Environmental Reviews (EAW, EIS, AUAR)
What is Environmental Review?
The Environmental Review Program is required by Minnesota Statute 116D (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/116D) and Minnesota Rules 4410 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/4410/). When a proposed development project has the potential for significant environmental impacts, the Environmental Review process takes place prior to permitting so that decision-makers have usable information about environmental effects of the proposed project.
More information about the State’s Environmental Review Program can be found at https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/content/environmental-review-program.
Environmental Review documents are presented in three forms:
- Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) - Provides a brief analysis and overview of the potential environmental impacts of a specific project and to help the RGU determine if an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is necessary.
- Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) - A detailed analysis of the key environmental, social, and economic issues that are likely to result from the project. The initial steps of the EIS process start with a questionnaire much like an EAW. The EIS also examines if there are alternative project designs or locations that would result in fewer environmental impacts.
- Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) - The AUAR is a planning tool that local governments can use to understand how different development scenarios will affect the environment of their community. It is a way of performing an environmental analysis in advance, before major development occurs in an area.
Your Application
- Visit www.duluthmn.gov/eplace to submit your application.
- Click on “Apply” and search for your application type. (You will need to sign
in to the system, or create a new account if you do not already have one.) - Follow the prompts to fill in information. Required information is indicated
with an asterisk. - In the General Description box describe the project subject to the environmental review.
- In the "Reason for Environmental Review document preparation" box select the type of environmental review you are proposing or if you are submitting a citizen petition for environmental review.
- In the "Type (MN Rule Category) of EAW" box indicate what type of EAW is being submitted. If you are not preparing an EAW you can mark this box "not applicable."
- On the attachments page, upload the following:
- A site plan, building plans, grading plans for the proposed project.
- The draft environmental review document (if available).
- Any additional information as determined by planning staff.
- If the application is a citizen petition for EAW, submit the petition with all signatures.
- After your application is complete, click “Add to Cart” for the fee listed, and pay the fee. Applications without a fee will not be reviewed or accepted.
After Submitting Your Application
1. Determination of Completeness. The City has 15 business days to determine whether the application is complete or incomplete. If incomplete, you will be notified and asked to submit additional information.
2. Land Use Supervisor Decision. The Land Use Supervisor will review the application and make a decision as to its compliance with MN Rules related to the type of environmental review proposed. You will receive a letter documenting the decision.