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Item -by -item guidance Chapter
<br />In the event that a wastewater discharge may degrade a lake a
<br />numerical nutrient budget analysis may be required; however, it is
<br />unlikely that any new discharges to any lake would be permitted
<br />by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Any nutrient budget
<br />should be based on a generally accepted model of a lake's re-
<br />sponse to increase in phosphorus loading or other critical
<br />nutrients if phosphorus is not limiting. The choice of a model
<br />should be based on available data, and its expected accuracy
<br />based on the likely magnitude of the impact, in addition to the
<br />time and costs of using the model. In other words, the greater the
<br />likely impact, the greater the need for a more sophisticated
<br />model. If insufficient data is available to allow the use of any
<br />numerical model, it is necessary to gather the minimally needed
<br />data unless the EAW can establish through other analysis that
<br />there is no reason to expect noticeable degradation. If the matter
<br />is left in doubt in the EAW, it may result in calls for an EIS and a
<br />more in -depth analysis.
<br />Where the method proposed is on -site sewage treatment such as
<br />septic tanks and drainfields or similar soil absorption facilities,
<br />this response must address the suitability of the site conditions for
<br />the use of such systems, and should be focused on demonstrating
<br />that the systems will function adequately. Where there will be on-
<br />site systems on separate Tots, the discussion should demonstrate
<br />that each system can be reasonably expected to function. Where
<br />site conditions require special methods to allow on -site systems to
<br />work properly, the proposed methods should be discussed, includ-
<br />ing information about how they will be employed.
<br />• c. If wastewaters will be treated by an existing publicly owned
<br />treatment system, this question should address the adequacy of
<br />that system to handle the volume and composition of wastewa-
<br />ters from the project. Information about the system
<br />characteristics, existing loads and present treatment performance
<br />should be given. Anticipated improvements to handle the new
<br />wastes, including their scheduling, should be discussed. Any pre-
<br />treatment of the wastewater before it is discharged into the
<br />public system should be discussed under this section, including
<br />the nature of the pre- treatment and the wastewater composition
<br />and quantity after pre- treatment. Any sludges or other materials
<br />removed from the wastewater during pre - treatment must be
<br />discussed under the appropriate sections of the EAW.
<br />• d. This item is intended for projects that involve animal feedlots.
<br />19. Geologic hazards and soil conditions
<br />• a. This question attempts to provide information pertinent to
<br />potential groundwater contamination, including any geologic or
<br />Iandform features of special concern. Possible sources of informa-
<br />tion include: site surveys, soil surveys, topographic maps, and
<br />county sanitation or health department, the State Department of
<br />Health and the Minnesota Geological Survey. If any such features
<br />are present at the site, the EAW should address how potential
<br />ground water contamination problems that could result from
<br />these hazards will be prevented.
<br />• b. Describe the types of soils present using the Natural
<br />Resources Conservation Service classification system. Soil surveys
<br />showing this information are available from the offices of County
<br />Agricultural Extension, Soil and Water Conservation districts. If
<br />several soil types exist on the site, a soils map is helpful. It is not
<br />necessary to attach copies of the soil interpretation sheets to the
<br />EAW. Discuss how soil characteristics, especially granularity,
<br />affect the potential for the spread of contaminants through the
<br />soil into groundwater, if applicable.
<br />If soil borings have been made, it may be necessary to attach a
<br />copy of the boring logs to the EAW if the project may have poten-
<br />tial to contaminate the soils or ground water, including projects
<br />involving use of on -site sewage treatment by septic tanks and
<br />drainfields. When it is not clear that the logs need to be attached,
<br />you may simply note that the Togs exist and are available upon
<br />request.
<br />20. Solid waste, hazardous waste, storage tanks
<br />• a. All types of wastes generated by the project that are not
<br />wastewaters, liquid manure or air emissions should be identified
<br />here. This includes any hazardous wastes, all forms of 'solid
<br />wastes," any sludges, any ashes from combustion, animal ma-
<br />nures in solid form, demolition wastes, construction wastes and
<br />asbestos. Estimates of the composition and quantities should be
<br />given. For common types of wastes of fairly uniform composition,
<br />such as municipal solid waste and animal manures, the composi-
<br />tion need not be identified other than as by type of waste; for
<br />example, "turkey manure mixed with straw bedding" would be
<br />sufficient. For other types of wastes, especially if they are hazard-
<br />ous or contain toxic constituents, a chemical analysis should be
<br />given along with how it was determined.
<br />The method and location of disposal of all the wastes should be
<br />provided. This should include information demonstrating that the
<br />proposed method and location is environmentally acceptable.
<br />Discuss source separation, recycling, hazardous waste minimiza-
<br />tion and reduction assessment plans as appropriate.
<br />• b. List any chemicals or other substances that will be on the
<br />site for any purpose. The level of detail provided should be com-
<br />mensurate with the likelihood that the materials could enter the
<br />ground water, the risk associated with the materials and the
<br />quantities present or used. The response may reference other
<br />items as appropriate, such as item 21 for storage tanks.
<br />• c. The anticipated contents of all tanks should be specified. It
<br />may be useful to show the location of tanks on a site map or plan.
<br />If special precautions will be taken to prevent leaks or other
<br />problems, these should be indicated, including emergency re-
<br />sponse containment plans.
<br />Environmental Quality Board 11
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