Date: June 6, 2023
To: All Interested Citizens, Organizations and Government Agencies
From: Chad Kolstad, Infrastructure Unit Supervisor
Drinking Water Protection Section
Environmental Health Division
Subject: Drinking Water System Project
Loan Applicant: City of Silver Bay Loan
Project No.: 1380003-11
The City of Silver Bay is applying for a construction loan under the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) drinking water revolving fund program and is, therefore, subject to the state environmental review process. This notice is to advise the public that MDH staff has reviewed the proposed project and has determined that preparing an Environmental Assessment Worksheet is not required.
The loan applicant has solicited public comment on potential environmental consequences. After reviewing any comments received we conclude that construction and project implementation will lead to no significant environmental impact.
The environmental summary included with this notice provides information on the existing and proposed drinking water infrastructure and associated environmental considerations. If there are comments about this environmental review process, they must be received within 15 days. They should be submitted to:
Chad Kolstad
Minnesota Department of Health
P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975
Environmental Summary
DRINKING WATER REVOLVING LOAN FUND
Project Name
Silver Bay – Water System Improvements
DWRF Project Number 1380003-11
Project Proposer
City of Silver Bay
c/o Ms. Lana Fralich, City Administrator
Silver Bay City Hall
7 Davis Drive
Silver Bay, Minnesota 55614
Project Location – Legal Description
Sections 29, 31, and 32, Township 56N, Range 7W
City of Silver Bay, Minnesota
Lake County
Present Water System, Need, and Selected Alternative
The City of Silver Bay’s existing water system consists of a surface water treatment plant supplied by water from Lake Superior, two ground storage tanks, and distribution system piping with nine pressure zones. Many of the water system components have reached the end of their useful life and require upgrades or replacement.
The proposed project consists of the construct of a new booster station and associated watermain, distribution system improvements, and rehabilitation of the existing water treatment plant.
Environmental Impacts
The primary impacts of the projects are the short-term construction related disturbances such as dust and noise. The short-term impacts will be mitigated by the use of standard construction practices. Effective soil erosion and dust control measures will be carried out as often as necessary to prevent any dust or erosion that may be damaging to property, area vegetation, wildlife, adjacent lands, surface water bodies, or may cause a nuisance to persons in the vicinity.
Several Federal and State species were identified as potentially found in the project region. Nighttime noise and light will be limited to reduce impacts to these species. The project specifications and erosion control plan will use natural fiber products and avoid the use of plastic-based materials that could ensnare or harm the sensitive species. A copy of the Blandings Turtle Flyer will be provided to contractors.
The Northern Long-eared Bat was also identified in the US Fish and Wildlife search. Though the project is expected to have limited or no impact on the species, any dead, injured, or sick Northern Long-eared Bats found during the project will be reported to the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
The project is not expected to result in any direct impacts (other than those listed above) to: threatened or endangered plant or animal species or their habitats; wetlands; flood plains; nearby farmland; historic, architectural, cultural, or archaeological features; shore lands; or air quality non-attainment areas.
Public Participation Program
The City of Silver Bay published the environmental review public notice in the Northshore Journal on April 8, 2022. No comments were received.
Chad Kolstad
Chad M. Kolstad, P.E.
Minnesota Department of Health
Infrastructure Unit Supervisor Section
of Drinking Water Protection
P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975
651-201-3972
chad.kolstad@state.mn.us
