An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is a document designed to provide a brief analysis and overview of the potential environmental impacts for a specific project, and consists of a standard list of 31 questions. It is not meant to approve or disapprove a project, but to guide other approvals and permitting decisions. The information in the EAW process has two functions: to determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement is needed (EIS), and to indicate how the project can be modified to lessen its environmental impacts; such modifications may be imposed as permit conditions by regulatory agencies. EAWs follow requirements in the Minnesota Environmental Protection Act and rules found on the Environmental Quality Board web page.
Link to the EQB Monitor: https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/eqb-monitor
Environmental Assessment (EA) for Brighton Beach
On October 10, 2018, waves and flooding associated with a severe winter storm resulted in significant damage and erosion, especially along the shores of Lake Superior in Minnesota. Effects of the storms on Kitchi Gammi Park, resulted in significant damage to the motor vehicle lane running through the park, deposited significant amounts of debris, and caused extensive erosion to both the shoreline and portions of the road, jeopardizing the safety of the road. President Trump issued disaster declaration DR-4414-MN for the State of Minnesota on February 1, 2019, which made disaster recovery assistance available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The City of Duluth, Minnesota applied for funding from FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) Program to underwrite the proposed project to repair damages and mitigate against future damages by relocating the road. FEMA’s PA grant program provides federal assistance to government organizations and certain private nonprofit (PNP) organizations following a Presidential disaster declaration. The project area includes approximately 3,250 linear feet of Kitchi Gammi Park including approximately 1,260 linear feet of existing Brighton Beach Road where Lake Superior has eroded the shoreline and damaged the road surface. Brighton Beach Road currently provides access to Kitchi Gammi Park.
Click here for a link to the EA.
Written comments regarding this environmental action should be received no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, February 13th, by mail to Duane Castaldi, Regional Environmental Officer, FEMA Region 5, 536 South Clark Street, 6th Floor, Chicago, IL 60605-1521; by email at FEMA-R5 Environmental@fema.dhs.gov; or by phone at 312-408-5549.
Recent EAWs (Other Previous EAWs can be found in the Planning Library)
319-333 E Superior Street The Record of Decision determined that an EIS is not required.
Essentia Health Vision Northland. Project information can also be found in the Medical District Page. The Record of Decision determined that an EIS is not required.
Pastoret Terrace
Spirit Lake Sediment Remediation Project EAW
Final Record of Decision (Signed by RGU)
EAW Document (29MB)
Attachment A – Design Drawings (103 MB)
Attachment B – Agency Coordination (35 MB)
Attachment C – Natural Heritage Review
Attachment D - References