U.S. Steel Corporation Spider Creek Restoration Project

Record of Decision on Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW)

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Responsible Governmental Unit for the environmental review of the U.S. Steel Corporation Spider Creek Restoration Project located in St. Louis County, Minnesota, has issued a Record of Decision regarding the Need for the Need for the an Environmental Impact Statement for the project.

The DNR has concluded that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required because the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects. The justification for this determination is contained in the Record of Decision. The Record of Decision also contains the Department's responses to all substantive written comments received on the Environmental Assessment Worksheet during the 30-day public review and comment period.

Issuing this Record of Decision concludes this project's state environmental review process according to the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board rules, Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1000 to 4410.1700. This project can proceed to permit and approvals.

Environmental Assessment Worksheet

This Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) has been prepared to describe the environmental effects associated with the U.S. Steel Corporation Spider Creek Restoration Project located in St. Louis County, Minnesota. The project is proposed by U.S. Steel Corporation and the DNR is the Responsible Governmental Unit (RGU) for the environmental review of this project.

This document has been prepared as a Mandatory EAW pursuant to Minnesota Rules, part 4410.4300, subpart 26 (Stream Division).

Public notice of the availability of this EAW is in the July 17, 2017, EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period is open from July 17, 2017, until 4:30 p.m., August 16, 2017.

The proposed project:

U. S. Steel proposes to restore the pattern, profile, and dimension of an approximately 2,660-foot channelized reach of Spider Creek. The project would reposition the existing straightened stream channel to restore approximately 4,050 feet of channel. The restoration aims to ensure sustainable stream characteristics and to improve riparian and floodplain vegetation.

Send comments:

Written and signed comments on the EAW must be received by Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at 4:30 p.m.

By mail:

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division of Ecological and Water Resources
Attn: Cynthia Novak-Krebs
500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155-4025

Electronically:

Send to [email protected] with "Spider Creek EAW" in the subject line. Include your name and mailing address.

By fax:

Submit signed comment letters by fax to 651-296-1811.

Questions:

Please call 651-259-5115.

To request these documents in an alternative format, please email [email protected] or call 651-259-5115.