25 property owners who are within 500 feet of the 88-
acre site and published in the South Washington County Bulletin on November 14, 2018. No
written comments were received as of November 15, 2018.
City Department Review and EDA Comments
Representatives from various City Departments reviewed the applicant’s site plan review and
conditional use permit applications on November 14, 2018. The Building Division will review the
constructions plans once a building permit application has been completed and submitted to the
City for review.
The Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) reviewed this project at their meeting
on October 9. They provided no comments or recommendation.
No comments or recommendations were received from other advisory commissions.
Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)
State statutes require the preparation of an EAW prior to the construction of a new, or expansion
of an existing, industrial facility, other than light warehousing or a light industrial facility, equal to
or in excess of 300,000 square feet in a second-class city. The purpose of the mandatory EAW is
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 12 of 14
to determine if the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is necessary. The
government unit responsible for environmental review is usually the unit with the greatest authority
over the project as a whole. For this project, the City of Cottage Grove was determined to be the
Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) assigned to the Up North Plastics – Cottage Grove
Plastics Manufacturing Facility Expansion EAW
Minnesota Statutes (Section 116D.04, Subdivision 2b and 4410.3100, Subpart 1) requires that
when an environmental review is being conducted, a project may not proceed and permits
authorizing the project may not be issued. The site plan review and platting applications have yet
to be filed, and there has been no permitted activity or other activities occurring on the site.
The draft Environmental Assessment Worksheet is published with the Environmental Quality
Board for a 30-day public review and comment period. The Up North Plastics – Cottage Grove
Plastics Manufacturing Facility Expansion EAW document will be published in the EQB Volume
42. No. 48 on November 26, 2018 and distributed to relevant governmental agencies at that time.
The official 30-day comment period for the Up North Plastics – Cottage Grove Plastics Manufac-
turing Facility Expansion EAW expires on December 26, 2018. After that date, the City of Cottage
Grove will review and provide comments on the EAW based on testimony received at the public
hearing on December 19. After the official comment period closes, the comments will be collated,
and a compilation of comments will be reviewed by the City Council on January 2, 2019, who will
make a determination of the requirement of an EIS and then redistribute a response to the com-
ments and the final decision to the EQB for publication. An appeal of an EAW or EIS need decision
or EIS adequacy must be initiated within 30 days of the RGU decision being challenged (Minne-
sota Statutes, Section 116D.04, Subdivision 10).
Findings
The Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for Up North Plastics was found to be sufficient
to ascertain the negative need to prepare an EIS based on the following conclusions:
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 13 of 14
1. Consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
2. Properly prepared utilizing proper methodologies.
3. Properly prepared utilizing proper and commonly accepted assumptions and rationale.
4. Properly published.
5. Properly noticed.
6. In compliance with required public hearing requirements.
7. Not predicted to cause a negative impact on any of the established criteria of impact
measurement.
Recommendations
That the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council the granting of all variances de-
scribed in this planning staff report and the site plan review and conditional use permit applications
filed by Up North Plastics as shown on the development plans prepared by Loucks dated October
31, 2018. Also, that the Planning Commission recommend that the City Council find that there is
a negative need to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Up North Plastics de-
velopment and associated subdivision, and that the EAW was sufficient to ascertain the negative
need to prepare an EIS based on the established findings. This recommended approval will allow
Up North Plastics to proceed in constructing their 428,353 square foot manufacturing plant.
Approval of the applications is subject to the following conditions:
1. All applicable permits (i.e., building, electrical, mechanical) and a commercial plan review
packet must be completed, submitted, and approved by the Building Official, Fire Marshal,
City Engineer, and Public Works Director prior to the commencement of any construction
activities.
2. All lighting must meet City Code requirements and be downward directed with cut-offs. The
specifications of all light fixtures must be provided with the application for a building permit.
3. The final architectural plans and exterior construction materials and colors must be reviewed
and approved by the Community Development Director prior to the issuance of a building
permit.
4. The grading and erosion control plan for the site must comply with NPDES II Permit require-
ments. Erosion control devices must be installed prior to commencement of any grading activ-
ity. Erosion control must be performed in accordance with the recommended practices of the
“Minnesota Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Planning Handbook” and the con-
ditions stipulated in Title 10-5-8, Erosion Control During Construction, of the City’s Subdivision
Ordinance.
5. The applicant must provide the City with an as-built survey of all private utilities prior to issuance
of the certificate of occupancy.
6. Roof-top mechanical units shall be screened as required in City Code Title 11-6-4.
Planning Staff Report
Up North Plastic’s Expansion Project – Planning Staff Report
Planning Case Nos. SP2018-066, CUP2018-067, V2018-054, V2018-055, and V2018-068
November 26, 2018
Page 14 of 14
7. Solid waste storage and/or storage in closed containers must be screened in compliance with
City Code Title 11-6-3, Solid Waste Storage, regulations.
8. All mechanical equipment screening and trash enclosures must be constructed of materials
that are consistent with the principal building’s exterior materials.
9. Storm sewer pipe must be reinforced concrete pipe (RCP).
10. The property owner is responsible for maintaining the stormwater basins. A stormwater man-
agement plan and the stormwater design shall be compliant with the City’s Surface Water
Management Plan and South Washington Watershed District’s (SWWD) regulations. Final
drainage plans must be submitted to the City Engineer and South Washington Watershed
District for review. A separate maintenance agreement for the stormwater basins must be
executed prior to the City issuing a certificate of occupancy for the new addition.
11. Up North Plastics must allow the City access to the private fire hydrants for inspection and
periodic flushing. If access is not granted, Up North Plastics will be required to flush the system.
12. Fire hydrant placement on the site shall comply with the Fire Marshal’s requirements. Once
these plans have been approved by the City, a building permit will then be issued.
13. A Right-of-way Permit application must be filed with the City Engineer for review and must be
approved before a building permit can be issued.
14. Additional landscaping is required for those areas along Ideal Avenue, 95th Street, and
Jamaica Avenue (as shown in the illustration on page 7 of this planning staff report). A land-
scaping plan must be submitted to the Planning Division for review and approval. A minimum
of 150 trees of varying species must be planted in a timely manner. A letter of credit in the
amount of 150 percent of the landscape estimate shall be submitted to the City as required by
City Code Title 11-6-5. The financial guarantee shall be in effect for one year from the date of
installation to ensure the installation, survival, and replacement of the landscaping improve-
ments.
15. All ground surfaces impacted by construction activity must be seeded and mowed.
16. Address all comments in the Bolton & Menk Letter dated November 20, 2018.
Prepared by:
John McCool, AICP
Senior Planner
Attachments:
Site Plan
Building and Wall Sections Details
Draft EAW
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
EXISTING CONDITIONS
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
OVERALL SITE DEMOLITION PLAN
01-045E
10-18-19 SFM
SURVEY LIMITS
UP NORTH PLASTICS
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SITE DEMOLITION PLAN NORTH
C1-5SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SITE DEMOLITION PLAN WEST
C1-5SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SITE DEMOLITION PLAN EAST
C1-4SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
OVERALL SITE PLAN
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SITE PLAN NORTH
C2-4SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SITE PLAN WEST
C2-4SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SITE PLAN EAST
C2-3SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
OVERALL GRADING PLAN
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
GRADING PLAN NORTH
C3-4SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
GRADING PLAN WEST
C3-4SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
6.7%
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
GRADING PLAN EAST
C3-3SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
OVERALL SWPPP
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SWPPP NORTH
C3-8SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SWPPP WEST
C3-8SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SWPPP EAST
C3-7SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
SWPPP NOTES
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
OVERALL UTILITY PLAN
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
UTILITY PLAN NORTH
C4-4SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
12
6' - 30" RC
P @ 0.45%
127' - 21" RCP @ 0.25%153' - 15" RCP @ 0.35%
122' - 24" RCP @ 0.25%%3.0 @ PCR "81 - '331
115' - 21" RCP @ 0.25%129' - 21" RCP @ 0.25%
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
UTILITY PLAN WEST
C4-4SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
%0.1 @ PCR "12 - '934
153' - 15" RCP @ 0.35%
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
UTILITY PLAN EAST
C4-3SEE SHEET
MATCH LINE
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
DETAILS
9480 JAMAICA AVE S, COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
BUILDING ADDITION
UP NORTH PLASTICS
DETAILS
1'-0"1'-0"
SEE PLANSEE PLAN18'-0"
36"6"
60" - 66"48"
4.0' DEPTH
MAXIMUM
COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
9480 JAMAICA AVE. S.
UP NORTH PLASTICS -BUILDING 2
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
9480 JAMAICA AVE. S.
UP NORTH PLASTICS -BUILDING 2
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
102' - 0"
80' - 0"
COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
9480 JAMAICA AVE. S.
UP NORTH PLASTICS -BUILDING 2
EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
80' - 0"
102' - 0"
COTTAGE GROVE, MN 55016
9480 JAMAICA AVE. S.
UP NORTH PLASTICS -BUILDING 2
PERSPECTIVE VIEWS
MEMORANDUM
Date:11/20/2018
To:Ryan Burfeind, PE
From:Mike Boex, PE
Subject: Up North Plastics Building Addition Preliminary Plan Review
City of Cottage Grove, MN
Project No.: N14.117690
This memo summarizes the review of documents submitted by Loucks, dated 10/31/18.
Sheet C1-4:
1.The areas of Ideal Avenue that depict removal and replacement of bituminous surfacing for
utilities and driveway apron will also require a mill/overlay of the entire cul-de-sac bubble per
city detail STR-21, due the proposed patching of the street as well as the anticipated traffic/
damage in the cul-de-sac during construction. Coordinate the work with the adjacent auto
marshalling yard.
a.A city right-of-way permit will be required for the work on Ideal Avenue.
2.Remove and replace the segment of existing curb between the sewer trench disturbance and
the new driveway disturbance.
Sheet C1-5:
3.Clarify how the existing utility information on the project was obtained. Were all pipe sizes and
materials confirmed via visual inspection and was anything televised?
4.Due to potential unknown or undocumented utilities on the site, the City shall be notified during
construction as additional undocumented utilities or conflicts are encountered.
Sheet C2-3:
5.The proposed bituminous pavement on Ideal Avenue is presumably detailed on sheet 8-2. The
existing pavement section on Ideal is 6.5” bituminous over 8” class 5 aggregate base. Please
revise the detail on sheet 8-2 to match the existing section. The bituminous pavement should
utilize E-oil as a minimum.
Sheet C3-2:
6.For stormwater facilities with emergency overflows, the low entry elevation for all new
structures must be a minimum of 3 feet above both the peak surface water elevation for the
100-year precipitation event and 2 feet above the emergency overflow elevation of any
immediately adjacent new stormwater basin. For backyard and side-yard conveyance and
Up North Plastics Building Addition Preliminary Plan Review
Page: 2
temporary ponding areas, there must be at least 1 foot between the overland overflow
elevation and the low entry of the adjacent structure.
a.Label all EOFs to confirm the 1’ requirement has been provided to the finished floor
elevation. The proposed finished floor/low opening shall be clearly labeled on the civil
sheets. Based on the submitted plan, it appears that 1’ may not have not been provided
in some areas, for example on the east side of the building and the 807.5 spot elevation.
b. Please verify that adequate freeboard is provided, including Pond 1 and Pond 2.
7.The stormwater feature is labeled as a pretreatment basin, however this basin does not indicate
a clay liner like the pretreatment basin on sheet 3-4 and the submitted modeling indicates
infiltration. Infiltration within the 10-year Composite Groundwater Capture Zone will not be
allowed, therefore the basin should be lined.
8.The retaining wall adjacent to the parking area is over 4-ft high in some areas. Per city code,
wall over 4’ must be designed by a registered engineer and must be reviewed and approved by
the City Engineer. In addition, city code states walls over 30” in height in pedestrian traffic areas
shall be fenced along the top edge of the wall.
9.Clarify the distance from the proposed retaining wall (both top and bottom) to the existing trunk
watermain. The City will evaluate the surcharge load on the pipe due to height of the wall and
proximity to the pipe as well as distance to the wall for future maintenance. Potholing the
watermain will more accurately determine actual existing horizontal location relative to the
proposed design.
10.Confirm proposed grading maintains minimum cover over the existing 18" trunk water main in
the northwest corner of the site. It is recommended that the developer pothole the existing
watermain to determine elevation of the pipe in the vicinity of the proposed grading.
Sheet C3-4:
th
11.It is known that shallow bedrock exists just south of 95 Street, therefore soil borings should be
provided to determine if pond grading will encounter rock and if infiltration will be feasible or if
filtration will be required.
12.The trunk watermain along Jamaica Avenue should be located and the developer should pothole
the pipe to confirm horizontal location and cover.
Sheet C3-7:
13.Place inlet protection on the first downstream catch basins on Ideal Avenue.
Sheet C4-1:
14.Note 11 should be modified to reflect that all storm sewer pipe and structures shall be RCP
except as directed by the Department of Labor & Industry.
15.Clarify the meaning and use of note 19.
Sheet C4-2:
16.FES-14 has a discharge velocity of 8.4 ft/s entering the basin. Reduce to a maximum of 6 ft/s
with rip rap into the pretreatment basin.
Up North Plastics Building Addition Preliminary Plan Review
Page: 3
17.Please note that the city watermain along Ideal Avenue is on the city’s low pressure zone (HWL
= 935). The existing building appears to be served off the watermain along Jamaica Avenue
which is on the intermediate zone (HWL = 990).
18.It appears a fire service is being provided for the proposed building, confirm that a 4” service is
adequate for fire protection. The City’s Fire Marshall will review onsite hydrant coverage and
locations.
19.90-degree bends should not be used on the watermain system and a series of smaller bends
should be used instead.
20.The multiple proposed wet-taps on the 18" trunk water main should be reduced to the greatest
extend possible.
a.The proposed wet-tap of the existing 18" trunk main for a hydrant (lead) by CB-27
should be relocated and an 8x6 tee installed off the proposed 8" DIP.
b.The proposed wet-tap of the existing 18" trunk main for a hydrant (lead) by CB-23
should be reviewed by the fire marshal to determine if the hydrant is necessary.
21.It appears a water main offset is needed east of CBMH-31 & CBMH-32, due to depth of storm
sewer at 7.5' to 8.5'.
Sheet C4-3:
22.The proposed wet-tap of the existing 18" trunk main for a hydrant (lead) southwest of CB-1
should be relocated with 6x6 tee installed off the proposed 6" DIP.
23.It appears the water main is only 5' off the building at the southeast corner of the
proposed building.
24.It appears there may be a possible water main conflict with the sanitary sewer at the southwest
corner of the building.
25.The proposed sanitary manhole should be identified as private structure, and the proposed 8"
sewer should be a private service line.
26.The existing 36" storm sewer stubbed out directly east of the Ideal cul-de-sac should be
removed back to the existing city manhole based on the proposed storm sewer system.
27.Clarify the extents of the retaining wall on sheet C3-3 as it relates to the proposed storm sewer.
The limits of the wall (if present) are not clear on C3-3 as only one wall elevation is labeled.
Sheet C4-4:
28.Explain why on OCS-36 and OCS-39 the weir elevation is higher than the rim elevation.
29.It is preferred that the infiltration basin be off-line from the pretreatment basin. Modify the
design such that the outlet on the infiltration basin is eliminated.
30.Use the city standard skimmer structure (detail STO-16) in place of the FES and OCS-39 on the
pretreatment basin.
31.The removals on sheet C1-5 do not depict the storm pipe under the proposed pretreatment
basin.
Up North Plastics Building Addition Preliminary Plan Review
Page: 4
32.Where MH-41 connects to the existing storm sewer system, depict the existing pipe size and
material on the plans. Also depict how this pipe connects to the city storm system on sheet C1-
1.
33.Depict the pipe size and material that MH-54 connects to. Based on sheet C1-5, it appears it
may be 18” RCP. The proposed storm sewer should not reduce pipe sizes downstream,
therefore additional pipe may need to be removed to make an appropriate connection to a
larger pipe.
34.The rational method does not depict all pipes, for example the segments from 52-54 are
missing. The rational spreadsheet should also depict all onsite piping to the city system.
Sheet C8-2:
35.Incorporate the City’s standard detail for heavy duty silt fence (ERO-3).
Stormwater:
36.A stormwater maintenance agreement shall be required for all basins.
37.Three existing infiltration basins on the site are located within the 10-year composite
groundwater capture zone. One of these basins will be removed, one basin will remain
unchanged, and the third basin (2P) will be expanded in size, contributing drainage area, and
infiltration capacity. Expansion of this basin will require the basin to become a wet basin and
infiltration within the 10-year Composite Groundwater Capture Zone will not be allowed.
a.Can the water being directed to the existing basin in the southwest corner of the site be
redirected to the basins on the east side of the site? If not, demonstrate why that isn’t
feasible.
38.A new infiltration basin is proposed within the Groundwater Management Zone, but outside of
the 10-year Composite Groundwater Capture Zone. It is our understanding the City’s
groundwater consultant has reviewed and approved the proposed infiltration location outside
of the 10-year Composite Groundwater Capture Zone.
39.The City requires a uniform volume control treatment equal to 1” of runoff from the net
increase in impervious areas. The SWPPP indicates an area of disturbance of 33.41 acres and
impervious areas of 5.8 acres existing and 31.98 acres proposed. Therefore, a net increase in
impervious surfaces of 26.18 acres is proposed. The HydroCAD models indicate existing and
proposed impervious areas of 28.55 and 48.68 acres, and a net increase in impervious area of
20.13 acres. Please explain the difference in net impervious values.
40.Stormwater Modeling: A HydroCAD model was prepared of existing and proposed conditions.
Atlas 14 precipitation depths were used in the analyses.
a.The parcel size is approximately 88 acres. The existing and proposed models simulated
areas of 64 acres. Please describe the 24 acres of the site that is not included in the
modeling.
41.The City requires adequate pretreatment of stormwater runoff from development and
redevelopment activities prior to discharge into all waterbodies. Identify proposed sumps or
other pretreatment measures.
Up North Plastics Building Addition Preliminary Plan Review
Page: 5
42.Soil Borings: Soil borings are required in the vicinity of proposed volume control BMPs. Borings
are needed to identify soil conditions and the presence of groundwater or bedrock. Soil borings
should extend a minimum of 3 feet below the lowest constructed elevation of proposed BMPs.
The applicant used an infiltration rate of 1.5 inches per hour for the new infiltration basin in the
HydroCAD models, this value should be verified once the soil borings are available. Please also
provide documentation for the infiltration rates used in the model for the existing basins. For
example, the stormwater narrative indicates that Pond 4P has a “confirmed rate” of 3.9 inches
per hour, so please provide the test report.
43.Rational Storm Sewer Design:
a.Calculations of rational design have been submitted for a 10-year design. Please include
pond 100-year outflows in addition to the 5-year local rational inflows within the storm
drain designs.
b.Outlet Control Structure Detail 4316 on C8-2: Weirs are shown for OCS 36 and 39.
Please check and verify that these weirs are intended in the OCS structures.
44.NPDES Construction Stormwater Permit: As this project disturbs more than 1 acre, an NPDES
Construction Stormwater Permit and SWPPP will be required.
July 2013 version
Environmental Assessment Worksheet
This Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) form and EAW Guidelines are
http://www.eqb.state.mn.us/EnvRevGuidanceDocuments.htm. The EAW form
provides information about a project that may have the potential for significant
environmental effects. The EAW Guidelines provide additional detail and resources for
completing the EAW form.
Cumulative potential effects can either be addressed under each applicable EAW Item, or
can be addresses collectively under EAW Item 19.
Note to reviewers: Comments must be submitted to the RGU during the 30-day comment
period following notice of the EAW in the EQB Monitor. Comments should address the
accuracy and completeness of information, potential impacts that warrant further
investigation and the need for an EIS.
1. PROJECT TITLE
Up North Plastics Cottage Grove Plastics Manufacturing Facility Expansion
2. PROPOSER
Proposer: Up North Plastics
Contact person: Mr. John Hill
Title: Engineering Manager
Address: 9480 Jamaica Ave
City, State, ZIP: Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Phone: 651-734-6246
Fax: 651-734-5646
Email: johnh@upnplastics.com
3. RGU
RGU:
Contact person: Christine Costello
Title: Economic Development Director
Address: 12800 Ravine Parkway South
City, State, ZIP: Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Phone: 651-458-2824
Fax: 651-458-2897
Email: ccostello@cottagegrovemn.gov
4. REASON FOR EAW PREPARATION: (check one)
Required: Discretionary:
Mandatory EAW
page 1
If EAW or EIS is mandatory give EQB rule category subpart number(s) and name(s):
Minnesota Rule 4410.4300 Subpart 14 B, 3: For construction, of a new or expansion of
an existing industrial, commercial, or institutional facility, other than light warehousing or a
light industrial facility, equal to or in excess of 300,000 square feet in a second-class city.
The local government shall be the RGU.
5. PROJECT LOCATION
County: Washington
City/Township: Cottage Grove
PLS Location (¼, ¼, Section, Township, Range): NW ¼ and SW ¼ of Section 21, Range
21, Township 27
Watershed (81 major watershed scale): Mississippi River Twin Cities
GPS Coordinates: 44.811553 N and -92.939356 W
Tax Parcel Number: 163-2102721230001
At a minimum attach each of the following to the EAW:
County map showing the general location of the project;
U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 minute, 1:24,000 scale map indicating project boundaries
(photocopy acceptable); and
Site plans showing all significant project and natural features. Pre-construction site
plan and post-construction site plan.
Figures:
Figure 1: Site Location Map
Figure 2: Site Aerial Photo
Figure 3: Conceptual Site Plan for Proposed Expansion Project
Figure 4: Pre and Post Project Land Cover Map
Figure 5: Soils and Prime Farmland
Figure 6: City of Cottage Grove Zoning Map
Figure 7: County Well Index and Geologic Features
Figure 8: Water Resources Map
Figure 9: Architectural and Historic Resources
Tables:
Table 1: Comparison of Existing, Proposed, and Combined Facility Components
Table 2: Project Magnitude Data
Table 3: Existing and Proposed Land Cover Data
Table 4: Required Permits and Approvals
Table 5: Yard Requirements for the I-2 District
Table 6: Soils Series on the Project Site
Table 7: Total Daily Traffic Accessing the Up North Plastics Facility
Table 8: Comparison of the Traffic
Appendices:
Appendix 1: Natural Heritage Information System Sensitive Species Review
Appendix 2: State Historic Preservation Office Database Review
Appendix 3: 2011 Facility Noise Assessment
page 2
6. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
a. Provide the brief project summary to be published in the EQB Monitor,
(approximately 50 words).
Up North Plastics (UNP) is proposing to expand their existing plastic manufacturing
facility by approximately 428,353 sq ft in Cottage Grove, Minnesota. The proposed
expansion would manufacture blown plastic film trash bags, which are new to the
site, and plastic sheeting products. The expansion project will essentially double the
size and production capacity of the existing facility.
b. Give a complete description of the proposed project and related new construction,
including infrastructure needs. If the project is an expansion include a description of
the existing facility. Emphasize: 1) construction, operation methods and features
that will cause physical manipulation of the environment or will produce wastes, 2)
modifications to existing equipment or industrial processes, 3) significant demolition,
removal or remodeling of existing structures, and 4) timing and duration of
construction activities.
UNP operates an existing plastic manufacturing facility located at 9480 Jamaica
Avenue in Cottage Grove, Minnesota (Figure 1). UNP is a wholly owned subsidiary of
the parent company Poly-America that is based in Grand Prairie, Texas. Poly-America
owns two other plastics manufacturing facilities including Poly-West located in
Henderson, Nevada and Carolina-Poly in Chester, South Carolina. They also own a
plastics recycling facility near Houston, Texas. The existing facility in Cottage Grove
is the only asset owned by Poly-America in Minnesota. The existing UNP facility was
previously owned by a different private owner and moved to this current location in
Cottage Grove in 1985. Poly-America purchased UNP in the Spring of 1990 and has
been operating the facility since that time. There was a previous expansion of the
facility completed in 2002 which added 165,000 sq ft of warehouse space to increase
storage capacity at the facility. There was an additional 86,400 sq ft of warehouse
space added in 2015.
Existing Manufacturing Plant
UNP manufactures blown film plastic products, including sheeting products that are
used in the construction, agricultural and sheet wrap markets. The existing plastic
manufacturing facility is 424,800 sq ft in size and is located on an 86.6-acre site
within an existing industrial area of Cottage Grove. The existing facility includes the
manufacturing plant, office area, storage silos, warehouse, truck loading docks, rail
spur, truck scales, trailer parking area, security entrance with guard shack, and
employee parking area (Figure 2). There are currently 266 employees at the facility.
The plant operates 24 hours a day, with two shifts for the workers in the
manufacturing plant. Approximately 140 employees access the facility each day. The
raw materials used in the plastic manufacturing process are polyethylene-based
materials including low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene
(LLDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE). Raw materials are transported to
the facility primarily via the rail spur and kept in storage silos. The total raw material
input is approximately 15,000,000 pounds per month. There are 24 storage silos
page 3
with a capacity of 1,000,000 pounds and five storage silos with a capacity of 250,000
pounds at the facility. A pneumatic transfer system is used to move the polyethylene
from the rail cars to the storage silos. The materials are moved from the storage
silos into the manufacturing building where the blown film is created using fourteen
extrusion lines. The sheeting is cooled within towers that range from 62 to 102 feet
tall. After cooling, the finished product is packaged, placed on pallets, shrink
wrapped, and stored within the warehouse. The material is loaded onto truck trailers
and then transported off site to the marketplace. The total amount of plastic product
produced at the existing facility is 15,000,000 pounds per month which is
transported offsite via trucks, with a total of 400 truckloads each month
(approximately 14 truckloads per day).
Proposed Expansion Project
The proposed expansion project would include the addition of a 428,353 sq ft
manufacturing area and warehouse which will also be a blown film process to
produce trash bags and sheeting products. The expansion project will be constructed
to the north of the existing manufacturing plant, converting some of the trailer
parking and lawn areas to the new plant facilities (Figure 3). The raw materials used
in the expansion project will be the same as those polyethylene products used in the
existing facility. New rail spurs and 22 new storage silos will be added to the facility,
including 16 silos with a 2,000,000 pound capacity and six silos with a 250,000
pound capacity. Six additional silos are projected to be needed due to product mix
and new product development in the future. The expansion project will also include
new cooling towers. The total production capacity of the new extrusion process for
the proposed expansion is 20,000,000 pounds of product produced per month. A
new warehousing area capable of storing 17,000,000 pounds of finished product will
be added to the facility. The expansion project will include 240 additional employees
and would add up to 500 truckloads per month (approximately 17 truckloads per
day) to transport the finished product off site. The production facility will continue to
operate 24 hours per day for plastic manufacturing. UNP will also modify the existing
parking areas, storm water management facilities, landscaping, and screening areas
on the project site to accommodate the expansion project. A comparison of the
facility components existing UNP manufacturing facility and the proposed expansion
project is provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Comparison of UNP facility components for the existing facility, proposed
expansion, and total combined facility.
Total
Proposed
Facility Component Existing Combined
Expansion
Facility
Manufacturing and 424,800 sq ft 428,353 sq ft 853,153 sq ft
Warehouse Area
Storage Silos 24 22 (+6 future) 46 (+6 future)
Employees 266 230 496
Truck Shipments 400/month 500/month 900/month
Production Capacity 15,000,000 20,000,000 35,000,000
lbs/month lbs/month lbs/month
page 4
UNP is in the process of completing the balance of plant engineering design as well
as the project site modifications and design. Anticipated completion of the
engineering and design for the proposed facility expansion and site modifications is
expected by February 2019. UNP anticipates construction for the expansion project
to begin in approximately March 2019 after all permits and approvals are received.
The construction process is estimated to take 18 to 24 months with a proposed initial
operational date for the expansion facility of Q4 2020. After the initial startup, there
would be ramp up period for the new facility, which is estimated to reach full
production capacity in Q3 2022.
c. Project magnitude:
Table 2: Project Magnitude Data.
Total Project Acreage 86.6 acres
Linear project length Na
Number and type of residential units Na
Commercial building area (in square Na
feet)
Industrial building area (in square Existing: 424,800 sq ft
feet) Proposed: 428,353 sq ft
Total: 853,153 sq ft
Institutional building area (in square Na
feet)
Other uses specify (in square feet) Parking Areas
Lawn and Landscaping
Structure height(s) Existing
Building: 30 feet
Storage Silos: 64-74 feet
Cooling Towers: 62-102 feet
Proposed
Building: 37 feet
Storage Silos: 64- 97 feet
Cooling Towers: 67-98 feet
d. Explain the project purpose; if the project will be carried out by a governmental unit,
explain the need for the project and identify its beneficiaries.
The purpose of the expansion project is to increase the production capacity of the
Cottage Grove facility while also adding the manufacturing of new products including
trash bags at this location. The expansion project will allow UNP to be more
competitive and create increased market share in several of the sheet plastic
markets.
e. Are future stages of this development including development on any other property
planned or likely to happen? Yes No
If yes, briefly describe future stages, relationship to present project, timeline and
plans for environmental review.
page 5
f. Is this project a subsequent stage of an earlier project? Yes No
If yes, briefly describe the past development, timeline and any past environmental
review.
7. COVER TYPES
Estimate the acreage of the site with each of the following cover types before and after
development:
Land cover analysis at the project site utilized the Minnesota Land Cover Classification
System (MLCCS) to determine pre-development land cover. For the pre-development land
cover analysis, the generalized land cover classification within MLCCS was used. Land cover
categories are listed in Table 3 below. A preliminary site development plan was utilized to
compare land cover between the before and after development conditions.
The UNP facility is an existing industrial manufacturing site. The main land cover categories
at the site include lawn/landscaping areas and impervious surfaces such as parking areas
and buildings. There are no wetlands, forests, water bodies, grasslands, or agricultural
areas at the project site. A comparison of pre and post development land cover for the
proposed expansion project is displayed in Figure 4. The majority of the land cover changes
at the site due to the proposed expansion project will be the reduction in lawn/landscaping
areas and an increase in impervious surfaces for the new manufacturing plant, warehouse,
and storage silos (Table 3). The post development land cover will also include new
stormwater management features.
Table 3: Land cover for the project site before and after the proposed development.
Before After Before After
Wetlands 0 0 Lawn/landscaping 42.9 27.2
Deep water/streams 0 0 Impervious surface 43.2 58.3
Wooded/forest 0 0 Stormwater Pond 0.5 1.1
Brush/Grassland 0 0 Other (describe)
Cropland 0 0
TOTAL 86.6 86.6
8. PERMITS AND APPROVALS REQUIRED
List all known local, state and federal permits, approvals, certifications and financial
assistance for the project. Include modifications of any existing permits, governmental
review of plans and all direct and indirect forms of public financial assistance including bond
guarantees, Tax Increment Financing and infrastructure. All of these final decisions are
prohibited until all appropriate environmental review has been completed. See Minnesota
Rules, Chapter 4410.3100.
page 6
Table 4: Required Project Permits and Approvals
Unit of Government Types of Application Status
State
Minnesota Department of
Water Appropriation Permit To be applied for, if needed
Natural Resources (MDNR)
Very Small Quantity Hazardous
To be amended
Waste Generator License
State General Industrial Storm
To be amended
Water Permit
Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA)
NPDES Construction Storm
To be applied for
Water Permit
Underground Storage Tank
To be applied for
Notification (UST) Permit
Local
Solid Waste Generator License To be amended
Washington County Building permits To be applied for, if needed
Right-of-way Excavation Permit To be applied for, if needed
Zoning Approval To be amended
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) To be amended
Building permits To be applied for
City of Cottage Grove
Right-of-way Excavation Permit To be applied for, if needed
Utility Connection Permits To be applied for, if needed
Utility Repair Permit To be applied for, if needed
SWWD Project Review Erosion
South Washington
Control, Storm Water To be applied for
Watershed District (SWWD)
Management, Wetlands
Cumulative potential effects may be considered and addressed in response to
individual EAW Item Nos. 9-18, or the RGU can address all cumulative potential
effects in response to EAW Item No. 19. If addressing cumulative effect under
individual items, make sure to include information requested in EAW Item No. 19
9. LAND USE
a. Describe:
i. Existing land use of the site as well as areas adjacent to and near the site,
including parks, trails, prime or unique farmlands.
The site is an existing industrial facility that manufactures plastic products. The
project site primarily consists of existing industrial buildings, storage silos, and
paved parking and drive areas for employees and transport trucks. Adjacent
areas include industrial and commercial properties, with agricultural and
residential property in the greater vicinity. Wag Farms Dog Park is located one
quarter mile east of the facility. Hamlet Park and Woodridge Park are located
within one mile of the project site and Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural
page 7
Area is located over one mile southwest. There are no parks or trails within the
project site. A portion of the site is considered prime farmland (Figure 5).
Greater discussion of onsite soils is provided in Item 10.
ii. Plans. Describe planned land use as identified in comprehensive plan (if
available) and any other applicable plan for land use, water, or resources
management by a local, regional, state, or federal agency.
The City of Cottage Grove has identified planned land use for this area in the
Cottage Grove 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan was
adopted March 2011.
Comprehensive Plan is to continue to maintain and revitalize existing
residential, industrial, and commercial areas. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan
identified this area as planned future industrial land, including manufacturing
and distribution of industrial goods. The 2040 Draft Comprehensive Plan,
though currently under development, is anticipated to take effect December
2018. The 2040 Planned Land Use map also designates this area for industrial
use.
The project site is within the South Washington Watershed District (SWWD).
The SWWD Watershed Management Plan aims to address local issues of
flooding, natural resources, groundwater sustainability, water quality, and
climate change. The SWWD is responsible for enforcing district rules to improve
water quality and manage stormwater runoff within the watershed. The City of
Cottage Grove 2040 Draft Comprehensive Plan contains a Local Surface Water
Management Plan (LSWMP) that was enacted in 2008 and updated in 2018 as
per Minnesota Statutes 103B. The LSWMP serves to meet the requirements of
the SWWD.
iii. Zoning, including special districts or overlays such as shoreland, floodplain, wild
and scenic rivers, critical area, agricultural preserves, etc.
The City of Cottage Grove administers the zoning ordinance for the project site,
which is I-2 General Industry (Figure
6). The City of Cottage Grove Zoning Map shows adjacent properties are zoned
as I-1 Limited Industrial, I-3 Heavy Industry, PB Planned Business and I-
5 Railroad Access. U.S. Highway 61 creates a land use divide, with a mix of
commercial (B-2 Retail Business and B-3 General Business) and residential
(R-3, R-4, and R-5 Single Family, Low Density, and Medium Density) land
use.
Chapter 11 of the zoning ordinance addresses Industrial Districts. I-2 General
ounding, processing, packaging or
treatment of products which are of a more intense use than the I-1 district.
Property zoned I-2 will be located within the metropolitan urban service area
g and
fabrication is considered a conditional use in an I-2 district. The existing facility
currently operates under a conditional use permit (CUP).
page 8
The I-2 district includes performance and development standards for all uses
(i.e., permitted, conditional and accessory). Development standards in an I-2
district are summarized as follows:
Table 5: Minimum Lot Area, Yard, and Bulk Requirements for I-2 District
I-2
2
Lot area 1 acre
3
Lot width 175 feet
Front yard setback 40 feet
Side yard setback:
1
Interior 40 feet
Abutting an R district 125 feet
Adjacent to a street 80 feet
Rear yard setback: 60 feet
Abutting an R district 100 feet
Building height 45 feet
Maximum building coverage 45 percent
Performance stand
storage, vibration, glare and heat, waste material, noise, dust and odors,
landscaping, manufacture of certain products, access drives, vehicle parking,
utility lines, and loading docks.
There are no special districts such as shore land, floodplain, or wild and scenic
rivers within the project area. The Mississippi River (over one mile south of the
project site) is not a designated wild and scenic river in this part of the state
but is designated as Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA). The
1
,
including an MRCCA Overlay District with specific zoning standards. The MRCCA
boundary is located over one mile south of the project site and includes the
Grey Cloud Dunes Scientific and Natural Area (SNA). The project site is located
outside of the MRCCA Overlay District and will not affect the SNA.
b. plans listed in
Item 9a above, concentrating on implications for environmental effects.
Since 1985, when UNP located to the current facility site, a number of CUP approvals
have been obtained for construction and expansion activities at the project site. The
following provides a summary of the CUPs obtained and amended over the years for
the existing facility:
1985 construction of two 100-foot towers and one 60-foot tower. This CUP
also allowed for six 60-foot storage silos that were never constructed.
1990 construction of 12 storage silos, approximately 85 feet tall.
1
City ordinance: Chapter 11, Section 11-1 http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=500
page 9
1996 construction of 12 storage silos and 8 blending tanks, approximately
85 feet tall.
1998 construction of a new tower on an existing roof, resulting height of 62
feet.
1999 construction of concrete pad for long-term storage of semi-trailers.
2001 construction of new 165,600 square foot building addition with loading
docks along public street frontage.
2015 construction of new 86,640 square foot building addition with loading
docks along public street frontage.
All of the CUPs granted for the UNP facility have included specific conditions by the
City for approval, such as standards for landscaping, outdoor lighting, exterior
construction materials, and grading and erosion control plans.
The proposed project will not affect the existing land use. However, the proposed
project will require an amendment to the
c. Identify measures incorporated into the proposed project to mitigate any potential
incompatibility as discussed in Item 9b above.
The proposed project is compatible with existing land use and City of Cottage Grove
zoning ordinances. However, an amendment to the existing CUP will be required for
construction and operation of the proposed project. Height variances will be
necessary for some of the proposed project components including the cooling towers
and storage silos. During the site plan review of the project, specific conditions and
standards, including any potential mitigation measures, will be incorporated into the
approval process for the amendment to the CUP.
10. GEOLOGY, SOILS AND TOPOGRAPHY/LAND FORMS
a. Geology - Describe the geology underlying the project area and identify and map any
susceptible geologic features such as sinkholes, shallow limestone formations,
unconfined/shallow aquifers, or karst conditions. Discuss any limitations of these
features for the project and any effects the project could have on these features.
Identify any project designs or mitigation measures to address effects to geologic
features.
The project site overlays the Shakopee bedrock formation, which consists of
primarily dolostone, sandstone, and shale (Steenberg and Retzler, 2016). Surficial
geology includes gravelly sand deposited from glaciofluvial terraces of the glacial
Rivers St. Croix and Warren (Stanley, 2016). Depth to bedrock is between 50-100
feet. Much of Washington County receives its water supply from the Paleozoic
bedrock formations containing significant groundwater reserves. Most aquifers are
dominated by coarse-grained sandstone within the Jordan Sandstone or Prairie Du
Chien Group (Steenberg and Retzler, 2016).
There are no karst features identified within the project site. However, eight features
were identified within a one-mile buffer of the project site and several more are in
the vicinity. The eight features identified within a one-mile buffer are all indicated to
page 10
be sinkholes and are located approximately 3,200-4,500 feet northeast of the project
site boundaries (see Figure 7). There are no anticipated impacts to karst features,
aquifers, or site geology as a result of this project.
b. Soils and topography - Describe the soils on the site, giving NRCS (SCS)
classifications and descriptions, including limitations of soils. Describe topography,
any special site conditions relating to erosion potential, soil stability or other soils
limitations, such as steep slopes, highly permeable soils. Provide estimated volume
and acreage of soil excavation and/or grading. Discuss impacts from project
activities (distinguish between construction and operational activities) related to soils
and topography. Identify measures during and after project construction to address
soil limitations including stabilization, soil corrections or other measures.
Erosion/sedimentation control related to stormwater runoff should be addressed in
response to Item 11.b.ii.
Site topography is gently sloping with areas of undulation, with elevations ranging
from 782 to 814 feet. The project site does not contain significantly steep slopes and
generally slopes upward from southeast to northwest. The Washington County Web
Soil Survey indicated the follow soil map units present on the site:
Table 6: Soil Series within the Project Site
Map
Farmland Percent of
Unit Map Unit Name
Classification AOI
Symbol
151B Burkhardt sandy loam, 3 Farmland of statewide 56.30%
to 9 percent slopes importance
100B Copaston loam, 0 to 6 Farmland of statewide 12.70%
percent slopes importance
411 Waukegan silt loam, 0 to All areas prime farmland 9.60%
2 percent slopes
7C Hubbard loamy sand, 6 to Not prime farmland 7.70%
12 percent slopes
151 Burkhardt sandy loam, 0 Farmland of statewide 5.60%
to 3 percent slopes importance
7D Hubbard loamy sand, 12 Not prime farmland 5.20%
to 18 percent slopes
1029 Pits, gravel Not prime farmland 2.10%
8 Sparta loamy sand, 0 to 2 Not prime farmland 0.80%
percent slopes
327 Dickman sandy loam, 0 to Farmland of statewide 0.00%
2 percent slopes importance
The Burkhardt sandy loam and Copaston loam make up approximately 70% of the
project site. The Burkhardt series consists of somewhat excessively drained sandy
loams over gravelly coarse sand, originating from loamy glacial fluvium parent
material. This soil series is considered farmland of statewide importance. The
Copaston series consists of well drained loam and sandy loam over bedrock,
originating from loamy sediment over bedrock parent material. This soil series is
page 11
considered farmland of statewide importance (see Figure 5). The remaining series
each occupy less than 10% of the project site.
Soil map units within the project site are predominately sandy loam or silt loam with
a 0 to 10% hydric rating (non-hydric) (see Figure 5). The Web Soil Survey indicates
that site K factor (erosion factor) ranges between 0.02 and 0.37 for the map units
contained within the project site, with an average of 0.19. K factor values may range
from 0.02 to 0.69, indicating that site erodibility factors range from very low to
moderate.
Site soils are moderately disturbed as the project site is primarily developed for
industrial use. Construction of the project is anticipated to cause impacts to soil
through grading and excavation. Total anticipated disturbance to the 86-acre project
site is estimated to be approximately 15 acres. The total volume of soil moved during
site grading is estimated to be approximately 100,000 cubic yards per phase of
development.
NOTE: For silica sand projects, the EAW must include a hydrogeologic investigation
assessing the potential groundwater and surface water effects and geologic conditions
that could create an increased risk of potentially significant effects on groundwater and
surface water. Descriptions of water resources and potential effects from the project in
EAW Item 11 must be consistent with the geology, soils and topography/land forms and
potential effects described in EAW Item 10.
11. WATER RESOURCES
a. Describe surface water and groundwater features on or near the site in a.i. and a.ii.
below.
i. Surface water - lakes, streams, wetlands, intermittent channels, and
county/judicial ditches. Include any special designations such as public waters,
trout stream/lake, wildlife lakes, migratory waterfowl feeding/resting lake, and
outstanding resource value water. Include water quality impairments or special
designations listed on the current MPCA 303d Impaired Waters List that are
within 1 mile of the project. Include DNR Public Waters Inventory number(s), if
any.
There are no surface waters present on the UNP project site. The National
Wetlands Inventory (NWI), National Hydrography Dataset (NHD), and Minnesota
DNR Public Waters Inventory (PWI) were reviewed. Review of all of these data
sets indicated that there are no surface waters present within the site boundaries
(see Figure 8). There are eight NWI wetlands are located within one quarter mile
of the project site. The wetlands identified beyond the project site boundaries are
primarily Type 1/PEMA/seasonally flooded basins or Type 3/PEMC/shallow marsh
communities. The NHD identified a ditch running parallel to the southern
boundary of the project site, approximately 600 feet south of 95th Street South.
The MN DNR PWI indicated an unnamed stream (M-051.7) located approximately
1,600 feet east and an unnamed waterbody (#82008600) located approximately
700 feet east of the project site. There are no trout streams or lakes, wildlife
lakes, migratory waterfowl feeding/resting lakes, or outstanding resource value
page 12
waters within the project site or a one-mile buffer. There are no MPCA 303d
Impaired Waters within the project site or a one-mile buffer (see Figure 8).
ii. Groundwater aquifers, springs, seeps. Include: 1) depth to groundwater; 2) if
project is within a MDH wellhead protection area; 3) identification of any onsite
and/or nearby wells, including unique numbers and well logs if available. If there
are no wells known on site or nearby, explain the methodology used to determine
this.
The project site is located over the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer system,
specifically the St. Peter-Prairie Du Chien-Jordan aquifer, which is comprised of
St. Peter Sandstone, the Prairie Du Chien Group, and Jordan Sandstone. Geology
ranges from fine- to medium-grained sandstone and dolomite. Depth to
groundwater is approximately 100 feet, based on review of well boring logs from
the County Public Well Index. The project site is partially within the Cottage
Grove wellhead protection area. No wells are located on the project site;
however, 36 are located within a one-mile buffer of the project area, as
determined by the Minnesota Well Index. The nearest well is approximately 930
feet east of the project site at the Acorn Mini Storage (Well ID #441943) (see
Figure 7). The UNP facility utilizes water from the City of Cottage Grove and does
not operate a private well at the property. No wells will be added to the facility as
part of the proposed expansion project.
b. Describe effects from project activities on water resources and measures to minimize
or mitigate the effects in Item b.i. through Item b.iv. below.
i. Wastewater - For each of the following, describe the sources, quantities and
composition of all sanitary, municipal/domestic and industrial wastewater
produced or treated at the site.
1) If the wastewater discharge is to a publicly owned treatment facility,
identify any pretreatment measures and the ability of the facility to handle
the added water and waste loadings, including any effects on, or required
expansion of, municipal wastewater infrastructure.
There is limited wastewater produced at the UNP manufacturing facility.
The facility utilizes approximately 500,000 gallons of water per month or
16,500 gallons per day. Most of this water is utilized as either irrigation
water or make up water for the cooling towers to replace water lost to
evaporative processes. These two sources of water consumption account
for over 80% of the water used at the facility and do not result in
wastewater discharges. The only wastewater discharges from the facility
are limited amount of industrial process water discharge and the domestic
use wastewater from restroom facilities. These two discharges account for
less than 20% of the water consumed at the facility. Wastewater is
discharged to the City of Cottage Grove wastewater sewer system where
it is ultimately conveyed to the Metropolitan Council Metro Wastewater
Treatment Plant (WWTP).
page 13
The proposed expansion project will double the amount of water used and
the site, thereby increasing the amount of wastewater discharged from
the facility. All domestic and industrial wastewater discharges from the
proposed combined facility will continue to be sent to the City of Cottage
Grove wastewater sewer system and conveyed to the Metro WWTP. Both
the existing City sewer system and Metro WWTP have the capacity to
accommodate the increased wastewater flows from the proposed
combined facility. No other measures are needed to accommodate the
increased wastewater that will be produced by the proposed facility.
2) If the wastewater discharge is to a subsurface sewage treatment systems
(SSTS), describe the system used, the design flow, and suitability of site
conditions for such a system.
The existing facility does not utilize an SSTS for wastewater discharges.
There are no plans to utilize an SSTS at the facility as part of the
expansion project.
3) If the wastewater discharge is to surface water, identify the wastewater
treatment methods and identify discharge points and proposed effluent
limitations to mitigate impacts. Discuss any effects to surface or
groundwater from wastewater discharges.
There are no wastewater discharges to surface water at the existing UNP
facility. There will be no additions of wastewater discharges to the facility
as part of the expansion project.
ii. Stormwater - Describe the quantity and quality of stormwater runoff at the
site prior to and post construction. Include the routes and receiving water
bodies for runoff from the site (major downstream water bodies as well as the
immediate receiving waters). Discuss any environmental effects from
stormwater discharges. Describe stormwater pollution prevention plans
including temporary and permanent runoff controls and potential BMP site
locations to manage or treat stormwater runoff. Identify specific erosion
control, sedimentation control or stabilization measures to address soil
limitations during and after project construction.
The project site is an industrial facility that is a mix of impervious surface and
lawn/landscaping lands. Approximately 50% of the project site is impervious
surface and the remaining 50% is mowed lawn and landscaping. The UNP
facility operates under an existing industrial stormwater Multi-Sector General
Permit MNR050000 from the MPCA and has an active Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Currently, site stormwater is directed to two
stormwater features in the southwest portion of the property. SWWD District
Rules Chapter 7.3 states that sites must not exceed the pre-project runoff
rates for the 2, 10, and 100-year, 24-hour Atlas 14 durations. This standard
is applied to the entire site.
The goal of stormwater management is to reduce and control stormwater, soil
erosion, and sedimentation, while establishing standards and specifications
page 14
for conservation practices and planning activities. Appropriate stormwater
management practices will enhance water quality, minimize stormwater
pollution, soil erosion, and sediment in waterways, and control the volume of
water runoff to receiving streams and other water resources.
A conceptual site design has been developed for the proposed expansion
project (see Figure 3). As part of the expansion project there will be
approximately 15 acres of additional impervious surfaces added to the site.
The conceptual design shows two new stormwater retention ponds that will be
added to the facility to control and treat stormwater runoff from the
expansion areas. The final detailed design and engineering of the project site
is currently underway by UNP. The final site design will be required to meet
SWWD rules for stormwater management including water quality treatment
and runoff rates. UNP will submit the stormwater plan for the expansion
project to the SWWD for review and comment to ensure the requirements are
met.
The proposed expansion project will disturb more than one acre of land and
therefore will trigger the need for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) stormwater permit. Construction best management practices
(BMPs) for erosion prevention and sedimentation control, such as silt fences,
will be implemented on site and will comply with the MPCA Stormwater
Management Manual as well as NPDES requirements. The project will also
implement a temporary construction SWPPP. Construction BMPs for erosion
prevention and sedimentation control, such as storm drain inlet protection,
silt fences, and temporary sediment basins (if required) will be implemented
on site and will comply with the MPCA Stormwater Management Manual.
Implementation of the SWPPP and identified stormwater BMPs will ensure
stormwater runoff from proposed construction project will not impact
downstream receiving waters.
iii. Water appropriation - Describe if the project proposes to appropriate surface
or groundwater (including dewatering). Describe the source, quantity,
duration, use and purpose of the water use and if a DNR water appropriation
permit is required. Describe any well abandonment. If connecting to an
existing municipal water supply, identify the wells to be used as a water
source and any effects on, or required expansion of, municipal water
infrastructure. Discuss environmental effects from water appropriation,
including an assessment of the water resources available for appropriation.
Identify any measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental effects
from the water appropriation.
Current water use at the facility is approximately 500,000 gallons per month
or 16,500 gallons per day. Water is provided by the City of Cottage Grove.
Water use on site is divided between grounds and domestic use, including
lawn and irrigation use and personnel use, and industrial processes, including
the RO system for heat exchanger systems and process water. Industrial
water use is approximately 40 percent of total site consumption. Domestic
wastewater accounts for 10 percent of water consumption and the remaining
water consumed at the site is utilized for lawn and landscaping irrigation.
page 15
The proposed expansion project will result in more water consumption at the
site, in the form of increased industrial water that is mainly consumed as
make-up water in the cooling system to account for evaporative losses. The
other increase in water consumption will be for domestic uses as the number
of employees at the facility will increase substantially. UNP has stated that
they will request an additional 500,000 gallons per month from the City of
Cottage Grove. The existing City water supply system has adequate capacity
to supply the requested increase in water that would be needed for the
expansion project. There are no upgrades needed to the water plant or water
supply system to convey the increased water volume to the facility. No
additions to the City water system are needed to accommodate the increased
water consumption by the proposed project.
iv. Surface Waters
a) Wetlands - Describe any anticipated physical effects or alterations to
wetland features such as draining, filling, permanent inundation, dredging
and vegetative removal. Discuss direct and indirect environmental effects
from physical modification of wetlands, including the anticipated effects
that any proposed wetland alterations may have to the host watershed.
Identify measures to avoid (e.g., available alternatives that were
considered), minimize, or mitigate environmental effects to wetlands.
Discuss whether any required compensatory wetland mitigation for
unavoidable wetland impacts will occur in the same minor or major
watershed and identify those probable locations.
There are no proposed impacts to wetlands as part of this project. There
are no wetlands present on the project site.
b) Other surface waters- Describe any anticipated physical effects or
alterations to surface water features (lakes, streams, ponds, intermittent
channels, county/judicial ditches) such as draining, filling, permanent
inundation, dredging, diking, stream diversion, impoundment, aquatic
plant removal and riparian alteration. Discuss direct and indirect
environmental effects from physical modification of water features.
Identify measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate environmental effects to
surface water features, including in-water Best Management Practices that
are proposed to avoid or minimize turbidity/sedimentation while physically
altering the water features. Discuss how the project will change the
number or type of watercraft on any water body, including current and
projected watercraft usage.
There are no proposed impacts to other surface waters. There are no
surface waters present on the project site.
12. CONTAMINATION/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS/WASTES
a. Pre-project site conditions - Describe existing contamination or potential
environmental hazards on or in close proximity to the project site such as soil or
page 16
ground water contamination, abandoned dumps, closed landfills, existing or
abandoned storage tanks, and hazardous liquid or gas pipelines. Discuss any
potential environmental effects from pre-project site conditions that would be caused
or exacerbated by project construction and operation. Identify measures to avoid,
minimize or mitigate adverse effects from existing contamination or potential
environmental hazards. Include development of a Contingency Plan or Response
Action Plan.
The UNP property is located in an industrial area within Cottage Grove and is
ive website as having several permits including
the General Industrial Stormwater Permit, Very Small Quantity Hazardous Waste
Generator, an Above Ground Storage Tank, and an Underground Storage Tank.
There are no clean up or investigation efforts listed for the UNP facility. There have
been no spills of hazardous materials or wastes at the facility during the time it has
been owned and operated by UNP. There is no know contamination at the existing
facility. the other adjacent
industrial properties also hold various permits from the MPCA including Industrial
Stormwater Permits, Hazardous Waste Generator (various), Storage Tanks (various),
and Air Emission Permits. There are no listed investigation and/or clean-up sites
shown on the MPCA website for the properties adjacent to the UNP facility.
b. Project related generation/storage of solid wastes - Describe solid wastes
generated/stored during construction and/or operation of the project. Indicate
method of disposal. Discuss potential environmental effects from solid waste
handling, storage and disposal. Identify measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate
adverse effects from the generation/storage of solid waste including source reduction
and recycling.
The existing facility generates some waste during the manufacturing process. Most of
the plastic raw material that is used in the blown film manufacturing process is
consumed while making the film and there is very little waste byproduct that is
generated. There is a limited amount of scrap film or off-spec product that is
generated, which cannot be reprocessed or recycled into other products, and
becomes waste. Other wastes generated at the facility include oil-based wastes from
cleaning or maintaining the equipment, ink-based wastes from ink used for printing
on the manufactured plastic, domestic waste from employees and daily plant and
office operations, used electronics, and scarp wood, metal, and cardboard generated
from the packaging or shipping processes. All wastes generated by the facility are
managed by licensed waste contractors. UNP uses different licensed waste haulers to
collect and dispose the oil-based wastes, ink-based wastes, and domestic wastes.
The scrap wood, metal, cardboard, and used electronics are also collected by a
licensed hauler and recycled when possible.
The proposed expansion project will produce some different plastic products
compared to the existing facility such as trash bags, but the new facility will utilize
the same blown film production process. As a result, the wastes generated as part of
the expansion project will be of the same type and nature as is currently generated
at the facility. As the total production capacity of the facility increases, the total
amount of waste produced at the facility will also increase. UNP will continue to
page 17
utilize the same licensed waste haulers for the various wastes generated by the
facility to ensure property disposal and recycling of all waste materials as applicable.
c. Project related use/storage of hazardous materials - Describe chemicals/hazardous
materials used/stored during construction and/or operation of the project including
method of storage. Indicate the number, location and size of any above or below
ground tanks to store petroleum or other materials. Discuss potential environmental
effects from accidental spill or release of hazardous materials. Identify measures to
avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects from the use/storage of
chemicals/hazardous materials including source reduction and recycling. Include
development of a spill prevention plan.
The existing UNP manufacturing plant utilizes LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE raw materials
in a blown film process. The plastic raw materials that are shipped to the site do
have some components that are potentially hazardous under certain conditions.
However, in the form that the plastic pellets arrive and are utilized within the facility,
these chemicals are encapsulated within the plastic and not an available hazard or
source of exposure. The expansion project will utilize similar raw materials for plastic
production and will not add a new source of hazardous materials to the blown film
process.
There are some hazardous materials stored and used at the existing plastics
manufacturing facility. There is a 1,000 gallon above ground propane tank located at
the facility; the propane is used to fuel the forklifts. There are also 2 diesel fuel tanks
used for fueling tractors. Other hazardous materials include some of the inks used in
the flexographic printing on the plastic products. There are also chemical solvents,
paints, and lubricants used at the facility that have hazardous components. All
hazardous materials, except for the propane and diesel tanks, are stored inside the
facility and their use is controlled by appropriately trained staff. The proposed
expansion project will generally use similar materials to those currently used at the
existing facility and as a result of the increased facility production the total amount
of these hazardous materials will increase proportionally. There will be some ink
products or solvents used as part of the expansion facility that could be different
from those currently onsite. These hazardous materials will be stored and handled in
the same manner as is currently done for the existing facility.
d. Project related generation/storage of hazardous wastes - Describe hazardous wastes
generated/stored during construction and/or operation of the project. Indicate
method of disposal. Discuss potential environmental effects from hazardous waste
handling, storage, and disposal. Identify measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate
adverse effects from the generation/storage of hazardous waste including source
reduction and recycling.
There is a small amount of hazardous waste generated at the existing manufacturing
facility. The UNP facility is listed as a very small quantity hazardous waste generator
and holds permits for this generator status from the MPCA and Washington County.
Hazardous wastes generated at the facility include oil related wastes, as well as
lubricants, solvents, mineral spirits, and waste ink. UNP uses licensed private waste
hauling contractors to collect and dispose of all hazardous waste materials generated
at the existing facility. The licensed waste disposal contractors are responsible for
page 18
ensuring all hazardous waste materials are handled and disposed of by following
State and Federal rules.
The proposed expansion project will generally utilize the same oil products,
lubricants, solvents, and ink used at the existing facility. The increased in plastic
production at the facility will result in a corresponding increased amount of
hazardous waste generated at the facility. UNP will continue to utilize licensed waste
disposal contractors to ensure all hazardous wastes generated at the facility are
handled and disposed as required by State and Federal rules.
13. FISH, WILDLIFE, PLANT COMMUNITIES, AND SENSITIVE ECOLOGICAL
RESOURCES (RARE FEATURES)
a. Describe fish and wildlife resources as well as habitats and vegetation on or in near the
site.
The project site is primarily industrial development with impervious surfaces and the
remainder is open turf grass/maintained lawn. Some tree cover is present, though this is
planted landscaping and does not provide significant woody cover or continuous habitat.
The project site does not provide significant habitat or resources for fish and wildlife.
South and east of the site boundaries are small undeveloped parcels with woody habitat
and natural vegetation communities. The quality of these areas is unknown; however,
due to their proximity to the site, may allow site use by small songbirds and mammals
typical to lawns, grasses, shrubs and other habitats typical of urban environments.
b. Describe rare features such as state-listed (endangered, threatened or special concern)
species, native plant communities, Minnesota County Biological Survey Sites of
Biodiversity Significance, and other sensitive ecological resources on or within close
proximity to the site. Provide the license agreement number (LA-____) and/or
correspondence number (ERDB _____________) from which the data were obtained
and attach the Natural Heritage letter from the DNR. Indicate if any additional habitat
or species survey work has been conducted within the site and describe the results.
Under Limited License to Use Copyrighted Material (LA 917, 140076) related to Rare
Features Data, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Natural
Heritage Information System (NHIS) was searched in July 2018 to identify sensitive
or rare species, habitats or ecological communities within a 1-mile radius of the
project site. The search results and an analysis of the potential impacts from the
identified species in the search area were submitted to the DNR for concurrence in
August 2018 (see Appendix 1). Concurrence and an associated ERDB number are
pending. Results of the query indicate two state listed species of concern, two state
listed endangered species, and one federally listed species may have been
documented within the vicinity of the project site. The four state listed species
include the Loggerhead shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), Western foxsnake (Patherophis
ramspottiVireo belli), and Long-bearded hawkweed (Hieracium
lonigipilum). The fifth species included in the query results was the rusty patched
bumblebee (Bombus affinus), listed as federally endangered.
page 19
The project site does not provide potential habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee,
Western foxsnake, or long-bearded hawkweed. The project site is a mix of developed
impervious surface for industrial manufacturing and maintained turf grass, with
sparse trees. There is no native prairie or pollinator habitat within the project site.
The presence of open grassy areas with sparse trees may support site use by several
dense brush near water) are not present within the project site (NatureServe
2
Explorer, accessed 2018). According to the DNR website, the loggerhead shrike
requires pastures and grasslands with sparse trees and fence lines for impaling food
(MNDNR, 1996). There are no naturally vegetated or native grasslands on the
project site. Green space within the project site is heavily managed as landscaping
and the overall industrial use of the site makes it unlikely to provide habitat. The
expansion will occur in the northern point of the parcel with additional parking in the
northwest corner. Primary impacts will occur to previously developed impervious
surfaces or maintained turf grass.
c. Discuss how the identified fish, wildlife, plant communities, rare features and
ecosystems may be affected by the project. Include a discussion on introduction and
spread of invasive species from the project construction and operation. Separately
discuss effects to known threatened and endangered species.
There are no anticipated effects to fish, wildlife, plant communities, rare features,
sensitive species or ecosystems because of this project. Areas proposed for impact
consist of impervious surface or turfgrass and do not provide habitat for wildlife.
d. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or mitigate adverse effects
to fish, wildlife, plant communities, and sensitive ecological resources.
There are no anticipated effects to fish, wildlife, plant communities, or sensitive
ecological features as a result of this project and therefore no mitigation measures
are proposed.
14. HISTORIC PROPERTIES
Describe any historic structures, archeological sites, and/or traditional cultural properties on
or in close proximity to the site. Include: 1) historic designations, 2) known artifact areas,
and 3) architectural features. Attach letter received from the State Historic Preservation
Office (SHPO). Discuss any anticipated effects to historic properties during project
construction and operation. Identify measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or
mitigate adverse effects to historic properties.
The Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) was consulted to determine if there
are known archaeological and historic resources in the project area. A report generated by
SHPO (Appendix 2) from a search conducted of the Minnesota Archaeological Inventory and
Historic Structures Inventory did not identify any archaeological sites or historical structures
on or immediately adjacent to the project site. Eleven previously identified
2
MNDNR, NatureServe Explorer, accessed 2018 http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/eco/rsg/shrikeflyer.pdf
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architectural/historical resources were identified within the vicinity, with the nearest
property located approximately 500 feet southeast of the project site across Jamaica
Avenue (see Figure 9). The proposed expansion project will take place on the existing UNP
property and will have a similar appearance and operations as the existing facility. The
proposed expansion of the UNP manufacturing facility will not result in impacts to the
architectural/historical properties located in the vicinity of the project site.
15. VISUAL
Describe any scenic views or vistas on or near the project site. Describe any project related
visual effects such as vapor plumes or glare from intense lights. Discuss the potential visual
effects from the project. Identify any measures to avoid, minimize, or mitigate visual
effects.
There are no scenic views or vistas on the project site. Existing buildings range from 30 feet
tall for the existing manufacturing facility up to heights of 102 feet tall for the cooling
towers and storage silos (see Table 2). The expansion project will add new manufacturing
space to the project site including a new manufacturing and warehouse with a building
height of 37 feet. Proposed additions to the UNP facility will also include a new cooling tower
with varying heights and 22 new silos, ranging from 64 to 97 feet tall, with a potential of an
additional 6 silos at 97 feet tall, to be installed in the future to account for product mix
variability. This property already contains buildings of significant height and is used for
industrial purposes, as are the surrounding properties. Additionally, a railroad line and
Highway 61 are located immediately north. The nearest residential property is located a
quarter mile north of the facility on the north side of Highway 61.
The items that would be added as part of the proposed expansion project will have a similar
appearance and heights compared to the existing infrastructure at the facility. There are
screening measures employed at the facility to obstruct the existing infrastructure including
fencing, landscape vegetation, and berms. UNP has an existing CUP from the City of Cottage
for the facility, that includes some variances for the heights of the existing site features.
UNP will be required to update the CUP to include the new features of the proposed
expansion project. The CUP will potentially include permit conditions that UNP will be
required to meet in order to be granted the height variances for the proposed expansion
project. UNP has had preliminary discussions with the City of Cottage Grove regarding CUP
conditions that may be required, such as screening measures, that will need to be
implemented as part of the expansion project to ensure there are not visual impacts in the
areas adjacent to the project site. As part of the expansion project UNP will utilize the same
screening techniques as the existing facility, including berms, vegetation, and fencing to
provide a visual shield for the features that will be added to the facility.
16. AIR
a. Stationary source emissions - Describe the type, sources, quantities and
compositions of any emissions from stationary sources such as boilers or exhaust
stacks. Include any hazardous air pollutants, criteria pollutants, and any greenhouse
gases. Discuss effects to air quality including any sensitive receptors, human health
or applicable regulatory criteria. Include a discussion of any methods used assess the
Identify pollution
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control equipment and other measures that will be taken to avoid, minimize, or
mitigate adverse effects from stationary source emissions.
Air emissions in Minnesota are regulated by the MPCA. There are no air emission
sources at the existing UNP facility that require an air permit and the existing facility
does not operate under an air permit. The proposed expansion of the plastic
manufacturing plant will not result in an increase of air emissions that would result in
the need for air permitting.
b. Vehicle emissions -
-related emissions effect on air quality.
Identify measures (e.g. traffic operational improvements, diesel idling minimization
plan) that will be taken to minimize or mitigate vehicle-related emissions.
There are vehicles that access the UNP facility each day including site employees and
trucks to transport finished product to the market place. All parking and travel areas
on the UNP site are paved and all vehicle travel at the facility is on paved surfaces
which limits the amount of vehicle related dust produced at the facility. Trailers are
loaded with finished product at the site and then hooked to trucks for transport
offsite. The preloading of trailers reduces the amount of time trucks spend at the site
with idling engines, which serves to reduce the amount of vehicle related emissions
at the site.
The proposed expansion project will increase the production capacity of the facility
and will result in additional employee vehicles and trucks accessing the facility.
Vehicles will continue to travel on paved surfaces while at the facility limiting dust
potentially generated by vehicle traffic. Trucks accessing the site to deliver finished
product will continue to be on site for short periods limiting the amount of exhaust
emissions produced at the facility.
c. Dust and odors - Describe sources, characteristics, duration, quantities, and intensity
of dust and odors generated during project construction and operation. (Fugitive dust
may be discussed under item 16a). Discuss the effect of dust and odors in the
vicinity of the project including nearby sensitive receptors and quality of life. Identify
measures that will be taken to minimize or mitigate the effects of dust and odors.
There are some potential odor sources associated with the production of plastic, such
as the extrusion of plastic. However, these industrial processes are contained within
the manufacturing buildings which mitigates odors at the facility. There are no
discernable odors on the facility grounds and there have been no odor complaints
reported at the facility. The production of fragrance scented trash bags as part of the
proposed expansion project will be a new potential source of odors at the facility. The
new manufacturing processes proposed for the expansion project will also be located
indoors reducing the potential for odors outside or on adjacent properties. UNP will
take appropriate measures to control odors emitted from the manufacturing building
or leaving the project site to ensure adjacent properties are not impacted.
There is very limited dust generated at the facility. All surfaces for vehicle traffic at
the facility are paved which limits the amount of dust produced by vehicles. The raw
materials used in the manufacturing process are transported to the facility primarily
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via rail cars. These raw product pellets have very limited attached particulate dust.
The pellets are transported from the rail cars to the storage silos and manufacturing
plant via an enclosed conveyance system which produces only minimal dust. The
plastic manufacturing process takes place indoors which limits the amount of
particulate dust emitted from the facility. There are controls in place to manage dust,
limiting the amount of dust that enters as well as leaves the building. It is important
that the blowers used in the blown plastic film production process have clean air free
of particulate matter. Therefore, UNP employs filters on the blower intakes to limit
the amount of dust that is taken into the building. There are also air scrubbers used
on the conveyance system to ensure the raw material plastic product is dust free
when used in the blown film production process. There are also dust collectors on the
conveyance exhaust systems to control dust emitted from the facility. UNP will
continue to employ these same dust control processes as needed for the expansion
project to minimize dust within the manufacturing facility as well as dust emitted
from the plant.
17. NOISE
Describe sources, characteristics, duration, quantities, and intensity of noise generated
during project construction and operation. Discuss the effect of noise in the vicinity of the
project including 1) existing noise levels/sources in the area, 2) nearby sensitive receptors,
3) conformance to state noise standards, and 4) quality of life. Identify measures that will
be taken to minimize or mitigate the effects of noise.
There are noise sources at the existing plastics manufacturing plant that produce noise from
daily operations. Noise sources include vacuum pumps, electric motors, compressors,
conveyance systems, blowers, grinders, and shredders. Most of the industrial processes
used in the manufacturing of plastics are located indoors within one of the buildings at the
facility and the conveyance systems are also enclosed. Vehicle, truck, and rail traffic also
create noise at the facility.
Noise levels in Minnesota are regulated by the MPCA under Minnesota Rules Chapter 7030,
which establishes allowable noise levels within industrial, commercial, and residential areas.
The noise rules also establish daytime and nighttime allowable noise levels. Allowable noise
levels are higher during daytime periods compared to nighttime periods. Additionally,
allowable noise levels are higher within industrial areas compared to commercial areas, and
within commercial areas compared to residential areas. The project site is located within an
industrial area of Cottage Grove and is adjacent to other industrial properties as well as US
Highway 61. The nearest residential noise receptor is located north of US Highway 61,
approximately one quarter mile from the facility. A noise survey was completed at the
facility in 2011, which included noise measurements both inside the facility to evaluate
occupational noise and measurements outside of the facility on UNP property to assess
community noise (see Appendix 3). The community noise assessment measured noise levels
at three locations at the edge of the UNP property. Noise level measurements were
compared to both daytime and nighttime noise standards for residential areas, which have
the lowest allowable noise levels. The measured noise levels on the UNP property were
found to be below both daytime and nighttime levels for industrial and residential
properties.
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There has been one noise compliant that was reported approximately five years ago from a
residential property located north of US Highway 61. The noise complaint was associated
with an isolated operational issue that was addressed by eliminating the source of noise.
There have been no additional noise complaints reported to the facility since that time. UNP
does administer noise mitigation measures within the facility. Most processes are contained
within the plant which helps to mitigate noise impacts. Additionally, mufflers, baffles, and
other noise control measures are used on pumps, exhaust vents, and conveyance systems
to control noise produced at the plant. These measures help to ensure noise levels are not
exceeded.
The industrial process associated with the expansion project will operate in the same
manner as the existing facility. Most of the industrial activities will be located within the new
enclosed buildings and similar noise reduction practices (i.e. mufflers or baffles) will be
utilized where appropriate on the new equipment. UNP will take these noise control
measures to ensure the facility continues to comply with state noise standards. Construction
of the expansion project will result in the addition of some temporary noise sources at the
facility associated with the equipment used for construction (i.e. trucks, heavy equipment.,
cutting, welding). These noise sources will be temporary and limited to the time of
construction. There have been past construction projects at the UNP facility such as the
warehouse expansion completed in 2015. There have been no reported noise issues or
complaints associated with past construction projects at the facility.
The location of the facility and the expansion project within an industrial area combined with
the continued implementation of noise control measures at the facility will ensure the UNP
manufacturing plant does not exceed allowable noise levels. UNP continues to measure
occupational noise within the manufacturing plant to protect workers and will monitor and
address community noise level issues as needed to ensure noise produced at the facility are
within allowable standards.
18. TRANSPORTATION
a. Describe traffic-related aspects of project construction and operation. Include: 1)
existing and proposed additional parking spaces, 2) estimated total average daily
traffic generated, 3) estimated maximum peak hour traffic generated and time of
occurrence, 4) indicate source of trip generation rates used in the estimates, and 5)
availability of transit and/or other alternative transportation modes.
th
The existing UNP facility is located on 95 Street immediately west of the
th
intersection of 95 Street with Jamaica Avenue (see Figure 2). Traffic entering and
exiting the facility includes employees, trucks transporting finished manufactured
plastic products, and deliveries. There are currently 266 employees at the UNP
facility. Approximately 140 employees access the facility each day. For the daily
workers traveling to the facility, 116 of the employees are split between working in
two sperate 12-hour shifts in the manufacturing plant from approximately 6:30 AM
to 6:30 PM, and then from approximately 6:30 PM to 6:30 AM. Each shift has
relatively equal number of employees within the plant. The remaining 24 employees
work in the office and warehouse, generally following an 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM work
day. The facility receives 10 to 15 deliveries each day that are evenly spaced
throughout the day. Raw materials used in plastic production are transported to the
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facility primarily via rail, however finish products are transported from the facility
primarily via trucks. There are approximately 14 truck shipments on average each
day (400 per month) carrying finished plastic products to the market place. Due to
the shifts worked by the employees within the manufacturing plant, the majority of
traffic accessing the site does so outside of the normal AM Peak (7:00 AM to 9:00
AM) and PM Peak (4:00 AM to 6:00 PM) traffic periods.
th
Traffic that accesses the facility does so via two site access points off of 95 street,
one for employees and one for trucks transporting finished products (see Figure 3).
The vast majority of all traffic (employees and trucks) travel to and from the site via
US Highway 61, either from the north or south, exiting at Jamaica Avenue and then
th
to 95 Street to the site access. There are currently 300 parking spaces for vehicles
in the employee parking lot and an additional 70 parking spaces near the site office.
There is space for between 400 and 500 truck trailers to be parked at the facility to
be loaded with finished product (see Figure 3). All parking areas for the
manufacturing plant, office, and trailer storage areas are paved. There are no gravel
parking areas at the site.
The proposed expansion project would add approximately 240 new employees total,
with an additional 140 daily workers accessing the facility. On average, the
expansion project will also add 10 to 15 daily deliveries and 17 daily product
shipments via trucks to the existing facility. The additional cars and trucks accessing
the UNP facility would use both the existing site access point, along with an
additional entry point off of Ideal Ave, located west of the current 86 acre site. The
entry area off of Ideal will be manicured in a way to allow for employee and truck
traffic to access the new facility. The additional workers added to operate the
expanded manufacturing facility would also work in shifts, matching the times listed
above for the existing facility. 207 parking spaces will be added on the west side of
the property to allow for employee parking. The proposed manufacturing plant
expansion area, new warehouse space, and additional storage silos will be
constructed on a portion of the area currently occupied with truck trailers. The new
location for these displaced trailers will be determined in the future. A comparison of
the total daily traffic accessing the site under the current and proposed expansion
project conditions is provided in Table 7.
Table 7: Total daily traffic accessing the Up North Plastics Facility for existing, proposed
addition, and final combined facility conditions.
Finished
Daily Total Total
Deliveries Product Truck
Employees Vehicles Trips
Shipments
Existing Facility 140 10-15 14 169 338
Expansion 140 10-15 17 172 344
Proposed
Addition
Total Combined 280 20-30 31 341 682
Facility
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b. Discuss the effect on traffic congestion on affected roads and describe any traffic
regional transportation system.
If the peak hour traffic generated exceeds 250 vehicles or the total daily trips
exceeds 2,500, a traffic impact study must be prepared as part of the EAW. Use the
Access Management Manual, Chapter 5 (available at:
http://www.dot.state.mn.us/accessmanagement/resources.html) or a similar local
guidance,
The proposed expansion project will increase traffic accessing the site and on the
surrounding roadway network. The Minnesota Department of Transportation
(MnDOT) 2017 daily traffic volume maps were reviewed for the roadways in the
project area. The existing facility currently has approximately 169 vehicles traveling
to and from the project site each day, which results in approximately 338 daily traffic
th
trips. This represents approximately six percent of the traffic on 95 Street, three
percent of the traffic on Jamaica Avenue south of Highway 61, one percent of the
southbound traffic on Highway 61, and six percent of the northbound traffic on
Highway 61.
The proposed expansion project would essentially double the daily traffic accessing
the site compare to the existing conditions. However, this additional traffic would still
account for a relatively low percentage of traffic on the local roadway network. A
comparison of the traffic trips from the existing and proposed expansion project
compared to the daily traffic volumes on the local roadway network is shown in Table
8.
Table 8: Comparison of the traffic from the existing, proposed addition, and final combined
facility conditions at the UNP facility as a percentage of local roadway traffic.
Existing Facility Proposed Facility
2017
Daily Traffic (338 Daily Traffic (872
AADT
Trips) Percentage Trips) Percentage
th
95 Street 5,700 6.0% 11.9%
Jamaica Avenue 12,000 2.8% 5.7%
US Highway 61 40,000 0.8% 1.7%
South
US Highway 61 5,800 5.8% 11.8%
North
Employees will continue to access the site in shifts, as the staff operating the
manufacturing plant would continue to work in two twelve-hour shifts. These shifts
begin and end outside of the standard AM and PM traffic peaks which reduces the
contribution that traffic from the UNP facility makes to traffic operations during peak
times. The intersection of Highway 61 includes multi-lane roundabouts at the exit
and entrance ramp intersections with Jamaica Avenue. The intersection of Jamaica
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Avenue with 95 Street includes full turn lanes on Jamaica Avenue to accommodate
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turning traffic. The Jamaica Avenue/95 Street intersection is controlled with stop
signs on all approaches.
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Impacts to traffic operations from the proposed project are expected to be minimal
due to the combination of peak trip generation for the facility occurring outside of
standard weekday traffic peaks and the capacity available on the surrounding
roadway network. No traffic improvements are anticipated to be needed to
accommodate the proposed project. The existing site access points for employees
and truck traffic can accommodate the traffic from the proposed expansion project
without site improvements.
c. Identify measures that will be taken to minimize or mitigate project related
transportation effects.
No traffic improvements are anticipated to be needed to accommodate the proposed
th
project. The current site access point along 95 Street will not require improvements
or changes. Impacts to traffic operations from the proposed project are expected to
be minimal due to the combination of peak trip generation for the facility occurring
outside of standard weekday traffic peaks and the capacity available on the
surrounding roadway network. The manufacturing plant operates in shifts which
spreads out the employees arriving and leaving the facility across shift change times
instead of concentrating this traffic during the AM and PM peaks of the standard 8:00
AM to 5:00 PM work day. No project specific traffic management or roadway
improvement practices are needed to accommodate the proposed project.
19. CUMULATIVE POTENTIAL EFFECTS (Preparers can leave this item blank if
cumulative potential effects are addressed under the applicable EAW Items)
a. Describe the geographic scales and timeframes of the project related environmental
effects that could combine with other environmental effects resulting in cumulative
potential effects.
The project will be located on an 86-acre site which is the location of the existing
UNP plastic manufacturing facility in Cottage Grove, MN. The proposed expansion
project is expected to begin construction during the first quarter 2019, in
approximately March, and take 18 to 24 months. Initial start up of the expansion
project is estimated to be fourth quarter 2020, with full production capacity of the
project reached by third quarter 2022.
The proposed project is an expansion of the existing UNP facility which has been
operating at the project site in Cottage Grove since 1990. There have been previous
expansion projects conducted at the project site that have not resulted in
environmental impacts or concerns. As a result, there is limited potential for
cumulative environmental effects to occur as a result of the proposed project.
Several environmental effects are likely to occur form construction of the project.
These effects primarily include changes in land use, stormwater runoff and traffic.
The new expansion project will be constructed on the existing UNP site and will
convert lawn/landscaping areas and parking areas over to the new manufacturing
and warehousing facility. The project site is located in an existing industrial area
within Cottage Grove and the site is zoned for industrial use. The proposed
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expansion project is consistent with the other uses at the existing facility and will
have a similar appearance. UNP will be required to obtain an amended CUP from the
City of Cottage Grove. As part of the CUP process UNP will be required to obtain a
height variance for the cooling towers and storage silos.
The project will increase impervious surfaces which will increase the amount of
stormwater runoff generated at the site. There is existing stormwater infrastructure
are the site to collect and manage runoff. New stormwater conveyance pipes and a
new stormwater pond will be added to the project site to accommodate and treat the
additional runoff and ensure cumulative impacts do not occur.
The project will generate additional traffic from construction and operation of the
project. A new site access point off of Ideal Avenue will be added so workers can
access the expansion facility. The existing roadway network has adequate capacity to
handle the existing and proposed traffic from the expansion project. The UNP facility
will continue to operate in shifts and as a result the majority of traffic accessing the
site will travel outside of the AM and PM peak traffic travel periods, minimizing the
potential for cumulative effects.
b. Describe any reasonably foreseeable future projects (for which a basis of expectation
has been laid) that may interact with environmental effects of the proposed project
within the geographic scales and timeframes identified above.
The expansion proposed project will be located on existing UNP project site
in a developed industrial portion of the Cottage Grove. There are no known
reasonably foreseeable future projects that would potentially interact with
the proposed project to create cumulative environmental impacts.
20. OTHER POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
If the project may cause any additional environmental effects not addressed by items 1 to
19, describe the effects here, discuss the how the environment will be affected, and identify
measures that will be taken to minimize and mitigate these effects.
There are no other anticipated environmental effects from the proposed project that have
not been addressed or described within the preceding sections of the EAW.
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RGU CERTIFICATION. (The Environmental Quality Board will only accept SIGNED
Environmental Assessment Worksheets for public notice in the EQB Monitor.)
I hereby certify that:
The information contained in this document is accurate and complete to the best of
my knowledge.
The EAW describes the complete project; there are no other projects, stages or
components other than those described in this document, which are related to the
project as connected actions or phased actions, as defined at Minnesota Rules, parts
4410.0200, subparts 9c and 60, respectively.
Copies of this EAW are being sent to the entire EQB distribution list.
Signature _______________________________ Date __________________________
Title ________________________________
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