Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout6.c. Stonex Environmental Assessment WorksheetCITY OF ROSEMOUNT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR ACTION CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: July 20, 2004 AGENDA ITEM: Stoner EAW AGENDA SECTION: Consent PREPARED BY: Andrew J. Brotzler, P.E., City Engineer T own.. C ATTACHMENTS: Memorandum from WSB, EAW APPROVED BY• RECOMMENDED ACTION: MOTION TO AUTHORIZE PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION OF TH ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET AS REQUIRED BY MINNESOTA RULES 4410 FOR A 30 -DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD. ACTION: BACKGROUND: Stonex, LLC Sand and Gravel, Mine is proposing to conduct mining operations on an 80- acre parcel of land located 0.25 miles south of County Road 38 and 0.25 miles west of CSAH 71. The proposed site is adjacent to the existing Vesterra gravel mine operation. The proposed site is located within a sub -area of the City's agricultural district that allows mining operations. Due to the size of the proposed mining operation, a mandatory EAW is required to be completed prior to the City considering an application for mining. As such, attached for your review and consideration is a draft EAW. At this time, Staff is requesting Council to authorize pubic distribution of the EAW for a 30 -day comment period. Memorandum To: Honorable Mayor and City Council, City of Rosemount From: Andi Moffatt, WSB & Associates, Ina Date: July 9, 2004 Re: Stonex Gravel Mine EAW Environmental Assessment Worksheet WSB Project No. 1191-24 Attached, please find a draft copy of the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the Stonex Gravel Mine for your consideration at the July 20, 2004 City Council meeting. Based on Minnesota Rules 4410.4300, the EAW for this project is mandatory due to the size of the proposed gravel mining operation. The EAW process is required to be completed prior to the City issuing any approvals for this project. If the Council authorizes distribution of the EAW at the July 20, 2004 meeting, the schedule for the EAW process will be as follows: July 26, 2004: WSB submits EAW to EQB Monitor and distributes EAW to review agencies August 2 — September 1, 2004: EAW Comment Period September 21, 2004: City Council determines the need for an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. The City Council is asked to authorize public distribution of the EAW as required by Minnesota Rules 4410. Upon authorization, the EAW will be distributed for a 30 -day public comment period. At the end of the comment period, responses to comments will be developed and a recommendation as to the need for an Environmental Impact Statement will be made to the City Council for consideration. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (763)287 -7196. C. John Chadwick F. I i -f P1T7A'.1191- ?Si0i0907- h,ncc.doc Minneapolis • St. Cloud - Equal Opportunity Employer I M - 9 i Stonex, LLC Sand, and Gravel Mine RGU: EQB Monitor Publication Date: August 2, 2004 Comment Deadline: September, 1, 2004 i i i i i i i i City of Rosemount 2875 145th St. W Rosemount, MN 55068 WSB & Associates, Inc. WSB Project No. 1191 -24 ENVIRONMENTALAsSESSMENT WORKSHEET Note to preparers: This form is available at www.mnplan.state.mn.us. EAW Guidelines will be available in Spring 1999 at the web site. The Environmental Assessment Worksheet provides information about a project that may have the potential for significant environmental effects. The EAW is prepared by the Responsible Governmental Unit or its agents to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement should be prepared. The project proposer must supply any reasonably accessible data for — but should not complete — the final worksheet. If a complete answer does not fit in the space allotted, attach additional sheets as necessary. The complete question as well as the answer must be included if the EAW is prepared electronically. 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, Stonex, LLC Sand and Gravel Mine 2.Proposer 3.RGU City of Rosemount Contact person Jonathan J. Wilmshurst Contact person Rick Pearson Title Vice President Title City Planner Address 12741 Shannon Parkway Address City Hall, 2875 145` St W City, state, ZIP Rosemount, MN 55068 City Rosemount, MN 55068 -4997 Phone 651485 -7515 Phone 6514234411 Fax 651 -322 -2603 Fax 651423 -5203 E -mail jonathanwilmsQaol.com E -mail rick.pearson ,ci.rosemount.mn.us 4. Reason for EAW preparation (check one) EIS scopin Mandatory EAW x Citizen petition RGU discretion Proposer volunteered If EAW or EIS is mandatory give EQB rule category subpart number 4410.4300 Subpart 12 Non- metallic mineral mining of more than 40 acres but less than 160 acres to a depth of 10 feet or greater. 5. Project location County - Dakota City/Township - Rosemount SE' /4 of SW' /4 and SW' /4 of SE 1 /4, Section 23, Township 115 N Range 19,W 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); • Site plan showing all significant project and natural features. These items are attached as Appendix A. Page 1 of 15 July 9, 2004 6 Description a. Provide a project summary of 50 words or less to be published in the EQB Monitor. Stonex LLC intends to operate a sand and gravel mine with a crushing, washing and screening plant to provide construction aggregates for the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The facility will be located in an agricultural area immediately south and west of the Flint Hills refinery in Rosemount. b. Give a complete description of the proposed project and related new construction. Attach additional sheets as necessary. Emphasize construction, operation methods and features that will cause physical manipulation of the environment or will produce wastes. Include modifications to existing equipment or industrial processes and significant demolition, removal or remodeling of existing structures. Indicate the timing and duration of construction activities. The Stonex site includes mining gravel and sand from an 80 -acre parcel located 0.25 miles south of County Road 38 and 0.25 miles west of CSAH 71Blaine Avenue in Rosemount, MN. This site is immediately south of the V esterra gravel mine operation. The purpose of this mining facility is to provide an additional source of construction sand and gravel aggregates in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The land is currently being used for agricultural purposes. The mine will remove up to fifty feet of material from the property. This will bring the higher ground down to approximately the same elevation as the north -east comer of the property, and the flat farmland to the east. Finished grades will be sloped gently to the north -east, which will not significantly change current surface water drainage patterns. Mining will commence more or less on the east end of the property, but to the west of the farm buildings where the activity will be essentially invisible from surrounding properties except the parcel to the north which has previously been issued a mining permit. Mining will then proceed in an orderly fashion to the south and west property boundaries, finishing the grading at the east end last after the farm buildings have been removed. Owing to the site contours, very little of the mine face will be exposed to public view at any given time. No more than 15 acres of open floor will be left un- reclaimed at any time. Much of the area to be mined has the underlying deposit showing at the surface, so the amount of stripping to be done will be minimal. Those areas that do need to be stripped will provide the source of material for berms, and this is also where the topsoil will be stored that will be used for reclamation at the completion of each phase of the mine. Additional topsoil may need to be brought in to complete the reclamation process. Equipment to be used in the mining process is expected to be front -end loaders, conveyors, screens, and crushing and washing equipment. No blasting will take place at the site. In order to comply with Minnesota weights and measures statutes, a weigh -scale will be installed along with a small temporary office for the scale operator and site manager. Some small concrete pads will be used to anchor the processing equipment, but these will be easily removed once mining is complete. It is likely that the first year of mining will employ fully portable equipment. This will enable proper preparation of the site for the fixed installation. The washing operation will require the use of a well and a two -stage settling pond system. It is intended that all water used for the operations will be recycled, infiltrate back into the ground, or evaporate. No chemicals of any kind will be used in the processing of the sand and gravel, with the exception of surfactants if a wet suppression system is needed. Hours of operation will be consistent with the City of Rosemount ordinance. Page 2 of 1 Jule 9, 2004 There are approximately 6 homes within 0.25 miles of the site. Most of these homes are along Blaine Avenue. Of these homes, the Kraft farmstead and buildings are located within the project area in the north -east corner. This area will be left undisturbed until the family has moved out sometime prior to May, 2007. The house and buildings will then be rented out while mining continues. The City's ordinance requires screening provisions for homes within 0.25 miles of the mining operation. The project proposer will work closely with any neighbors that might have concerns about the operation and will mitigate any issues that might arise. Natural contours will be used as far as possible to screen activities from neighbors and the public.' The farmland will continue to be cultivated until mining occurs. The original farmhouse, barn and outbuildings, together with the established trees, will remain during the mining process and will help to screen operations. The buildings and some of the trees will be removed at the end of the mine life so that the land can be graded to blend with the rest of the site. A four to one slope will be graded up at the east end of the property to blend in with the treed area on the adjacent Flint Hills property. The duration of the operation is expected to be approximately fourteen years, assuming a production rate of approximately five hundred thousand tons annually. As mining proceeds in phases of approximately five acres per annum, the property will be sloped on the western, southern and eastern boundaries at grades of no more than four to one and be completed to meet the requirements of the City. Topsoil will be spread at a depth of no less than four inches and seeded with an appropriate mix in the event that it is not returned to an agricultural use in the interim. Ultimately, the end -use plan for this property will depend on zoning in the area as determined by the City, but the mine floor will be left in a condition suitable either for agriculture or for development. The site immediately north is currently being mined for sand and gravel. The cumulative impacts on the area are primarily related to traffic and water use. The ultimate end -use plan will include grading these two areas to match the grade between their boundaries. The area may be used for a future park or recreation area. c. 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. This project will be carried out by a private company. There are two primary purposes for this project: • To remove sand and gravel resources from this area. • To grade the property so that its ultimate end -use potential for agriculture, recreation, open space or development is maximized. d. Are future stages of this development including development on any outlots planned or likely to happen? _Yes x No If yes, briefly describe future stages, relationship to present project, timeline and plans for environmental review. Subsequent uses of this property will depend on end -use plans that are yet to be developed by the City of Rosemount. Current designation is Agricultural within the twenty-year Rosemount Comprehensive Plan, so the current plan would be to restore the property for agricultural use. There is preliminary discussion related to using both the mining area north of Stonex and the Stonex property as a recreational area as part of an ultimate end -use plan. e. Is this project a subsequent stage of an earlier project? x Yes _No If yes, briefly describe the past development, timeline and any past environmental review. A mining operation has previously been approved for the seventy-five acre parcel lying immediately to Page 3 of 15 July 9, 2004 the north of Stonex. An EAW was completed during 2003 and was concluded by a Negative Declaration of Finding by the City of Rosemount in early summer 2003. Mining commenced on that parcel in the spring of 2004. 7. Project magnitude data Total project acreage 80 acres Number of residential units: unattached n/a attached n/a maximum units per building Commercial, industrial or institutional building area (gross floor space): total square feet n/a Indicate areas of specific uses (in square feet): Office n/a Manufacturing n/a Retail n/a Other industrial n/a Warehouse n/a Institutional n/a Light industrial n/a Agricultural n/a Other commercial (specify) n/a Building height: Stockpiles and the plant may be up to thirty feet high, but will still be significantly lower than the prevailing land height to the west, south and east. Viewed from Co 71 to the east these will be nearly one half mile away and will not break the skyline. The location of the anticipated six stockpiles is shown on Appendix B. These stockpiles will be at their largest at the end of the production season, and at the smallest in the spring. The pile that will grow to be the largest is the coarse sand, simply because it represents the bulk of the deposit. The footprint of the sand pile will be approximately 30ft high x 300ft long by 150ft wide, for approximately 75,000 tons of storage. Total inventory in the fall of all products would be unlikely to exceed 100,000 tons. 8. Permits and approvals required. List all known local, state and federal permits, approvals 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. Unit of government Type of application Status City of Rosemount Mine permit To be obtained City of Rosemount WCA Permit To be obtained, if needed MPCA NPDES storm water permit To be obtained MPCA Air permit To be obtained, if needed MN DNR Water appropriation To be obtained Mine Safety and Health Administration Register the mine To be obtained Dakota County Highway Department Access permit To be obtained The proposed project will require a mining permit to be obtained from the City of Rosemount. As part of that review process, an enhanced end -use plan will be required to be developed that complements the adjacent properties for future commercial/industrial development. 9. Land use. Describe current and recent past land use and development on the site and on adjacent lands. Discuss project compatibility with adjacent and nearby land uses. Indicate whether any potential conflicts involve environmental matters. Identify any potential environmental hazards due to past site uses, such as soil contamination or abandoned storage tanks, or proximity to nearby hazardous liquid or gas pipelines. The project is in an area that is currently and historically primarily agricultural. Current agricultural use is primarily row -crops and hay /pasture. Six residences lie within a quarter mile of the subject property. Information from the MPCA indicates that there are no known contaminants within the project site. Page 4 of 15 July 9, 2004 Based on previous studies completed by others for the eastern Rosemount area, there are known groundwater contaminant plumes of the aquifer located approximately 1 mile away from the site to the east. As indicated from the County, the flow of groundwater in this area is to the northeast. There are no underground tanks on the property. There is one septic tank and drainfield serving the house. There is one residential well used by the home. These will be removed and/or capped in conformance with State regulations once the homestead is no longer in use. All the properties surrounding the project area are currently being used for agriculture. The property to the north is already permitted as a sand and gravel mine, and the property to the east is owned by Flint Hills Resources as part of the buffer zone for the Pine Bend Refinery. There are a number of pipelines criss- crossing the general area, but none that are directly affected by this proposal. The closest pipeline is located well to the west of the project area. There are high voltage lines located along the south side of the property but these will not be disturbed by mining. The mining will not encroach on the utility easement. The project will take place on land that has been used exclusively for agriculture. Based on the soil boring information and anticipated depths for mining, the mining activity will take place entirely above" the groundwater table. Material will be picked up with a wheeled front -end loader at the mine face and deposited into a hopper, from where it will be conveyed to a surge (holding) pile, which is used to even out flow to the processing plant. Material is then pulled from the surge pile by a variable feeder and conveyed to a wash screen where pressurized water jets, together with an inclined double or triple deck screen are used to separate out the different components of gravel and sand. The sized gravel products are conveyed and discharged directly onto the stockpiles. The wet sand is conveyed or pumped to a sand classification system where the different sized sand particles are sorted out into fine sand, coarse sand, and probably grit. All of this process is a wet process. The dirty water will be pumped or gravity drained to the settling ponds. At the opposite end of the ponds, the clarified water will be reclaimed and used again, as much as possible. Additional water will be drawn from a new well that will be located near the wash plant. In addition to the process mentioned above, there will be a crusher located somewhere in the system, although the exact location has yet to be determined based on what the customers require and manufacturers recommend. It will either be between the pit -face hopper and the surge pile, or after the screen. The material will be fed damp into the crusher, and a mist sprayer will be used to wet down any dust coming out of the crusher. The largest impact on the surrounding community will be truck traffic. It is estimated that 130 trucks will be leaving the mining site on a typical ten -hour day during the construction season, an average of 13 truck loads per hour. Haul routes have been designated on County Roads 71 and 42 (limited to the west on the latter) and 117` Street. Traffic considerations are also addressed in Item 21. A full analysis of traffic operations is covered in a memorandum identified as Appendix C of this EAW. 10. Cover types. Estimate the acreage of the site with each of the following cover types before and after development: If Before and After totals are, not equal, explain why. 11. Fish, wildlife and ecologically sensitive resources Page S of 15 July 9, 2004 Before After Before After Types 1 -8 wetlands 0 0. Lawn/landscaping 1 0 Wooded/forest 0.5 0.5 Impervious surfaces 1 0 Brush/Grassland 10 17 Other describe Cropland 67.5 62.5 TOTAL 80 80 If Before and After totals are, not equal, explain why. 11. Fish, wildlife and ecologically sensitive resources Page S of 15 July 9, 2004 a. Identify'fish and wildlife resources and habitats on or near the site and describe how they would be affected by the project. Describe any measures to be taken to minimize or avoid impacts. Based on a site visit and historic aerial photo review, the site is and has been in agricultural production since at least 1937. There is little habitat for wildlife on the property with the exception of the large trees around the old farm buildings, which will be left undisturbed as much as possible when final grading is done. There is a small corridor of wooded area to the south east of the property. Care will be taken along the south half of the east end to ensure that there is no damage to the trees on the Flint Hills property to the east. b. Are any state - listed (endangered, threatened or special concern) species, rare plant communities or other sensitive ecological resources such as native prairie habitat, colonial waterbird nesting colonies or regionally rare plant communities on or near the site? Yes X No If yes, describe the resource and how it would be affected by the project. Indicate if a site survey of the resources has been conducted and describe the results. If the DNR Natural Heritage and Nongame Research program has been contacted give_the correspondence reference number: ERDB 20040812 is attached as Appendix B. Describe measures to minimize or avoid adverse impacts. Not applicable 12. Physical impacts on water resources. Will the project involve the physical or hydrologic alteration— dredging, filling, stream diversion, outfail structure, diking, and impoundment of any surface waters such as a lake, pond, wetland, stream or drainage ditch? _Yes x No If yes, identify water resource affected and give the DNR Protected Waters Inventory number(s) if the water resources affected are on the PWI: NA Describe alternatives considered and proposed mitigation measures to minimize impacts. The site was reviewed for potential impacts to surface water resources such as wetlands, ponds or watercourses. Data sources such as the National Wetland Inventory, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Protected Waters Inventory, City of Rosemount Wetland Inventory and the Dakota County Soil Survey were reviewed for indications of potential wetlands on the site. The National Wetland Inventory depicts one PEMC (Circular 39 Type 3) wetland on this parcel. The DNR Protected Waters Inventory for Dakota County did not depict any Public Waters or Water Courses within the proposed project site area. The City of Rosemount Wetland Inventory (1999) indicated that a (Circular 39) Type 1 wetland was located on the project site west and upslope of the farmstead. The City has assigned a "Utilize" management classification to this basin. This classification means that wetlands of this type should be considered for sequencing flexibility for use within the City's stormwater management system. This classification is typically assigned to wetlands of lesser natural integrity having low functions and values. The Dakota County Soil Survey did not depict zones of hydric soils within the project area. Soils were typically characterized as being well - drained, very well- drained, or excessively well - drained. A field review of the site was conducted in January 2003 by Sanders, Wacker, Bergly, Inc for potential wetlands on the site, with final verification work conducted in May of 2003. The entire site was assessed for the presence of wetland. No areas existed on the site that met the criteria set forth in the 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual for jurisdictional wetland, even in areas indicated on the National Wetland Inventory and the City inventory. The site was fully cropped in corn, soybeans and non- native pasture grasses. Therefore, no wetland impacts are proposed as part of this project. 13. Water use. Will the project involve installation or abandonment of any water wells, connection to or changes in any public water supply or appropriation of any ground or surface water Page 6 of 15 July 9, 2004 (including dewatering)? x Yes No If yes, as applicable, give location and purpose of any new wells; public supply affected, changes to be made, and water quantities to be used; the source, duration, quantity and purpose of any appropriations; and unique well numbers and DNR appropriation permit numbers, if known. Identify any existing and new wells on the site map. If there are no wells known on site, explain methodology used to determine. Currently a domestic well supplies the Kraft property and this will continue to be used to supply the residents during the life of the proposed project. When the farm buildings are removed at the end the project or when the homestead is no longer in use, this well will be properly sealed and abandoned. The project will involve the use of groundwater recovered through a well for the purpose of washing aggregates. The well will be located next to the processing plant to the west of the farm buildings. It is intended to re- circulate water from the settling ponds as much as possible, depending on the loss through infiltration and evaporation. An appropriation permit for a new well will be sought from DNR subject to equipment supplier recommendations as to the amount of water that will be needed to effectively operate the wash plant. The exact amount of water required will depend on the final plant configuration and the loss of water through evaporation and infiltration. Maximum water volume needed to operate the plant will be 2,500 -3,000 gallons per hour, so the make -up water from the well will be something less than this. This well would be useful for irrigation if the property remains agricultural in use. Information from the County indicates the direction of groundwater flow is towards the northeast. The Darsow well is located about 0.5 miles upgradient of the Stonex site. The Kraft well is located about 500 feet from the proposed well for the Stonex site. The groundwater appropriations permit application to the DNR will be address a contingency plan in the event that well interference, groundwater depletion, or groundwater pollution occurs. No hazardous material that could contaminate the groundwater is anticipated to be located on -site. If groundwater contamination appears to be possible during the permit review process, the City will require a pond liner for the treatment area. 14. Water - related land use management district. Does any part of the project involve a shoreland zoning district, a delineated 100 -year flood plain, or a state or federally designated wild or scenic river land use district? _Yes X No If yes, identify the district and discuss project compatibility with district land use restrictions. 15. Water surface use. Will the project change the number or type of watercraft on any water body? a. _Yes X No If yes, indicate the current and projected watercraft usage and discuss any potential overcrowding or conflicts with other uses. 16. Erosion and sedimentation. Give the acreage to be graded or excavated and the cubic yards of soil to be moved: Acres 80 Cubic yards 4.5 million Describe any steep slopes or highly erodible soils and identify them on the site map. Describe any erosion and sedimentation control measures to be used during and after project construction. Information from the Dakota County Soil Survey and Highly Erodible Soils Map Unit List indicate that the following soil are highly erodible or potentially highly erodible: Page 7 of 15 July 9, 2004 Waukegan Silt Loam, 1 to 6 % slopes: Potentially Highly Erodible Hawick Coarse Sandy Loam, 6 to 12 % slopes: Potentially Highly Erodible Hawick Coarse Sandy Loam, 12 to 18 % slopes: Highly Erodible Hawick Coarse Sandy Loam, 18 to 25 % slopes: Highly Erodible There are steep slopes of natural origin to the south of the farmstead. These are currently planted with non- native pasture grasses and legumes, and this will remain the case until mining commences. There is little topsoil on the site, and the primary stockpiling locations for topsoil will be in berms along the western and southern sides of the operations. These stockpiles will be landscaped and seeded with an appropriate grass mix, using silt fence while the grass becomes established. Once mining and grading of side -walls around the mine is completed in phases, the affected areas will be covered with topsoil and seeded. The maximum side slope allowed is 4:1 per the City requirements. Silt fences will be used as needed, but wherever possible any surface water will be directed into the floor of the pit, and then into the settling ponds. The Stonex area will be graded to match into the grades to the north with the Vesterra gravel mine. 17. Water quality: surface water runoff a. Compare the quantity and quality of site runoff before and after the project. Describe permanent controls to manage or treat runoff. Describe any stormwater pollution prevention plans. In the existing conditions, the site generates approximately 5.2 acre - feet, 12.1 acre -feet, and 21.8 acre- feet of runoff for the 2 -year, 10 -year, and 100 -year event, respectively. Water is generally directed from the west to the east/northeast and discharges to the Flint Hills Resources property along the site's eastern border. During mining activities, the site is anticipated to generate additional storm water runoff and increase the rate of discharge from the site. However, a settling pond area will be constructed on the site and storm water will be directed to the pond for rate control and treatment. This pond will be designed to meet City standards for rate control and treatment. It is anticipated that most water will infiltrate on the site due to the sandy soil conditions. The settling ponds will be approximately 100' by 50', excavated 10' below the prevailing area and bermed three to five feet high around the edges using the excavated material There will be a weir separating the coarse (first) pond from the fine (second) pond, with further sectioning and weirs created within the ponds to slow down the water. A pump at the far end of the second pond will re- circulate water to the wash plant. On an as- needed basis, the accumulated fines will be dug out of the settling ponds using a front -end loader or backhoe, and stockpiled adjacent to the settling ponds until dry, whereupon they will likely be sold as fill material. This design will be further reviewed as part of the plan review process. b. Identify routes and receiving water bodies for runoff from the site; include major downstream water bodies as well as the immediate receiving waters. Estimate impact runoff on the quality of receiving waters. " Water is generally directed from the west to the east /northeast and discharges to the Flint Hills Resources property along the site's eastern border. The wash water used to rinse the sand and gravel will contain fine sand and silt particles, but no other introduced chemicals or treatments. The settling ponds will be cleaned out periodically, and the most likely use of this material is that it will be allowed to dry out and then be sold as fill material. Alternatively, it may be mixed in as part of the reclamation activities to boost soil fines and nutrients. With the ponding areas on -site, water quality downstream is not anticipated to be negatively impacted. Page 8 of 15 Aly 9, 2004 The end -use plan will incorporate appropriate storm water ponding to meet the City's rate control and treatment requirements if it is used for anything other than agriculture. 18. Water quality: wastewaters a. Describe sources, composition and quantities of all sanitary, municipal and industrial wastewater produced or treated at the site. On -site sanitary facilities will most likely involve one or two portable toilets serviced on a regular basis. b. Describe waste treatment methods or pollution prevention efforts and give estimates of composition after treatment. Identify receiving waters, including major downstream water bodies, and estimate the discharge impact on the quality of receiving waters. If the project involves on -site sewage systems, discuss the suitability of site conditions for such systems Not applicable. c. If wastes will be discharged into a publicly owned treatment facility, identify the facility, describe any pretreatment provisions and discuss the facility's ability to handle the volume and composition of wastes, identifying any improvements necessary. Not applicable. d. If the project requires disposal of liquid animal manure, describe disposal technique and location and discuss capacity to handle the volume and composition of manure. Identify any improvements necessary. Describe any required setbacks for land disposal systems. Not applicable. 19. Geologic hazards and soil conditions a. Approximate depth (in feet) To ground water: Minimum 25 feet average not known To bedrock: Minimum 25 feet average >60 feet Describe any of the following geologic site hazards to ground water and also identify them on the site map: - sinkholes, shallow limestone formations or karst conditions. Describe measures to avoid or minimize environmental problems due to any of these hazards. Information from five drill holes across the property and the Dakota County Soil Survey indicate that only sand and gravel are present on site to a depth of fifty feet. Only one boring in the south central part of the property appeared to encounter bedrock of St. Peter Sandstone at 51 feet. None of the borings encountered ground water. Ground water was not encountered above approximately 886 feet, and a borehole on the property to the north did not encounter ground water at 830 feet. The floor of the finished pit will be above 870 feet. Information from Dakota County indicates that the project area is within the Rich Valley area that is a covered karst valley. Due to this geologic factor that that the area is covered in outwash sand and gravel sediments, storm water infiltration is rapid and the-potential for groundwater contamination is high. However, the site is not anticipated to contain any hazardous materials, thereby reducing the risk Page 9of15 July 9, 2004 of groundwater contamination. Additionally, the mining operation is anticipated to be at least 30' above the groundwater elevation in the area. b. Describe the soils on the site, giving NRCS (SCS) classifications, if known. Discuss soil granularity and potential for groundwater contamination from wastes or chemicals spread or spilled onto the soils. Discuss any mitigation measures to prevent such contamination. Information from the Dakota County Soil Survey indicates that the following soils are present on the site: Hawick coarse sandy loam Hawick loamy sand Waukegan silt loam , Kanaranzi loam Wadena loam Kennebec silt loam Lindstrom silt loam Soils on the site are generally thinner and sandier on the high ground and thicker in the swales. The soils and the underlying materials are very clean and granular in nature, theoretically resulting in a high potential for groundwater contamination in the event of waste or chemical spills. However, as noted above, the use and generation of such materials will be minimal, and operations will remain well above the water table. 20. Solid wastes, hazardous wastes, storage tanks a. Describe types, amounts and compositions of solid or hazardous wastes, including solid animal manure, sludge and ash, produced during construction and operation. Identify method and location of disposal. For projects generating municipal solid waste, indicate if there is a source separation plan; describe how the project will be modified for recycling. If hazardous waste is generated, indicate if there is a hazardous waste minimization plan and routine hazardous waste reduction assessments. There will be no solid or hazardous wastes generated on the site with the possible exception of a solvent based parts cleaner used in the maintenance of heavy vehicles. Disposal of such materials will be through an approved company such as Safety Kleen, Inc., and this would not involve classification as anything more than a Very Small Quantity Generator. In addition, the wash -water fines noted above consisting of fine sand and silt particles will be contained in settling ponds. These ponds will be dredged out as required and the dried fines will either be used in on -site reclamation activities or sold for use as fill. b. Identify any toxic or hazardous materials to be used or present at the site and identify measures to be used to prevent them from contaminating groundwater. If the use of toxic or hazardous materials will lead to a regulated waste, discharge or emission, discuss any alternatives considered to minimize or eliminate the waste, discharge or emission. N/A c. Indicate the number, location, size and use of any above or below ground tanks to store petroleum products or other materials, except water. Describe any emergency response containment plans. There are no known underground storage tanks. It is likely that the proposed operations would involve the use of a 500 - gallon, MPCA approved and certified, above ground storage tank. The ground where the tank is located will be contained with an impermeable liner or container. Page 10 of 15 July 9, 2004 21. Traffic- CTR Parking spaces added - six temporary for use of employees. Existing spaces (if project involves expansion) - none. Estimated total average daily traffic generated. Assuming a peak extraction of 500,000 tons per year and a seasonal and daily distribution of demand, it is estimated that the peak traffic volume will be 200 loads per day. (Calculations documenting the estimated average daily traffic are contained in Appendix C.) Estimated maximum peak hour traffic generated (if known) and time of occurrence. Provide an estimate of the impact on traffic congestion on affected roads and describe any traffic improvements necessary. If the project is within the Twin Cities metropolitan area, discuss its impact on the regional transportation system. Assuming the peak daily traffic of 200 loads per day, as noted above, and a daily pattern weighted toward mornings, it is estimated that there will be 150 loads leaving the mining area in the first five hours of the day resulting in a peak hour volume of 30 loads per hour. (A full analysis of traffic operations associated with the mining activity, including the impacts on the roadway system in the area is covered in a memorandum identified as Appendix C of this EAW. Calculations documenting the peak hour traffic volumes are contained therein.) 22. Vehicle- related air emissions. Estimate the effect of the project's traffic generation on air quality, including carbon monoxide levels. Discuss the effect of traffic improvements or other mitigation measures on air quality impacts. Note: If the project involves 500 or more parking spaces, consult EAW Guidelines about whether a detailed air quality analysis is needed. The only vehicles permanently on site will be two or three large front -end loaders. Delivery trucks will also be traveling in and out of the facility. It is not anticipated that this level of activity will result in any problem with vehicle - related air emissions. Professionals familiar with this type of operation concur with this view. 23. Stationary source air emissions. Describe the type, sources, quantities and compositions of any emissions from stationary sources of air emissions such as boilers, exhaust stacks or fugitive dust sources. Include any hazardous air pollutants (consult EAW Guidelines for a listing) and any greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide) and ozone- depleting chemicals (chlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons or sulfur hexafluoride). Also describe any proposed pollution prevention techniques and proposed air pollution control devices. Describe the impacts on air quality. The most prevalent source of fugitive dust in an operation such as this is from on- and off -road wheeled vehicles as they move around. Dust control measures will be employed as follows: regular reclamation and planting/seeding of berms and pit floor will keep exposed soils to a minimum, and roads will be regularly sprayed with water. In addition, the much lower elevation of the mine floor will tend to protect it from westerly winds that may pickup dust. The Kraft residence is located on the northeast corner of the site. The project proposer will work with the residents to address dust, including spraying the road with water. 24. Odors, noise and dust. Will the project generate odors, noise or dust during construction or during operation? X Yes No Page 11 of 15 July 9, 2004 If yes, describe sources, characteristics, duration, quantities or intensity and any proposed measures to mitigate adverse impacts. Also identify, locations of nearby sensitive receptors and estimate impacts on them. Discuss potential impacts on human health or quality of life. (Note: fugitive dust generated by operations may be discussed at item 23 instead of here.) Dusts Using table EC10.1 from the MN Pollution Control Agency Form EC 10, calculations of annual PM and PM10 emissions were made based on the plant layout shown on the attached plans. Annual production of sand and gravel was assumed to be 500,000 tons. The deposit was assumed to have moisture content of greater than or equal to 1.5 %. If actual moisture content falls below this level then a wet suppression system will be installed. Based upon these calculations, the plant will actually emit 4,823 lbs of PM and 636 lbs of PM 10 annually. The theoretical maximum annual emissions of PM and PM 10 are 16.9 tons and 2.2 tons respectively, based on 400 tons per hour for 8760 hours per annum. This would put the operation well below the federal and state thresholds requiring a Title V permit. Odors: There will be no odors generated from this operation. Noise: The equipment used for mining and processing materials will create noise. However, any noise generated will be well within MPCA guidelines as measured at the property boundaries, since the plant will be located close to the middle of the property and will be enclosed by forty-foot high banks on three sides. Flint Hills Refinery is the on the open side. 25. Nearby resources. Are any of the following resources on or in proximity to the site? Archaeological, historical or architectural resources? _Yes X No A cemetery is located southeast of the site at the comer of CSAH 42 and CSAH 71. However, it will not be impacted by the project. Further, the State Historic Preservation Office concluded that there are no known historic or archeological properties that will be affected by this project. See e-mail from SHPO attached as Appendix B. Prime or unique farmlands or land within an agricultural preserve? X Yes No The two properties to the west of the subject property are enrolled in the Agricultural Preserve program. Both owners have given notice of withdrawal from the Program, one recently and the other approximately two years ago. A soils map for the area is included in Appendix B. It is likely that the farmland in this area will be lost to development in the not too distant future, regardless of whether mining occurs or not, although the current City Comprehensive Plan shows this area as Agricultural. Designated parks, recreation areas or trails? Yes X No The City's longterm plan for the area includes the potential for developing this area into a park or recreation area. No specific plans have been developed to date. If the area is to be used as parkland in the future, the end -use plan will reflect this future use. Scenic views and vistas? Page 12 of 15 July 9, 2004 _Yes X No The skyline in this area is dominated by the Flint Hills refinery, and by numerous utility lines that cross the open farmland resulting in a generally industrial viewscape. Other unique resources? _Yes X No If yes, describe the resource and identify any project - related impacts on the resource. Describe any measures to minimize or avoid adverse impacts. 26. Visual impacts. Will the project create adverse visual impacts during construction or operation? Such as glare from intense lights, lights visible in wilderness areas and large visible plumes from cooling towers or exhaust stacks? _Yes X No If yes, explain. None of the visual impacts discussed in the EAW Guidelines (e.g. intense lights creating glare, strobe lights on a communications tower, large water vapor releases from and exhaust stack) or similar visual impacts will result from the proposed mine. Vehicles on Co.71 and Co.38 will probably be able to see some signs of activity, but from a quarter mile away at the closest. Generally, the mine face will advance to the west, leaving the open face always directed toward the Flint Hills refinery. 27. Compatibility with plans and land use regulations. Is the project subject to an adopted local comprehensive plan, land use plan or regulation, or other applicable land use, water, or resource management plan of a local, regional, state or federal agency? X Yes No. If yes, describe the plan, discuss its compatibility with the project and explain how any conflicts will be resolved. If no, explain. The project area is subject to the Rosemount Comprehensive Plan, and the subject property lies within an area in which mining activities were recently approved by the City Council as an interim use. This area is designated as Agricultural for the foreseeable future, but the proximity to the Flint Hills Refinery and to major haul roads are such that the long -term uses are more likely to be commercial/industrial in nature. This project is also subject to the City's Comprehensive Storm Water Management Plan and will be required to meet the requirements of this Plan. 28. Impact on infrastructure and public services. Will new or expanded utilities, roads, other infrastructure or public services be required to serve the project? X Yes No. If yes, describe the new or additional infrastructure or services needed. (Note: any infrastructure that is a connected action with respect to the project must be assessed in the EAW; see EAW Guidelines for details.) A Traffic -Study is attached as Appendix C. It is possible that upgrades to the pavement on County 71, or turning and acceleration lanes may be recommended as traffic in this area increases. Given that Page 13 of 15 July 9, 200 138' Street was not designed for the heavy truck loading that will occur with the gravel hauling operations, Stonex, LLC will be expected to maintain the road in a safe and serviceable condition as long as hauling operations continue. At such time that mining operations cease, Stonex, LLC will be expected to restore 138 Street to a safe and serviceable condition as part of the overall final grading and restoration of the mining site. Upon completion, the road's condition shall be at least equivalent to its condition prior to the beginning of hauling operations. 29. Cumulative impacts. Minnesota Rule part 4410.1700, subpart 7, item B requires that the RGU consider the "cumulative potential effects of related or anticipated future projects" when determining the need for an environmental impact statement. Identify any past, present or reasonably foreseeable future projects that may interact with the project described in this EAW in such a way as to cause cumulative impacts. Describe the nature of the cumulative impacts and summarize any other available information relevant to determining whether there is potential for significant environmental effects due to cumulative impacts (or discuss each cumulative impact under appropriate item(s) elsewhere on this form). The City of Rosemount approved mining as an interim use in the area east of Almon Avenue, south of 135 St, north of County 42 and west of County 71, with the exception of properties covered under the Agricultural Preserve program. The Vesterra mine site is located immediately to the north for the Stonex site. The combined total acreage of the Vesterra and Stonex sites is 155 acres. The cumulative impact on this area includes the removal of up to 14.5 million tons of gravel and sand. Between the two sites' 155 acres, approximately 30 acres will be open for mining at one time. By phasing this work, impacts to the area will be minimized. These areas combined, while offering open space, do not offer significant habitat for wildlife. Wildlife that may be present on these properties are those that are adapted to agricultural settings with frequent plowing, harvesting, and soil disruption. There is a wooded area located off of the property to the southeast. This area will not be disturbed as part of the mining operations, so this cover will continue to be available for wildlife in the area. Additionally, the end -use of the site will either return to an agricultural use or be used for park and open space, thus mitigating the long -term impacts on the site. The end -use grading plan is shown in Appendix A. Currently, the Vesterra site is processing dry and no groundwater is being pumped. This could also occur on the Stonex site. If a well and groundwater pumping is needed at some point in the future, permits from the DNR will be required. If, however, a well is needed, the maximum potential groundwater use for the two mines is 8 -10 million gallons per year. The exact amount of water required will depend on the final plant configuration and the loss of water through evaporation and infiltration. Groundwater appropriation will be addressed through the DNR permitting process. The additional truck traffic with two mining operations in the area is anticipated to have a temporary cumulative impact on the area. As the two sites are very similar in terms of the quantities to be removed and the type of mining and hauling operations, it is conceivable, although rather unlikely, that as many as 400 loads per day or 60 loads in the peak hour could be leaving the two sites in the event that peak operations occur simultaneously at the two sites. It should be noted, however, that the traffic levels of service and delay anticipated at the key intersection on the designated haul road intersections' was determined with the assumption that hauling operation from the Vesterra site would be underway. Therefore, the combined operations were already accounted for in the traffic study that is attached as Appendix C to this report. 30. Other potential environmental impacts. If the project may cause any adverse environmental impacts not addressed by items 1 to 28, identify and' discuss them here, along with any proposed mitigation. The proposed mine in not anticipated to cause any impacts other than those already mentioned. 31. Summary of issues. Do not complete this section if the EAW is being done for EIS scoping, instead, Page 14 of 15 July 9, 2004 address relevant issues in the draft Scoping Decision document, which must accompany the EA W. List any impacts and issues identified above that may require further investigation before the project is begun. Discuss any alternatives or mitigative measures that have been or may be considered for these impacts and issues, including those that have been or may be ordered as permit conditions. 1) Traffic - The addition of truck traffic on local county roads will be reviewed by the County Engineer. The applicant will cooperate with any mitigation measures brought forward by the County Engineer. 2) Noise and Dust - All operations will be conducted in a professional manner and will be within state guidelines. The applicant will work closely with neighbors to ensure that problems are addressed in a timely manner. It is intended to push the processing plant and associated activities as far back into the hillside as practical to maximize the screening. 3) Visual Impacts — Berms and plantings will be used to screen those parts of the operation that are open to view. However, the activities will be surrounded on all sides by the natural landscape, resulting in virtually no visual impact as far as the general public is concerned. 4) Storm Water — The project is anticipated to generate some additional storm water runoff. This runoff will be treated within on -site ponding facilities to reduce the runoff rate leaving the site and provide for storm water quality treatment. 5) Ground water appropriations: The maximum amount of groundwater use at the Stonex site is estimated at 4 -5 million gallons per year. The mining operations will work to eliminate interference with residential well operations and correct any problems, if they do arise. Additionally, the project proposer will obtain and adhere to the DNR groundwater appropriation permit. 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 9b and 60, respectively. • Copies of this EAW are being sent to the entire EQB distribution list. Signature Date Title Page 15 of 15 July 9, 2004 Appendix A Project Location and Site Features Maps wmu al 0 WON o W LLC m Project Location in D akota r.I d 0��Uv = >� . DOEHUNG �. �. p repared PROPERTIES LLC NrA 01 LwIfil Project Location in City of Rosemount Municipal civil divisions from Minnesota DepartmerA of Natural Prepared for Sion LLC Resourcec EXHIBIT 2 1 hereby oei* that this plan, documeK of report wwas Roads from Minnesota Department of Transportation me or under my direct supervision and that I am a duly Licensed Topography, parcels and detailed cultural features from Dw" EXISTING C ONDITIO NS Da kota ciounty 0 3W wo 1,2W F." Stonex, LLC Property j J.D. Lair Dais: May 26, 2004 L City of Rosemount, 3 000 3 ° '0 to 1 (D (D co N 0 CA of P on WON cwwg ° �; ;/ y CA g r / N MI m N pqq r / X <D •• // , r r / / �/ ry � ri / //i r iii i� // / / / /, r ,/ �r r / r r r r // / / / / /rj j% rri / /r r CO) V� CD n '01 14WWWW" / O limb IS 3, gi 04 B 3 B K � � n P K 91 ag 0 COO 135th t:E o sso� X20 11 so2�4:'1!SLOP_E ag6 � 4 cc 8 c cc N A W O 1 ; Co C O CU m � r Q 5 a 0 4 11 0 Q a o Ole, c N : r Its m ,9, 93 � r 1 sos �osoa� 4 z1SLOPE'�$g8,1� —, s2o `o s� sac soo 140th St E eg aphy and Parcel Data from Dakota County Topography EXH 1617 S for Stonex LLC 1 hereby certify that this plan, document or report was prepared by Contour Interval 2 feet CONCEPTUAL FINAL GRADES me or under my direct supervision and tl�at 1 am a duly Licensed Professional � he loaistunderft laws of, able of Minnesota. 60 -foot properly line seWaoks Stonex and Vesterra P p d P. 0 250 soo 1 I t t 1 I t l,000 Feet t 1 City of Rosemount, Dakota County, MN L eb r Re No. 30063 eg Dab: guy s, 2004 MAY -27 -2004 12:22 WSB & ASSOCIATES May 27 04 12:07p Ken Hendren May 11, 2004 111111 7635411700 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, Box 25 500 Lafayette Road St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 -40__ Phone: (651) 296 -7863 Fax: (651) 296 -1811 E- mail: sarah.hoffmann @dnr.state.mn.us P. 04/06 p.4 Jonathan Wilmshurst Stonex, LLC 12741 Shannon Parkway Rosemount, MN 55068 Re: R? quest for Natural Heritage information for vicinity of proposed Staner LLC Sand & Gravel Mine, Tl 15N R19W Section 23, Dakota County NHNRP Contact #: ERDB 20040812 Dear Mr. Wilmshurst, The Minnesota Natural Heritage database has been reviewed to determine if any rare plant or animal species or other significant natural features are mown to occur within an approximate one -mile radius of the area indicated on the map enclosed with your information request. Based on this review, there are no known occurrences of rare species or natural communities in the area searched. The Natural Heritage database is maintained by the Natural Heritage and Nongame. Research Program, a unit within the Division of Ecological Services, Department of Natural Resources. It is continually updated. as new information becomes available, and is the most complete source of data on Minnesota's rare or otherwise significant species, natural communities, and other natural features. Its purpose is to foster better understanding and protection of these features. Because our information is not based on a comprehensive inventory, there may be rare or otherwise significant natural features in the state that are not represented in the database.. A county -by- county survey of rare natural features is now underway, and has been completed for Dakota County. Our information about natural communities is, therefore, quite thorough for that county. However, because survey work for rare plants and animals is less exhaustive, and because there has not been an on -site survey of all areas of the county, ecologically significant features for which we have no records may exist on the project area. I'Icast; be aware that review by inc I`'araral Heritage acid No Research Program focuses only on rare natural features. It does not constitute review or approval by the Department of Natural Resources as a whole. If you require further information on the environmental review process for other wildlife- related issues, you may contact your Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist, Wayne Barstad, at (651)772 -7940. An invoice for the work completed is enclosed. You are being billed for map and database search and staff scientist review. Please forward this invoice to your Accounts Payable Department. Thank you for consulting us on this matter, and for your interest in preserving Minnesota's rare natural resources. Sincerely, 1� & Sarah D. Hoffmann Endangered Species Environmental Review Coordinator encl: Invoice DNR Infonnation:6_11 -296 -6157 - 1 -888- 646 -6367 - TTY: 651-296-5484 - 1 -800 -657 -3929 An Equal Opportunity Employer �W Printed on Recycles[ Paper Containing a lvlinintunt of 10;f Post- C1111stlnler W aste MAY -2? -2004 12:22 USB & ASSOCIATES ?635411 ?00 P.03/06 May 27 04 12:07p Ken Hendren 111111 p.3 it-age 1 DI 1 Subj: RE: Database search for EAW Date: 5/13f2004 12:05:32 PM Central Daylight Time From: thLo -mg s - .einaq _r@mnt L s.or g To: Jona Sent from the Internet LDetalls1 There are no archaeological sites or historic structures recorded in the Minnesota SHPO CRM databases for the coordinates supplied. The result of this database search does not include an assessment for archaeological site potential, or provide a listing of all potential historic architectural properties. It represents only known and recorded archaeological sites and historic architectural properties from the current SHPO databases. If you require an assessment for archaeological site potential and/or historic architectural properties, you will need to hire a qualified archaeologist and/or historian to provide this service. Please contact the SHPO by phone at 651 - 296-5434 or by email I.nnshpo mnhs.oM for current fists of professional consultants in these fields. Tom Cinadr Survey and Information Management Coordinator Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office Minnesota Historical Society 345 Kellogg Boulevard West St. Paul, MN 55102 551- 296 -5434 651 -282 -2374 (fax) - - -- Original Message - -- Frorn: lonathanwilms@aol -com jmailto:lonathanwilms @aol.coml Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 5:06 PM To: thomas.cinadr@mnhs.org subject: Database search fear EAW Tom: To confirm our phone conversation of last week, please could you check your database for the presence or likelihood of historical sites in T115 R19 Section 23 in Rosemount, Dakota County. This is by way of research in the preparation of an EAW for a gravel mine permit. Thank you, Jonathan Wilmshurst Stonex, LLG Thursday, May 13, 2004 America Online: Jonathanwilms Wemorandum DATE: July MR, 2004 To: File FROM: Joel Katz RE: Stonex, LLC Sand and Gravel Mine Traffic Study for EAW Purpose of Study The purpose of this study was to determine the traffic- related considerations with respect to a proposed sand and gravel mining operation. The study was undertaken pursuant to the requirement that traffic issues be addressed in an Environmental Assessment Work- sheet (EAW) that is being prepared for the proposed mine. This memorandum describes the process, assumptions, and analysis used in determining impacts to the roadway system in the vicinity of the proposed mining operation. The ex- isting and estimated traffic - related characteristics of the intersections adjacent to the pro - posed mining site are documented herein. Proposed Project Stonex LLC is proposing to operate a sand and gravel mine with a crushing, washing, and screening plant to provide an additional source of construction aggregates for the Twin Cities metropolitan area. (A detailed description of the project is provided in the EAW.) Location, Key Intersections The mine site is located west of Dakota County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 71 (Blaine Avenue) in the east central area of the City of Rosemount, Minnesota. It is immediately adjacent to the southwest portion of the Flint Hills Refinery property. The site is about one -half mile north of CSAH 42 (145' Street), the major east -west road through the city, and about one and one- luarter males west of Minnesota Trunk Highway (TH) 52. The location is shown in also shows the location of the key intersections that were analyzed in the study: ■ CSAH 71 with CSAH 42 ■ CSAH 71 with 138` Street (a private drive that is proposed to be the access from CSAH 71 to the mine) ■ CSAH 71 with Dakota County Road 38 ■ CSAH 71 with 117` Street Trip Generation Trip generation estimates used in this study were taken from information supplied by the developer, Stonex, LLC. The estimate is based on industry experience and on gravel min-, ing operations currently underway on property adjacent to the proposed mine site with a common boundary on the north which is nearly identical in area and topography. The following figures were submitted by the developer as background information for the EAW. It has been assumed that the peak extraction will be 500,000 tons of sand and gravel per year. Given an average truckload of 20 tons, this would be equivalent to a total of 25,000 loads. It is also assumed that winter operations (50 working days) would be limited to 5,000 loads with the remainder, 20,000 loads, spread over the 150 working -day construc- TA01191 -24 \Traffic Study\MEMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Sand '& Gravel Mine.doc Memorandum to File July W 2004 Page 2 J T101191 -24 \Traffic Study\MEMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Sand& Gravel Mine.doc O b t17th ST. E. a H z^ �H � RoseporE' 99 r 55 120th y •s� TI T � It i7. \\ I N T27N R22N 32 7i T27N R22W 33134 T115N 11 TIISN R19W p. 12 TIISN R19W R19W 12� 77 RIeW 13118 5 P ine Bent Q Key Intersections 125th s, Designated Truck u Route R y TI ISN Ill SW R I S W 24119 y 55 c c 2 E. w a 9 Rosemount Proposed Mining Site 138th ST_ H -- I --: —+ 1— i-- 140th ST. - E. I W 23 24 > TIISN R19W V 42 145tH J ST. 42 H Stonex, LLC Sand and Gravel Mine EAW - 4150 Olson Memorial Highway StAte300 / SB ��/ Q Minneapolis, MN 55422 763541 -4M ` Figure 1. Location Map, Key Intersections FA"'' 1700 T101191 -24 \Traffic Study\MEMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Sand& Gravel Mine.doc Memorandum to File July a 2004 Page 3 tion season or an average of 133 loads per day. Allowances for weather and demand variations leads to a prudent peak estimate of 200 loads per day. A peak hour estimate of 30 loads has been determined based on construction industry demand that tends to concentrate deliveries in the morning hours. Of the total daily peak of 2O0 loads, it was assumed that 150 would be concentrated in the first five hours, or 30 loads per hour. Trip Distribution Information supplied by the developer indicates that the truck traffic will be equally dis- tributed to the north and south on CSAH 71. As noted in the following paragraph, traffic using CSAH 71 to the south will not be permitted to use CSAH 42 to the east. Designated Routes With the exception of deliveries in the immediate area (well less than 10 %), all trucks will be required to exit the mining site to the east along the private farm road (East 138' Street) to CSAH 71. From that intersection, trucks will be required to travel either north to 117 Street and east to the soon- to -be- completed interchange with TH 52, or south to CSAH 42. Stonex, LLC has agreed that loaded gravel trucks will be permitted to turn only to the west on CSAH 42 so as to avoid the southbound to eastbound left -turn con - flict with westbound through traffic on CSAH 42. (All truck traffic bound for TH 52 will be directed via CSAH 71 to 117 Street.) The designated truck route is shown in Intersection Lane Geometry and Current Traffic Counts shows the existing lane geometry and the current AM and PM peak hour turning movements at each of the key intersections. The turning move- ments are based on traffic counts that were taken in June 2004 by WSB at the 138 Street and County Road 38 intersections on CSAH 71. The turning data at the CSAH 42/ 117` Street intersection was taken from counts obtained by Benshoof and Associates, Inc. in 2003. The data at the intersection of CSAH 42 and CSAH 71 is from Mn/DOT counts refer- enced by Benshoof. These counts were collected as part of recent TH 52 interchange studies. Although WSB collected data at this intersection in June 2004, it was noted that the southbound PM three -hour peak was generally three times the volume that was ob- served in 2003. It has been assumed that the construction underway on the new TH 52/117 Street interchange encouraged drivers to divert to CSAH 71 and CSAH 42 to get to TH 52. Thus, the turning movements at CSAH 42 especially the southbound to east- bound left turn as counted in 2004 — are not representative of the normal traffic pattern. Furthermore, it is likely that the traffic demand on CSAH 71 will fall below the 2003 lev- els after the interchange is completed as the severe congestion that has existed at the TH 52/117 Street intersection will no longer be a factor in drivers' choice of routes. Level of Service The measure used to describe the traffic operations at an intersection is called "Level of Service" (LOS). An intersection is given an LOS grade from "A" to "F" to describe the average amount of delay per vehicle at the intersection over an hour period. LOS A is the best traffic operating condition, and drivers experience minimal delay at an intersection 1 "Traffic Study for Proposed Gravel Mine in Rosemount, MN," memorandum, March 17, 2003. Benshoof & Associates, Inc. (This study was carried out to determine traffic generation and levels of traffic service for the intersections expected to be affected by the gravel pit now in operation immediately to the north of the site covered by the present study.) z Ibid. T:\01191 -24 \Traffic Study\MEMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Sand & Gravel Mine.doc . sawnloA wa (XXX) sawnloA LiV XXX ,L zzKS NW VxM-%!w s�nawaeoy� autuanZ .[ nog 2I93a Sugs[xH 'A.tiauioa� auY,Z 00C4wrts Z a ingi j suoUexn�c�uo� auBrj uoUaasaa�IIj Q46µ1 MWOwew tm10 OSIY Nv Al N A h+ f- �— £OS (ZO$) '�1�► ) 1�' £S (8Z) J ww O u l� r i (i) SS303V 3N 1 w ��nd�� ( J) N F ~ N �+ 00 O l %A H *Gil ' 00 00 �o � I � A fA� Q ~� 00 4-aa.J4-S U-�L L l (it) 6 (011) b6 N A ubp•Zajn \Apni5 39JDJt \*Z-161L0 \A X (SSL) 61b (TO ILi 'y 1 c ^ 1 N W ~ N N^ 1 k k- 0 (0) u l� r i (i) SS303V 3N 1 w ��nd�� ( J) N F ~ N �+ 00 O l %A H *Gil ' 00 00 �o � I � A fA� Q ~� 00 4-aa.J4-S U-�L L l (it) 6 (011) b6 N A ubp•Zajn \Apni5 39JDJt \*Z-161L0 \A ubp•Zajn \Apni5 39JDJt \*Z-161L0 \A Memorandum to File July N, 2004 Page 5 operating at that level. LOS E represents the condition where the intersection is at capac- ity and some drivers may have to wait through more than one green signal phase to make it through the intersection. LOS F represents a condition where there is more traffic than can be handled by the intersection, and many vehicle operators may have to wait through more than one green phase to make it through the intersection. Typically, LOS D is con- sidered the minimum acce table LOS in an urban area. A graphical representation of LOS is shown in iMmig Service summarizes the existing LOS and corresponding vehicle delay at the four key intersections based on the lane geometry and traffic volumes shown in The table indicates that an LOS well above an acceptable level exists at all four intersec- tions. Forecast Traffic and LOS Given the trip generation and the distribution noted on , peak period turnip movements attributable to the mining operation were computed and are shown in LOS A = Excellent Conditions LOS B = Good Conditions LOS C = Average Conditions LOS D = Acceptable Conditions LOS E = Poor conditions LOS F = Failing conditions d 80 m m V > 55 d a ea 0 35 0 c 20 U 10 Signalized Intersection ci d A _W V 's m m 50 CL 35 25 0 c 15 0 U 10 T: \01191 -24 \Traffic Study \MEMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Sand & Gravel Mine.doc Un- signalized Intersection Memorandum to File July, 2004 Page 6 MM . Existing Level of Service at Key Intersections . It can be seen by comparing the total existing peak volumes as 2014 Traffic Forecast It is anticipated that traffic volumes on roadways in this study will increase at an annual rate of 1.9 percent. This rate was used by Mn/DOT in their traffic forecasts for the nearby TH 52/117`h street interchange now under construction and reported by Benshoof in its study for the adjacent gravel operation to the north. s Forecasted turning movements for 2014, including the gravel trucks, are shown in The corresponding LOS and delay are depicted in MM . Anticipated 2014 Level of Service at Key Intersections Including Gravel Hauling Operations AM Level AlYI Dec ay PM Level PM Delay Interseehon pf Service �eelVeh - ; Serie �$eeleli, CSAH 71 /CSAH 42 A 9.0 B 11.9 CSAH 71/138' St. A 7.0 A 4.5 CSAH 71 /Co. Rd. 38 A 4.0 A 7.3 CSAH 71/117' St. A 6.9 A 4.6 2014 Traffic Forecast It is anticipated that traffic volumes on roadways in this study will increase at an annual rate of 1.9 percent. This rate was used by Mn/DOT in their traffic forecasts for the nearby TH 52/117`h street interchange now under construction and reported by Benshoof in its study for the adjacent gravel operation to the north. s Forecasted turning movements for 2014, including the gravel trucks, are shown in The corresponding LOS and delay are depicted in MM . Anticipated 2014 Level of Service at Key Intersections Including Gravel Hauling Operations 'Ibid. T:\01191 -24 \Traffic Study\MEmoRANbum -- Stonex, LLC Sand & Gravel Mine.doc AM Level AlYI Delay PM Level FM Delay Intersection of Service {SeclVeh) of Service CSAH 71 /CSAH 42 B 10.3 B 13.2 CSAH 71 /138' St. A 8.1 A 5.0 CSAH 71 /Co. Rd. 38 A 4.5 A 8.3 CSAH 71/117` St. A 7.9 A 5.3 'Ibid. T:\01191 -24 \Traffic Study\MEmoRANbum -- Stonex, LLC Sand & Gravel Mine.doc ' sawnlOA NJ (XXX) sawnlOA ViV' XXX rooc �a.�k " sulingH Z wLt-t.�L>"ZI ZM NW'�I Ww =� adngiA SJUDUTAON n .[ns, dnOH 3[naa COPS ft"BIH Plio— l u0a10 09t4 N�� / £ lS) N &. 0- �. £OS (Z08) A� I 'A or 59 (0r) r (S) 9 .0 t o w (SSL) 61t --► 1 (bZ) to '� bJ w i W,, w N i 00 `-' ° o� bi W� � l SS 333V 3N I W �3AV89 1 �► K 1 0d '03 1 �► LA ... ON �l 4-ae-4S u +L L L X60 LT -� c (OII) b6 ^ y `' °O N t11 W O ubp•yajn6!j \RAMS :>!11oJ1 \iZ- t6tt0 \ :l samnloA Wd (XXX) sacunjoA yiV XXX /YI S a.zn��d sluamwoR u my t IOZ N tA �. L09 4199) (90' L ,.0 1 4116) 90S --► 1 o (9) 60Z 'y c ua .i ^w Ch ° 0 w � � SI(SI) l �► �" 9051) S S333 ' 3 N IN - 13AV 9 Tr o 00 00 � N I �h) t� N N J � O�0 � W p ►-+ �+ .�� (8S) 61 N (SET) £TI cn o0 � w uf)p•(;ajn61)\ApnIS 39JuJI \iZ- 161LO \!1 o(u "*sQL xri r ftf �J'+smNoa*Y oowttg.m zzm Nw , $!10* —ulw �s oos wins - FP—IN Fu uoelo oste samnloA Wd (XXX) sacunjoA yiV XXX /YI S a.zn��d sluamwoR u my t IOZ N tA �. L09 4199) (90' L ,.0 1 4116) 90S --► 1 o (9) 60Z 'y c ua .i ^w Ch ° 0 w � � SI(SI) l �► �" 9051) S S333 ' 3 N IN - 13AV 9 Tr o 00 00 � N I �h) t� N N J � O�0 � W p ►-+ �+ .�� (8S) 61 N (SET) £TI cn o0 � w uf)p•(;ajn61)\ApnIS 39JuJI \iZ- 161LO \!1 S S333 ' 3 N IN - 13AV 9 Tr o 00 00 � N I �h) t� N N J � O�0 � W p ►-+ �+ .�� (8S) 61 N (SET) £TI cn o0 � w uf)p•(;ajn61)\ApnIS 39JuJI \iZ- 161LO \!1 Memorandum to File July ®, 2004 Page 9 Truck Counts At the request of the developer, a count was made of the number of trucks using CSAH 71 at three locations near the three southernmost of the key intersections in this study. At two of the locations, the count also included an identification of the types of truck ob- served. (This identification was not feasible at the CSAH 42 location due to the higher traffic volume, speeds, and complexity of the intersection.) The data obtained in these counts - taken at the same time the overall WSB turning movement counts were taken in June 2004 — is shown in on following pages. An examination of Tables 4, 5, and 6 suggests that as many as 17 loads were hauled in the peak hour from the mining operation to the north (Vesterra, LLC) —well less than the 30 loads in the peak hour presumed from the site studied for this memorandum. Accord- ing to Benshoof and the EAW filed for the northerly site, a peak hour total of 30 loads was also forecasted for that site. It is noted that the two sites are nearly identical in size, topography, and type of mining operation. Although mining operations have been under- way for only a short time at the northerly site, the facts that construction activity is at a high level this year, that the truck counts at the three locations taken on different days seem to be consistent with one another, and that the weather was good during the traffic counting periods may be an indication that the truck traffic forecasts are on the conserva- tive side. In turn, it can be reasoned that the actual peak period LOS at the key intersec- tions is not likely to be lower than that predicted in this memorandum. Conclusions Based on the analyses documented in this memorandum, WSB has concluded the follow- ing: • The CSAH 71 intersections are currently operating at essentially excellent LOS. (Additional traffic is using CSAH 71 at the present time while an interchange is un- der construction at the intersection of TH 52 and 117 Street. However, upon com- pletion of that project, it can be expected that CSAH 71 traffic volumes will revert to the levels previous to the construction and might be even less.) • The addition of the hauling traffic from the proposed gravel site does not signifi- cantly affect the LOS at the key intersections on CSAH 71 • LOS at the CSAH 71 intersections should remain at acceptable levels in 2014 with the hauling operation and the anticipated growth in background traffic volume over the next ten years. 4 Ibid. 5 Environmental Assessment Worksheet, "Vesterra, LLC, Sand and Gravel Mine "City of Rose- mount, Minnesota, by WSB & Associates, Inc., March 25, 2003. T10 1 1 9 1 -24 \Traffic Study\MEMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Saod & Gravel Mine.doc Memorandum to File July M, 2004 Page 10 Table IN CSAH 71 (Blaine Avenue) 6 -Hour Truck Count Location: North of Co. Rd. 38 Intersection Dates: AM, June 23, 2004; PM, June 15, 2004 Time, AlV1 �. Northbound "; Southbound Time, PM ; .Northtiound Southbound Six-axle dump Three -axle dump 6:00 -6:15 Five -axle tank 3 :00 -3:15 Seven -axle dump Six -axle dum Total _ Totah 1 Six -axle dump 6:15 -6:30 Five -axle tank Two -axle tank 3:15 -3:30 Three -axle tank Three -axle dump Six -axle dum 1 Total: TotaE 3 -= . ...... `total; 1 Two -axle stake Six -axle dump Five -axle tank Three -axle trash Two -axle FED X 6:30 -6:45 Three -axle dump 3:30 -3:45 Five -axle dump Three -axle trash Six-axle dum Total: 2 ! :: ". Total 1 '` Total: 6.:" ..'. ; Total: 0 Six-axle dump Three -axle trash Two -axle trash Five -axle tank Five -axle tank Six -axle dump 6:45 -7:00 Five -axle tank 3:45 -4:00 Two -axle dump Six-axle dum 5 ...... ......:: .Tot$h, l . Seven -axle dump Five -axle grain Five -axle tank Six-axle dump S Six -axle dump 7:00 -7:15 Five -axle tank 4:00 -4:15 Four -axle trash Six-axle dum Total Total. Q TotaC .5 = Total: 1 Four -axle dump Four -axle dump Six -axle dump Six-axle dump 7:15 -7:30 Two -axle contractor Six -axle dum p Six -axle dump Two -axle state 4:15 -4:30 Seven -axle dump Two -axle state Total. S .= Total: 2 , , :' " Total 3. ," Totals 0" Two -axle delivery Five -axle tank Three -axle dump Six-axle dump Six -axle dump Five -axle grain 7:30 -7:45 Five -axle tank Four -axle dump 4:30 -4:45 Five -axle tank Two -axle FED X Six -axle dum Total. 2 .': Tatal.2 . Totsk 2 Three -axle trash Three -axle dump Six -axle dump Five -axle tank Four -axle dump Seven -axle dump 7:45 -8:00 Three -axle trash Four -axle dump 4:45 -5:00 Two -axle UPS Three -axle dump Two -axle delivery Five -axle dump Two -axle dump Two -axle dum Total: 1 Total: 5 Total. 7 Total: i (Cont.) T: \01191 -24 \Traffic Study\MEMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Sand & Gravel Mine.doc Memorandum to File July a 2004 Page 11 (Continued from Table jj CSAH 71 (Blaine Avenue) 6 -Hour Truck Count previous page.) Location: North of Co. Rd. 38 Intersection Dates: AM, June 23, 2004; PM, June 15, 2004 1'me� AM Noirtlitbound' Southbound of SouthbQUnd 8:00 -8:15 Two -axle trash Six-axle dump Six-axle dump Three -axle dump 5:00 -5:15 Two -axle trash Three -axle dum Total 5 ... Total 1 ... Total Q `Totat 0 ...." . Three -axle dump Two -axle trash Five -axle tank Six -axle belly dump 8:15 -8:30 Four -axle dump Two -axle trash 5:15- 5:30 Five -axle tank Five -axle tank Total. Z... i Total. 2 Total 2 Total. 2 Six-axle dump Six -axle dump Four -axle dump Six -axle dump 8:30 -8:45 Five -axle tank Two -axle school bus 5:30 -5:45 Three -axle dump _ Five -axle tank Four -axle dump Five -axle dum Total. _ �= - Total. Total: 1 _ : Four -axle dump Two -axle school bus Four -axle dump Four -axle dump 8:45 -9:00 Two -axle dump & Five -axle dump - 5:45 -6:00 Six -axle dump Two -axle dump trailer Three -axle dump Four -axle dump T:\0 1 1 9 1- 241Traffic Study\N4EMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Sand & Gravel Mine.doc Memorandum to File July ■, 2004 Page 12 Table J. CSAH 71 (Blaine Avenue) PM 3 -Hour Truck Count Location: Between 138 Street (Private Entrance) and Co. Rd. 38 Intersections Date: June 16, 2004 Time, PM Northbound„ _. Sauthiiono Six-axle dump Five -axle tank 3:00 -3:15 Six -axle LUM Tot ;Total; 1 Three -axle Excel Energy Four -axle trash Six -axle dump 3:15 -3 :30 Three -axle trash Six -axle dump Three -axle semi- trailer Three -axle propane Total: '� a Total';, p Three -axle water 3:30 -3:45 Six -axle dump Six -axle dum Tota1._ .- : TotaH 0 h Six -axle dump Three -axle dump Two -axle Dart bus Three -axle dump Six-axle ready mix 3:45 -4:00 Six -axle dump Three -axle trash Six -axle dum T bta h?5 Total's Six -axle dump Three -axle trash 4:00 -4:15 Six -axle dump Three -axle Vic's crane Six-axle dump Six -axle dump Two -axle delivery 4:15 -4:30 Five -axle tank Two -axle delivery Six-axle dum Total: 4; . Total'• 2 ...., . " Six -axle dump Three -axle tank 4:30 -4:45 Two -axle flat bed �Totial; 3`. .. „ .. Totals 1T . , . Six-axle dump 4:45 -5:00 Six-axle dum Six -axle dump Six -axle dump Three -axle semi - trailer 5:00 -5 :15 Six -axle dump Three -axle dum Total; 4 „' ;Total': i , Three -axle dump Three -axle semi - trailer 5:15- 5:30 Six-axle dump Six-axle dump Six-axle dum Tatai: 3' Total- 2 Six-axle dump Four -axle water tank Two -axle work truck Six-axle dump Six -axle dump 5:30 -5:45 Three -axle dump Five -axle tank Six -axle dum Total; 5 =_ Total: 3 Three -axle dump Six -axle dump 5:45 -6:00 Five -axle tank Six -axle dump Six-axle dum p 59 Trucks' and Busses T:\01191 -24 \Traffic Study\MEMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Sand & Gravel Mine.doc Memorandum to File July ®, 2004 Page 13 Table 1. CSAH 71 (Blaine Avenue) 6 -Hour Truck Count* Location: North of CSAH 42 (145 Street) Date: June 17, 2004 6:0_0 -6:15 0 0 3:00 -3:15 4 2 6:15 -6:30 0 0 3:15 -3:30 8 0 6:30 -6:45 4 0 3:30 -3:45 5 .0 6:45 -7:00 1 0 3:45 -4:00 6 4 7:00 -7:15 3 1 4:00 -4:15 2 0 7:15 -7:30 2 0 4:154:30 7 0 7:30 -7:45 3 1 4:304:45 3 2 7:45 -8:00 4 0 4:45 -5:00 6 1 8:00 -8:15 1 1 5:00 -5:15 5 1 8:15 -8:30 4 2 5:15 -5:30 5 1 8:30 -8:45 4 1 5:30 -5:45 3 2 8:45 -9:00 6 1 5:45 -6:00 8 0 *Traffic volume, speeds, and intersection configuration at this location precluded the gathering of vehicle type information such as that provided in Tables I and in this memorandum. T:\01191 -24 \Traffic Study\MEMORANDUM -- Stonex, LLC Sand & Gravel Mine.doc