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Correspondence Section Correspondence Section Minutes from the TH 41 Study Advisory Committee Meeting on July 26, 2004. Memo from Jill Sinclair re: Recycling Coupon Program dated August 18, 2004. /'J., , ,\ ~t.7:.""þ~ .'f l'" t: ,~f. ~ CONSULTING GROUP, I N c. Transportation. Civil· Structural· Environmental· Planning· Traffic· Landscape Architecture· Parking SRF No. 0024590 TH 41 Study Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting Monday, July 26, 2004 10:00 am - Scott County Conference Center, Shakopee Minutes ATTENDEES: Brian Isaacson, MnlDOT Diane Langenbach, MnlDOT Lisa Freese, MnlDOT Lynn Clarkowski, MnlDOT Nick Tiedeken, Mn/DOT Roger Gustafson, Carver County Bob Generous, City of Chanhassen Todd Gerhardt, City of Chanhassen Paul Ohme, City of Chanhassen Michael Leek, City of Shakopee Cindy Olness, City of Carver Jim Larsen, Metropolitan Council Don Koski, Metropolitan Council Arne Stefferud, Metropolitan Council REceiVED SEP 0 I 2004 CITY OF CHANHASSEN Terry Schreiner, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Terry Schwalbe, Lower Minnesota River Watershed District Joan Ellis, LMRWD Lori Nelson, Friends of the Minnesota Valley Leonard E. Wabasha, SMSC Wayne Barstad, DNR Virginia Laszewski, US EP A Jennie Ross, SRF Nancy Frick, SRF MEETING PURPOSE: To provide the SAC with information on the comments received on the Scoping Document/Draft Scoping Decision Document, (SD/DSDD), to solicit input from the group prior to Mn/DOT's issuance of a final Scoping Decision Document, and to review and solicit input on the proposed Draft EIS studies. The attached agenda identifies the major items of discussion. Handouts provided at the meeting are also attached. PROJECT STATUS: MnlDOT is preparing to conclude the Scoping phase of the process and initiate work on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). Since the last meeting of the SAC (July 2003), MnlDOT issued a Scoping Document/Draft Scoping Decision Document (SD/DSDD) that outlines the proposed project, its purpose/need, One Carlson Parkway North, Suite 150, Minneapolis, MN 55447-4443 Telephone (763) 475-0010 . Fax (763) 475-2429 . http:/ /www.srfconsulting.com An Equal Opportunity Employer TH 41 Study Advisory Committee Meeting - 2 - July 26, 2004 alternatives identification and evaluation process, relevant environmental issues, and the proposed content of the DEIS. See attached Project Information handout and alternatives map handout. The SD/DSDD findings were presented at a Policy Advisory Committee meeting on April 15, 2004. The majority of discussion at that meeting focused on overall transportation problems in the study area, and the need to implement the improved TH 41 connection as well as other transportation improvements. MnlDOT sponsored an Open House/Public Scoping Meeting on May 20, 2004, at which eleven attendees signed in; five submitted comment cards. By the conclusion of the Scoping comment period (May 26, 2004), MnlDOT had also received seven letters and one resolution commenting upon the SD/DSDD. See the attached Comment Summary. DISCUSSION: Virginia Laszewski asked if the alignments themselves would be revisited during the Tier II EIS process. Jennie Ross noted that the alignments developed for the Tier lEIS would need to be detailed enough to inform selection of a corridor to be preserved, but that there could be some flexibility built into the selected corridor for more refinement during the Tier II process. Virginia Laszewski indicated that cumulative impacts would be very important in assessing and comparing the DEIS alternatives. Jennie noted that the DEIS would include an assessment of cumulative impacts in accordance with NEP A requirements and explained that the SD/DSDD categorizes cumulative impacts among the study topics of "moderate" concern because it appeared that, while important, cumulative impacts would not have a major role in differentiating among the various alternatives. Based on discussion, it may be appropriate to categorize cumulative impacts among the issues of major concern. This wi]] be reviewed as MnlDOT prepares the final Scoping Decision Document (SDD). Terry Schreiner commented that, as stated in the comment letter from USFWS, the western and central alternatives have unacceptable impacts on the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, in particular on the wetland marsh (W-2) and the floodplain forest (C-2). He compared the uniqueness of these resources with that of Seminary Fen, which is of concern in the eastern portion of the study area. The analysis needs to consider the impacts of all bridges on the river resources. Terry Schreiner stated the opinion that the SD/DSDD does not clearly communicate the criteria used for evaluating and eliminating/maintaining alternatives from/for inclusion in the DEIS. He also suggested that, if the alternatives recommended by the SD/DSDD for study in the DEIS have unacceptable impacts, the process may need to revisit the eliminated alternatives. Jennie briefly reviewed the scoping process that was used to evaluate and select alternatives for further study, and noted that the process and recommendations had been reviewed by the Study Advisory Committee at a previous meeting. It was decided that it would be useful to convene a meeting of interested persons for the purpose of reviewing the alternatives evaluation process. TH 41 Study Advisory Committee Meeting - 3 - July 26, 2004 Wayne Barstad asked if it was possible to arrive at a No-Build decision. While this is possible, it is expected that MnlDOT will select a Build alternative due to the transportation need for the project. RECENT MEETINGS: The project team has been developing the details of the DEIS study in consultation with key agencies/individuals. Meetings of interest include: · Cultural Resources: The team met with MnlDOT's Cultural Resources Unit (CRU), which will define and manage the cultural resources study for the project. MnlDOT CRU and FHW A wi]] also coordinate with Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community cultural resources staff. · Traffic Operations: The team met with FHW A and MnlDOT traffic operations staff to define the scope for the traffic operations analysis. While the current action is limited to identifying the corridor for right of way preservation, traffic operations analysis wi]] need to be done to a level to demonstrate that the facility, including local and regional interchange connections, can function adequately. Additional analysis would be done during the Tier II process. · Seminary Fen: The team met with DNR staff to gather input regarding the scope of work for the Phase I (baseline) study for the fen, as well as the approach to determine future Phase II work. A meeting of several agencies to review and seek general consensus on the Phase I scope of work, and identify additional issues and information sources, is scheduled July 27. NEXT STEPS: Jennie reviewed the next steps in the process, which include finalizing the Scoping Decision Document (SDD), refining the scope for the DEIS, and meeting with agencies and municipalities to gather key information for the DEIS studies. Study sub-groups will focus on these topics: · Wetlandlfenlwater quality · Land use/community issues(s). This would include meetings with the individual local governments and a broader meeting including staff from all affected local governments in both Scott and Carver Counties. · Cumulative impacts A meeting focused on U.S. FWS Issues, including but not limited to the Refuge, was also recommended. The current schedule anticipates release of the Tier I DEIS in December 2005, release of the Final EIS in April 2007 and conclusion of the Tier I EIS process in July 2007. See attached Milestone Schedule. TH 41 Study Advisory Committee Meeting - 4- July 26, 2004 OTHER ISSUES: Participants commented that SAC meeting attendance by all affected parties is important. MnlDOT will make an effort to contact missing representatives to encourage regular attendance and asked other agencies to do the same as they have the opportunity. The next SAC Meeting will be scheduled Fall 2004, following meetings of the small groups noted above. Meeting minutes prepared by Nancy Frick. Attachments: Agenda Project Information Alternatives Figures Schedule cc: SAC Distribution List H:\Projects\4590\EP\Meetings\SAC\SAC July 2004 minutes.doc TH 41 Over the Minnesota River - EIS Study Advisory Committee Meeting July 26, 2004, 10:00 a.m. Scott County Conference Center, Shakopee AGENDA 1. Introductions 2. Project Status 3. SD/DSDD Comments · PAC Meeting (April 15, 2004) · Open House (May 20,2004) - 11 signed in,S comment cards · SD Comment period (closed May 26,2004) - 7 letters, 1 resolution 4. Recent Meetings · Mn/DOT internal meetings: cultural resources, traffic scope for EIS · DNR · Fen coordination meeting July 27 5. Next Steps · Finalize SDD · Refine scope for DEIS - Alternatives (4 Build, No Build) Fen studies Other studies · Meetings with agencies and municipalities · DEIS schedule 6. Other Issues (SAC members input) 7. Next SAC Meeting TH 41 OVER THE MINNESOTA RIVER SCOPING STUDY - PROJECT INFORMATION STUDY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING - July 26, 2004 ALTERNATIVES TO BE STUDIED IN THE EIS NO-BUILD ALTERNATIVE The No-Build alternative is defined as future conditions that include programmed improvements to the regional transportation system. This alternative does not include construction of a new TH 41 river crossing nor any improvements to the existing TH 41 or other area roadways that are not currently programmed. BUILD ALTERNATIVES The Build alternatives that are proposed for study in the Tier I DEIS are depicted in Figure 1 (attached) and described below. The sub-alternatives referenced in these descriptions (but not proposed for study in the DEIS) are shown in Figure 8 from the Scoping Document (also attached). The description of each alternative below includes the rationale for inclusion of the alternative in the DEIS, based on the Level I and Level II evaluation criteria described in the Scoping Document. Alternative W-2 · Combines sub-alternatives W-2A and W-2B · Description Western portion of the study area North-south orientation W -2A and W -2B alignments are the same south of downstream river bend Alignment utilizes existing rail corridor across river valley Alignment connects to TH 169 one mile west of CSAH 78 * W -2A and W -2B alignments diverge north of the downstream river bend * Each connects to New TH 212 at the TH 212 interchange * W-2A is adjacent to existing railroad alignment and the river in this location, and closer to downtown Carver than W -2B; W -2A follows a curvilinear alignment north to the New TH 212rrH 212 interchange * W-2B crosses river on tangent, away from the existing railroad alignment and downtown Carver and is aligned more directly to the New TH 212/ TH 212 interchange Freeway design, no interchanges between TH 169 and New TH 212 · Included for study in the DEIS because it meets Level I evaluation criteria and it includes sub-alternatives that allow for further refinement of the alignment in the DEIS to further minimize impacts. Alternative C-2 · Combines sub-alternatives C-2A, C-2B, and C-2C · Description Central portion of the study area North-south orientation C-2A, C-2B and C-2C alignments are the same between the Minnesota River and TH 212. C-2A and C-2B alignments diverge north ofTH 212 * C-2A follows CSAH 140 to connect to New TH 212 * C-2B turns east to connect to New TH 212 at the CSAH II-area interchange C-2A and C-2C alignments diverge south of the Minnesota River * C-2A follows straight alignment to connect to TH 169 at existing TH 41 * C-2C turns east to connect to TH 169 at/near CSAH 69 Freeway design, no interchanges between TH 169 and New TH 212 · Included for study in the DEIS because it meets Level I evaluation criteria and it includes sub-alternatives that allow for further refinement of the alignment in the DEIS to further minimize impacts. Alternative E-l · Combines portions of sub-alternatives E-IA and E-lB north of CSAH 10, and E-l C · Description Eastern portion of the study area North-south orientation Connects to TH 169 via an interchange at/near CSAH 69 E-IA and E-lB alignments diverge north of CSAH 10 * E-IA parallels CSAH 17, affecting access to existing residential development in the City of Chaska, and connects to New TH 212 via an interchange at CSAH 17 * E-lB curves south and east to the edge of development, following the bluff and utilizing the northernmost portion of land reserved by the City of Chaska for a new TH 41 crossing in the vicinity of the 1974 DEIS Alternative 41-D corridor. Connects to New TH 212 via an interchange at CR 104 (Bluff Creek Drive) E-l A and E-l C alignments diverge south of CSAH 10 * E-IA aligns to generally follow the 1974 DEIS Alternative 41-D corridor at and south of the Minnesota River * E-IC curves west to avoid impacts to sensitive biological areas and mobile home parks Freeway design, no interchanges between TH 169 and New TH 212 · Included for study in the DEIS because it meets Level I criteria, it correlates to scoping forecast Test Link D (with the highest forecast volumes on new TH 41) and it includes sub- alternatives that that allow for further refinement of the alignment in the DEIS to further minimize impacts. Alternative E-2 · Combines sub-alternatives E-2A and E-2B · Description Eastern portion of the study area North-south orientation Connects to TH 169 via an interchange at/near CSAH 69 Connects to New TH 212 via an interchange at CR 104 (Bluff Creek Drive) E-2A and E-2B alignments are the same north of the Minnesota River and follow the 1974 DEIS 41-D corridor E-2A and E-2B alignments diverge south of the Minnesota River * E-2A utilizes the greatest amount of land reserved by the City of Chaska for a new TH 41 crossing in the vicinity of the 1974 DEIS Alternative 41-D corridor. Connects to New TH 212 via an interchange at CR 104 (Bluff Creek Drive) * E-2B turns west to avoid impacts to mobile home court (potential environmental justice population) and sensitive biologic resources Freeway design, no interchanges between TH 169 and New TH 212 · Included for study in the DEIS because it meets Level I criteria, it correlates to scoping forecast Test Link D (with the highest forecast volumes on new TH 41), it includes a sub- alternative that is consistent with the 1974 DEIS Alternative 41-D corridor and it includes sub-alternatives that that allow for further refinement of the alignment in the DEIS to further minimize impacts. ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN THE TIER lEIS Based on information obtained during the scoping study, the following areas of environmental concern will require special studies (separate reports) in the DEIS to better determine the extent of impacts related to the proposed alternatives: · Cultural Resources · Seminary Fen Impacts · Traffic Operations The following issues are of major concern for the project at the Tier I level, since impacts related to these issues could have a substantial influence on selection of the preferred alternative corridor. The Tier I DEIS will provide detailed analysis of impact for each of these environmental concerns, but no separate report. · Public Park, Recreational, Wildlife Management and Section 4(f)/6(f) Lands · Vegetation/ Cover Types · Fish and Wildlife · Threatened and Endangered Species · Wetlands · Floodplains/ Water Body Modification · Surface Water/ Water Quantity and Quality Management · Land Use · Right of way Acquisition and Relocation · Environmental Justice/Social and Neighborhood Impacts/Community Facilities Impacts · Visual Impacts The following issues are of moderate concern for the project at the Tier I level. While some of the issues may be of significant concern for the construction of the project and wiJI be so addressed in the Tier II analysis, major substantive differences among alternatives that would affect the decision regarding a Tier I preferred alternative (location) are not anticipated. The EIS will identify impacts, including analysis in accordance with federal and state requirements where appropriate, for each of these areas of environmental concern. · Noise · Air Quality · Intermodal Transportation (includes Bicycle/Pedestrian Movement, Truck Traffic, Rail, and Transit) · Construction Impacts · Hazardous Materials, Contaminated Properties · Erosion Control and Slope Stability · Economic Impacts · Excess Materials · Farmlands · Groundwater, Geology and Soils · Utility locations · Wild and Scenic Rivers · Secondary Impacts · Cumulative Impacts · Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources · Relationship of Local Short-Term Uses versus Long-Term Productivity ! I I I ¡ I C') 0> It) .,.... 0> ~ e ::> C> ~ e ::> C> ~ ~ î ., ¡ I I ~ ~ 0.5 . Miles BUILD AL TERNA nVES TO BE ANAL Yll TRUNK HIGHWAY 41 OVER THE MINNE: Draft Scoping Decision Document S.P. #1008-60 Minnesota Department of Transportation Figure 1 TH 41 Over the Minnesota River EIS Milestone Schedule 7/6/04 Milestone Completion Date Finalize SDD - to DOT for review/signature July 30,2004 Finalize DEIS scope/Initiate Tier I DEIS Studies August 2004 Review Draft Tier I DEIS document October 2005 Release Tier I DEIS for public comment December 2005 Close Tier I DEIS comment period February 2006 Identify FEIS preferred alignment/Initiate Tier I FEIS April 2006 Release FE IS for public comment April 2007 Tier I EIS Adequacy Determination/ROD July 2007 CITY OF CHANHASSEN 7700 Market Boulevard PO Bux 147 Chanhassen. Mr~ 55317 Administration Phone 952.2271100 Fax. 952.227.1110 Building Inspections Phone 9522271180 Fax. 9522271190 Engineering Phol:e 952.2271160 Fax. 9522271170 Finance 9522271140 Fax 952.2271110 Park & Recreation Pkwe 9522271120 Fax 952227 1110 Reueatloll Center 2310 Coulter Boulevard 9522271400 952227 1404 Planning & Natural Resources PiìOIW 9522271130 Fax 952.2271110 Public Works 1591 Park R.oad Ph'one. 952.227 1300 Fax 952.227.1310 Senior Center Pholle 952227.1125 Fax 9522271110 Web Site www.cl.challhasseI1Im.us MEMORANDUM TO: Todd Gerhardt, City Manager FROM: Jill Sinclair, Environmental Resources Specialist DATE: August 18, 2004 SUBJ: Update on recycling coupon program This is the second year of the Recycling Coupon program. As of August 18, $2,830.75 has been spent. Chanhassen residents have visited the facility 2,540 times from Jan. 2 to July 31. Recycling coupons were used 407 of those times to cover any fees incurred. As a comparison, from January to June 2003 residents had redeemed 124 coupons totaling $1,122.00. This year the coupon is being used like a punch card where the exact amount of the fees are deducted from the card and the user can continue to use the entire amount. The coupon is divided into ten $1 sections which are punched as they are spent and the resident keeps the coupon until all $10 is spent. In 2003, the coupons could only be used once although the county only charged the city the amount of the fee. For example, if a resident used the $10 coupon to cover $4 in fees for two small electronic items, the coupon was kept by the facility and the city was charged four dollars. This year's design allows full use of the coupon and greater flexibility for the residents. Funding for this program comes from an annual grant from Carver County. In 2004, the grant total is $13,017.00. The city's 2004 recycling budget has allocated $10,000 for the coupon program, equal to the amount allocated in the 2003 budget. Prior to the coupon program the city sponsored Special Waste Collection Day and Brush Collection Days. Costs for the collection days were $10,142.50 in 2002, $11,642.93 in 2001 and $11,134.80 in 2000. The coupons have been printed in each quarterly newsletter, distributed at the Environmental Center on Earth Day (April 22), handed out at the July 4th parade, and will be given away at Chanhassen Day (August 26) at the MN Landscape Arboretum. The city expects coupon usage to increase during the fall due to yard waste. quality SCilOOIS a charrlll11lj alld beautitul ~arks A great place to live. work. alld play The City of Chanhassen · A growrng community Wltll cleall