GHENT PUBLIC NOTICE

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMARY
DRINKING WATER REVOLVING LOAN FUND

PROJECT NAME
Project Name: 2024 Street & Utility Improvements
DWRF Project Number: 1420004-5 & 1420004-6

PROJECT PROPOSER
City of Ghent
c/o Ms. Dawn Vlaminck, City Clerk
City of Ghent City Hall
P.O. Box 97
Ghent, Minnesota 56239

PROJECT LOCATION - LEGAL DESCRIPTION
N 1⁄2 of NW 1⁄4 of Section 15, Township 112N, Range 42W City of Ghent, Minnesota
Lyon County

PRESENT WATER SYSTEM, NEED, AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE
The current water distribution system, installed in the 1970s, is aging and requires repairs. There are several dead-end watermains, and some lines are undersized at 2-4 inches in diameter. Additionally, potential infiltration from petroleum-contaminated soils and nitrogen- contaminated groundwater identified in the area poses risk to public health and safety.
The proposed project will include removal of bituminous pavement and concrete, replacement of watermains and sanitary sewer lines, improvements to selected streets, and surface restoration. Street enhancements will involve widening, paving, and the addition of curbs and gutters to portions of English Street, Chapman Street, Loomis Street, Maskel Street, and McQuestion Street. All other disturbed areas will be restored to their preexisting conditions, including cover types, grade, and roadway dimensions.

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.
Protected species that may occur in the project area include the northern long-eared bat, tricolored bat, and monarch butterfly. Bird species with special protections are bald eagle, lesser yellowlegs, and northern harrier. The project will have “no effect” on the tricolored bat and monarch butterfly, and “may affect - not likely to adversely affect” the northern long-eared bat. Restricting tree removal to November 15 - March 31 will minimize impacts on migratory birds.
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 Ghent published the environmental review public notice in the local newspaper on July 11th. No comments were received.

Sara Mollamohammada
Minnesota Department of Health
Graduate Engineer
Section of Drinking Water Protection
P.O. Box 64975
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0975
651-539-3010
sara.mollamohammada@state.mn.us