Weekly announcements and environmental review notices

Volume 50, Number 23                                                                                                June 9, 2026

Announcements

Adopted Exempt Permanent Rules Relating to EIS Scoping Documents

In 2025, the Minnesota legislature directed the EQB to amend parts of the environmental review rules (Minn. R. 4410.2100) related to “scoping” a mandatory Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). For more information, see Minn. Law 2025, 1st Spec. Sess., Chapter 1, Article 6.  EQB fulfilled the legislative directive by proposing rule amendments that:  

• Remove the requirement that an EAW be prepared for scoping a mandatory EIS  
• Provide that “a scoping process” must be completed no later than 280 days after publication of the notice of availability of “a scoping document” in the EQB Monitor 

On Monday, June 8, 2026, the Minnesota State Register published the adopted exempt permanent rules making the rules effective. The rules can be found in the Minnesota State Register, Volume 50, Number 49. For more information about the rule, please visit our Rules and regulations webpage.

Environmental Quality Board meeting

Wednesday, June 17, 1 – 4:00 p.m.
Join us for the June 2026 Environmental Quality Board meeting. At this meeting, the Executive Director will provide an organizational overview and share project updates. EQB staff will also share an update on health in environmental review.

More information can be found on the board meeting webpage, including the meeting packet and details on attending the meeting virtually or in person.

Environmental review project notices

EQB publishes environmental review notices provided by responsible governmental units. For more information on a project undergoing environmental review, click on the individual project links below. You can also find information about active projects in your community on the Environmental Review Projects Interactive Map.

Harvest Hills Second Addition

Location: Northfield, Rice
Process: Petition
Step: Responsible governmental unit assigned

Responsible governmental unit and contact: City of Northfield, Ben Martig,
507-645-8833

Brooklyn Center Pond Maintenance Project

Location (city/township; county): Brooklyn Center; Hennepin
Process: EAW
Step: EAW available
End of comment period: July 9, 2026

Project description: The City of Brooklyn Center proposes to complete a maintenance project to restore the hydraulic capacity of and remove accumulated sediment within Upper Twin Lake. The project will involve sediment removal, installation of new rip rap at inlets, and storm pipe repair. The project will improve the lake's functionality and quality of water leaving the lake.
Brooklyn Center Pond Maintenance Project project link provided by RGU

Location of public documents: City of Brooklyn Center City Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek Pkwy, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Responsible governmental unit and contact: City of Brooklyn Center, Touyia Lee,
763-238-9788

CSAH 28 and Beaver Lake Park Improvements

Location (city/township; county): Berlin Township; Steele
Process: EAW
Step: EIS need decision
Joint federal and state review: Yes

Responsible governmental unit decision: Negative (no EIS ordered)
Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: May 26, 2026

Project description: Steele County is proposing to realign CSAH 28 to allow for construction of a safe boat landing and parking area for access to Beaver Lake. The roadway realignment impacts a wetland within a shoreland district.

Location of public documents: Steele County Highway Department, 3000 Hoffman
Drive NW, Owatonna, MN 55060

Responsible governmental unit and contact: Steele County, Ronald Gaines,
507-444-7670

Sobiech Pit

Location (city/township; county): Vermillion Township; Dakota
Process: EAW
Step: EIS need decision

Responsible governmental unit decision: Negative (no EIS ordered)
Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: May 6, 2026

Project description: Dakota Aggregates proposes to operate a sand and gravel mine at the Property located southeast of the intersection of 190th Street East and Clayton Avenue in Vermillion Township, Minnesota. The mine will include 94 acres of mining and related activities on a 144.85-acre site. The Site is currently cultivated agricultural land and will be restored as grassland with tree plantings.

Location of public documents: Vermillion Township Town Hall, 118 Park Avenue S,
Vermillion, MN 55085
Location of public documents additional information: By appointment only. Contact Cynthia Ladzun to schedule.

Responsible governmental unit and contact: Vermillion Township, Cynthia Ladzun,
651-491-6603

Fish kill reports

Minnesota Duty Officer reports pertaining to fish kills are summarized in the following table, in accordance with 103G.216, REPORTING FISH KILLS IN PUBLIC WATERS, Subd. 2 Reporting Requirement. These reports were received via the Minnesota Duty Officer prior to the submission deadline for this edition of the EQB Monitor. They represent the raw data/information provided by callers. For more information regarding fish kills in Minnesota see the Department of Natural Resources. Call the Minnesota Duty Officer at 651‐649‐5451 or 800‐422‐0798 to report fish kills.

Access the EQB monitor submission service

Questions? Contact EQB by phone at 651-757-2873 or email us at EQB.Monitor@state.mn.us. 

For more information on environmental review, please visit the EQB website or contact us at env.review@state.mn.us.