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.
Location (city/township; county): Arden Hills; Ramsey
Process: Variance
Step: Variance denied
Variance description: Maplewood Development and Construction, Inc. (“Maplewood Development” or “Proposer”), seeks to construct a business park, the Hillview Business Park (the “Project”). The Project is located in the City of Arden Hills on a 62-acre site in Sections 9-10, Township 30N, Range 23W. The Project is located on the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (“TCAAP”) property. The City of Arden Hills is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the Project under rules adopted by the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (“EQB”). Maplewood Development is seeking a variance from an EQB rule that prohibits construction activities before the EIS is complete so that it can proceed with demolition of abandoned buildings on the site. Maplewood Development states that demolition is necessary to reduce trespassing, vandalism, and fires in the abandoned buildings while Arden Hills completes the EIS. The EQB rules allow a variance to be granted to avoid a serious threat to public health or safety.
At the October 21, 2026 Board meeting, the EQB voted to deny the variance application.
Harmony Group Data Center
Location: Hermantown, St. Louis County
Process: Petition
Step: Responsible governmental unit assigned
Responsible governmental unit and contact: City of Hermantown, Eric Johnson,
218-729-3600
Location (city/township; county): Calumet; Itasca
Process: EAW
Step: EAW available
End of comment period: November 26, 2026
Project description: Calumet Reclamation Company (CRC) plans to process legacy stockpiles and tailings basins containing hematite at the former Hill Annex Mine in Itasca County. The hematite would be processed into a concentrate-type product. The activity would require the demolition of historic properties owned by the Department of Natural Resources.
Hill Annex Historic Properties Removal and Scram Mining Project project link provided by RGU
Location of public documents: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources,
500 Lafayette Road, Saint Paul, MN 55155
Responsible governmental unit and contact: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Bill Johnson, 651-259-5126
Location (city/township; county): Lime Township; Blue Earth
Process: EAW
Step: EAW available
End of comment period: November 26, 2026
Project description: Kasota Stone Fabricators, Inc. proposes expansion of an existing limestone quarry and associated fabrication operations in Lime Township, Blue Earth County, Minnesota. The approximately 95.55-acre project includes dimension stone extraction, aggregate production, limited blasting, dewatering, processing, stockpiling, fabrication activities, and phased reclamation on the K5 and K7 parcels.
Kasota Stone Fabricators, Inc Lime Township Pit Expansion project link provided by RGU
Location of public documents: Mankato Regional Airport, 3030 N. Airport Road, Mankato, MN 56001
Responsible governmental unit and contact: Lime Township, Jill Hilgers, 507-995-9666
Location (city/township; county): Brooklyn Park; Hennepin
Process: EAW
Step: EIS need decision
Responsible governmental unit decision: Negative (no EIS ordered)
Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: September 24, 2026
Project description: The Brookdale Park Channel Design project would re-meander several previously straightened segments of Shingle Creek using a combination of nature-based and stabilization-based solutions and would implement measures to improve water quality, enhance habitats, stabilize shoreline, and increase public recreational access. Project partners include the City of Brooklyn Park, Shingle Creek Watershed Management Commission (SCWMC), and Three Rivers Park District (TRPD). Additional partner funding for this project would also be provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
Brookdale Park Channel Design project link provided by RGU
Location of public documents: Brooklyn Park City Hall, 5200 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park,
MN 55443
Responsible governmental unit and contact: City of Brooklyn Park, Mitch Robinson,
763-493-8351
Location (city/township; county): Albert Lea; Freeborn
Process: EAW
Step: EIS need decision
Responsible governmental unit decision: Negative (no EIS ordered)
Responsible governmental unit record of decision date: October 13, 2026
Project description: The Shell Rock River Watershed District (SRRWD) and City of Albert Lea propose restoring the Fountain Lake Outlet Channel and removing and replacing the City owned Fountain Lake dam with a rock riffle structure. The Fountain Lake Channel Restoration Project (project) would restore aquatic and riparian habitat, stabilize streambanks and retaining walls, improve public safety and recreational access, and maintain the Fountain Lake normal pool water level.
Location of public documents: Shell Rock River Watershed, 305 South 1st Ave,
Albert Lea, MN 56007
Responsible governmental unit and contact: Shell Rock River Watershed District,
Andy Henschel, 507-377-5785
Location (city/township; county): Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis; Hennepin
Process: EIS
Step: Draft EIS
End of comment period: December 22, 2026
Project description: The Hwy 252/I-94 Project is located in Hennepin County and includes approximately 12 miles of Hwy 252 and I-94 in the cities of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and Minneapolis. Hwy 252 is a principal arterial expressway connecting the northwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area to Minneapolis, while I-94 is a major regional freeway corridor. Currently, people using Hwy 252 and I-94 experience a high number of crashes, traffic congestion, and barriers to walking and biking across the corridor. The purpose of the project is to improve the safe and reliable movement of people and goods across multiple modes on and across Hwy 252 and I-94 between Hwy 610 in Brooklyn Park and North 4th Street in Minneapolis.
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), has prepared both a Federal Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and a State Draft EIS for the Highway 252/I-94 Project between Highway 610 in Brooklyn Park and North 4th Street in Minneapolis.
The State Draft EIS has been prepared in accordance with the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and includes a chapter addressing state-specific environmental review requirements. The Federal Draft EIS has been prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The two documents are otherwise substantially similar and evaluate the same project alternatives, impacts, mitigation measures, and Preferred Alternative.
The public is invited to review the Draft EIS documents and provide comments during the 60-day comment period, between October 23, 2026 and December 22, 2026.
Additional information, public hearing details, and access to the State Draft EIS is available at MnDOT's project page.
Location of public documents:
- Brooklyn Park City Hall, 5200 85th Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
- Brooklyn Park Library, 8500 W. Broadway Avenue, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
- Brooklyn Center City Hall, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
- Environmental Conservation Library (Hennepin County), Minneapolis Central Government Documents, 300 Nicollet Mall, 2nd Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Hennepin County Library - Minneapolis Central Business/Science/Government Documents, 300 Nicollet Mall, 2nd floor, Minneapolis, MN 55401
- Legislative Reference Library, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul,
MN 55155
- Minneapolis Public Service Building, 505 4th Avenue S., 2nd Floor, Minneapolis,
MN 55415
- MnDOT Central Office Library, 395 John Ireland Boulevard, St. Paul, MN 55155
- MnDOT Metro District Office, 1500 West County Road B2, Roseville, MN 55113
- Webber Library, 4440 Humboldt Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN 55412
First public hearing date, time, location: November 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center, Grand Room, 5600 85th Avenue N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Second public hearing date, time, location: November 12, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Brookdale Library, Full Meeting Room ABC, 6125 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Third public hearing date, time, location: November 19, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Farview Recreation Center, Multipurpose Room, 621 N. 29th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Virtual public meeting/table talk date, time, location: December 8, 2026, 5:30 p.m., Online meeting
Link: Register for the online meeting
Responsible governmental unit and contact: Minnesota Department of Transportation, Amber Blanchard, 952-944-5555
Location (city/township; county): Brooklyn Park; Hennepin
Process: Large AUAR
Step: Revised AUAR
End of objection period (for state agencies and Met Council only): November 10, 2026
Project description: The Study Area is located in Section 6 and 7, Township 119N, Range 21W in Brooklyn Park, Hennepin County, Minnesota. The proposed development scenario would include the development of the Study Area including residential, commercial, transit-oriented development, and biotechnology development including research, office, production, and manufacturing space. The development scenario would also include the construction of infrastructure including roads and utilities.
Brooklyn Park NW Growth Area Plan project link provided by RGU
Location of public documents: Brooklyn Park City Hall, 5200 85th Ave. N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443
Responsible governmental unit and contact: City of Brooklyn Park, Erin McDermott,
763-493-8082
Location: Garvin Township, Lyon
Process: Alternative review
Notice title: Notice of Final Permit Decision for the Coneflower HVTL 345kV Project (IP-7132/TL-26-132)
Notice description: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in an order issued September 17, 2026 the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (1) Adopted Commission staff’s Proposed Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (attached to the briefing papers filed on September 9, 2026) to the extent they are consistent with the Commission's decision. (2) Made specific modifications to special condition 6.4 (Archeological and Historic Resources), (3) added special condition 6.5 (Pole Placement Consultation), (4) added special condition 6.6 (Independent Third-Party Monitor), and issued the route permit with the special conditions recommended by the Commission’s Energy Infrastructure Permitting staff. The order can be viewed at the Commission's eDocket system: eDocket Number 26-132 (enter the number and select “search”).
Project description: In the Matter of the Application of Coneflower Energy, LLC for a Route Permit for the Coneflower 345 kV Transmission Line Project in Lyon County, Minnesota.
Location of public documents: Marshall-Lyon County Library, 201 C St, Marshall,
MN 56258
Responsible governmental unit and contact: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission,
Jacques Harvieux, 651-201-2233
General notices
Notices published in this section may be required under Minnesota Statute or Rule.
DNR proposes to update the Public Waters Inventory for Carver County
Notice description: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comments on its proposal to update the Public Waters Inventory (PWI) for Carver County. In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature enacted Minn. Stat. § 103G.201 (f) which directed the DNR to update the state's PWI. The DNR has prepared a map and list of preliminary corrections which will update the PWI for Carver County. The map and list of preliminary corrections can be viewed on the PWI Update project webpage (mndnr.gov/pwi-update). The DNR will provide a 60-day public comment period and host a public meeting in the county to obtain feedback on the preliminary corrections.
Public meeting date, time, location: November 18, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Carver County Public Works Building, 11360 US-212 E, Cologne, MN, 55322
Public meeting additional details: The DNR will accept written comments on the preliminary corrections from November 3, 2026 until 4:30 p.m. January 4, 2027. Comments may be submitted online via the public comment tool on the PWI Update project webpage. Written comments may be submitted to Public Waters Inventory Update, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025, or PWI.Update.dnr@state.mn.us. Comments cannot be submitted by phone.
General questions about the project may be asked by email, postal mail or by calling 651-259-5416. Any information submitted will be part of the public record. Individual comments will not receive a reply. The DNR will review feedback received during the comment period and make necessary modifications to the preliminary map. A revised map, now a provisional final map, will be submitted to the county and made available on the DNR's project webpage. Sign up for email updates on the project webpage to receive information as the project progresses.
Contact: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wes Saunders-Pearce,
651-259-5416
DNR proposes to update the Public Waters Inventory for Chippewa County
Notice description: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comments on its proposal to update the Public Waters Inventory (PWI) for Chippewa County. In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature enacted Minn. Stat. § 103G.201 (f) which directed the DNR to update the state's PWI. The DNR has prepared a map and list of preliminary corrections which will update the PWI for Chippewa County. The map and list of preliminary corrections can be viewed on the PWI Update project webpage. The DNR will provide a 60-day public comment period and host a public meeting in the county to obtain feedback on the preliminary corrections.
Public meeting date, time, location: November 17, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Montevideo City Community Center, 550 South 1st St, Montevideo, MN 56265
Public meeting additional details: The DNR will accept written comments on the preliminary corrections from November 2, 2026 until 4:30 p.m. January 4, 2027. Comments may be submitted online via the public comment tool on the PWI Update project webpage. Written comments may be submitted to Public Waters Inventory Update, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025, or PWI.Update.dnr@state.mn.us. Comments cannot be submitted by phone.
General questions about the project may be asked by email, postal mail or by calling 651-259-5416. Any information submitted will be part of the public record. Individual comments will not receive a reply. The DNR will review feedback received during the comment period and make necessary modifications to the preliminary map. A revised map, now a provisional final map, will be submitted to the county and made available on the DNR's project webpage. Sign up for email updates on the project webpage to receive information as the project progresses.
Contact: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Wes Saunders-Pearce, 651-259-5416
DNR proposes to update the Public Waters Inventory for Pine County
Notice description: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comments on its proposal to update the Public Waters Inventory (PWI) for Pine County. In 2024, the Minnesota Legislature enacted Minn. Stat. § 103G.201 (f) which directed the DNR to update the state's PWI. The DNR has prepared a map and list of preliminary corrections which will update the PWI for Pine County. The map and list of preliminary corrections can be viewed on the PWI Update project webpage (mndnr.gov/pwi-update). The DNR will provide a 60-day public comment period and host a public meeting in the county to obtain feedback on the preliminary corrections.
Public meeting date, time, location: November 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m., North Pine Community Center, 1602 Hwy 23 N, Sandstone, MN 55072
Public meeting additional details: The DNR will accept written comments on the preliminary corrections from October 30, 2026 until 4:30 p.m. December 31, 2026. Comments may be submitted online via the public comment tool on the PWI Update project webpage. Written comments may be submitted to Public Waters Inventory Update, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025, or PWI.Update.dnr@state.mn.us. Comments cannot be submitted by phone.
General questions about the project may be asked by email, postal mail or by calling 651-259-5416. Any information submitted will be part of the public record. Individual comments will not receive a reply. The DNR will review feedback received during the comment period and make necessary modifications to the preliminary map. A revised map, now a provisional final map, will be submitted to the county and made available on the DNR's project webpage. Sign up for email updates on the project webpage to receive information as the project progresses.
Contact: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wes Saunders-Pearce,
651-259-5416
Notice of Public Hearings and Availability of Environmental Report - PowerOn Midwest Energy
Notice description: The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission will hold public hearings on the Certificate of Need Application filed by Great River Energy, ITC Midwest LLC, and Xcel Energy for the proposed PowerOn Midwest Project. The Project would involve construction and operation of approximately 340 miles of new 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines and additional 345-kV circuits on replacement or existing structures across southern Minnesota, along with related substation expansions and upgrades. Additional information can be found at the Commission’s eDocket system: eDocket Number 25-117 (enter the number and select “search”).
First public meeting date, time, location: November 9, 2026, 10:00 a.m., St. Leo Church (Gym), 415 S Hiawatha Avenue, Pipestone, MN 56164
Second Public meeting date, time, location: November 9, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Murray County Central Schools (Gym), 2420 28th Street, Slayton, MN, 56172
Third public meeting date, time, location: November 10, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Worthington Event Center, 1447 Prairie Drive, Worthington, MN, 56187
Fourth public meeting date, time, location: November 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Windom Community Center, 1750 Cottonwood Lake Drive, Windom, MN, 56101
Fifth public meeting date, time, location: November 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Fox Lake Event Center, 730 125th Street, Sherburn, MN, 56171
Sixth public meeting date, time, location: November 12, 2026, 5:00 p.m., Golden Bubble, 11575 State Highway 22, Wells, MN, 56097
Seventh public meeting date, time, location: November 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Austin Eagles Lookout Aerie 703, 107 11th Street, Austin, MN, 55912
Eighth public meeting date, time, location: November 16, 2026, 10:00 a.m., Dodge County Fairgrounds Midway Building, 100 11th Street NE, Kasson, MN, 55944
Ninth public meeting date, time, location: November 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m., Online meeting
Ninth public meeting virtual link: Join online meeting
Ninth public meeting additional details: Webinar Number: 2480 280 7515
Webinar Password: GakXRvpi846 (42597874 from phones)
Join by Phone: 1-415-655-0003
Phone Access Code: 2480 280 7515
If you are joining the hearing via WebEx and would like to ask a question or make a comment during the designated portion of the hearing, use the raised-hand function or the chat function to send a message to the hearing moderator. If you are joining the hearing by phone, press *3 on your phone. When it is your turn to speak, your line will be unmuted, and you will be able to ask questions and provide comments. The hearing ends when all attendees have commented or at 9:00 PM. Log in at the start time to ensure participation. Additional information and instructions are available at the Commission's meetings webpage.
All public meeting additional details: The public hearings will be presided over by the Honorable Joseph Meyer, an administrative law judge with the Court of Administrative Hearings, who will provide the Commission with findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a recommendation. The purpose of the public hearings is to obtain public input and compile the record for the Commission to consider in making a final decision on the certificate of need application. Specifically, interested persons will have the opportunity to: (1) ask questions of state staff and the Applicants; and (2) offer oral and written comments on the merits of the certificate of need application and on the environmental report.
Comments received at the hearings and during the comment period will be used to inform the record and help the Commission make its final decision. The information presented will be the same at all in-person and online hearings. The hearings will end when all attendees have had the opportunity to comment and all other business has been concluded, or at the scheduled end time of the hearing, whichever occurs first. It is recommended that all interested persons arrive at the scheduled start time. Members of the public may participate without intervening as a party; representation by legal counsel is permitted but not required.
Written comments will be accepted until December 7, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Please include the docket number in all communications. Comments received after the close of the comment period may or may not be considered by the Commission. Topics for Comment: Should the Commission grant a certificate of need for the PowerOn Midwest Project, and If granted, what additional conditions or requirements should be included in a certificate of need? Submit Comments at the Commission's comments webpage
or via email: consumer.puc@state.mn.us
or via U.S. Mail: Consumer Affairs Office, Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, 121 7th Place East, Suite 350, St. Paul, MN 55101
Contact: Minnesota Public Utilities Commission, Scott Ek, 651-539-1070
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.
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Date
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Location
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County
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Waterbody
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Species
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Count
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10/15/2026
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St James
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Watonwan
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Long Lake
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Bullhead
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500
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Submit a notice to the EQB Monitor
The EQB Monitor is a weekly publication announcing environmental review documents, public comment periods and other actions of the Environmental Quality Board. The EQB Monitor is published every Tuesday at noon. Submissions to the EQB Monitor are due by 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday one week prior to the intended publication date. Please see the EQB Monitor schedule for more details.
To submit a notice for publication:
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.
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