Environmental Review Process

Projects of this magnitude of proposed work require extensive, formalized environmental review and documentation.  At the federal level, the applicable requirements are defined under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  The corresponding state requirements are defined under the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act.  The preferred alternative will, at minimum, require the MEPA requirements to be followed.  This includes an Environmental Assessment Worksheet document and associated public and agency review procedures.   It is possible that the federal requirements will also need to be met.  However, no federal funds are currently identified for the project, and the need for NEPA documentation and review procedures is currently being reviewed by the County and its project partners.