EAW Review and Comment letters

Following the publication of the EAW (Environmental Assessment Worksheet) that was prepared by the developer's hand picked consultants, the public and Minnesota State Agencies were provided an opportunity to submit written comment letters and speak to the Planning Commission on August 8.  See Doc 6 and Doc 7 for pdf files of comments. There are more than a hundred pages of letters and attachments that you will find interesting and compelling.  Some highlights from various commenters are provided here, below, for you. 

At best, the EAW was a purposefully incomplete and misleading report prepared by paid consultants who worked at the pleasure of the developer.  It would be irresponsible to accept the EAW as the final word on how Wolf Creek Autobahn would impact air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, light pollution, and traffic congestion in our community.  

Upon review of the developer's own noise modeling report, it shows there will be significant environmental effects that gives the county well established authority to order a full EIS on this project (Minnesota Rules 4410.2000 Subp. 3)  Additionally, the developer's Noise Modeling Report is deficient in several ways that would lead to a conclusion that the noise impacts would have far greater environmental impact than those identified in the report and EAW, thus further supporting the need for an EIS to address these deficiencies.  

Carleton College, St. Olaf College, and the City of Northfield, and many other businesses and municipalities are working toward being carbon-neutral.  How much more would others have to do to make up for the carbon emissions of Wolf Creek?

Karts:  At the meeting between the developer and Forest Township Commissioners, the developer stated that the karts would be electric.  There were township residents who heard this statement.  However, in the EAW it allows that gas-powered karts may be allowed.  Gasoline powered karts are extremely noisy.  Which is true:  electric or gas-powered karts?  (Note:  See recent image and posts from Wolf Creek Autobahn Facebook page showing they are using gas powered karts)

Due to the nature and location of this proposed project,  we recommend that a Phase I archaeological survey be completed.  

If the county allows this project to proceed without a factual showing that the state law noise standards will be met, then the only option for the neighbors will be private-nuisance litigation.  

According to Rice County Ordinances: Impervious surface coverage of lots must not exceed twenty-five (25) percent of the lot area including structures, roads, driveways and parking areas. The developer is proposing 150  acres impervious in a total of 466 acres, which is 32% impervious.  Currently the site has 2 acres impervious.   ... How does the Wolf Creek Autobahn comply with Rice County Ordinances?

I have lived on a farm my entire life with the last 59 at the intersection of County Rd. 1 and 46/Bagley Avenue.  The Wolf Creek Autobahn is proposed for directly across the street from my home and family farm.  I disagree with the EAW that our agricultural community is not scenic (p. 35 - there are no scenic views or vistas on or near the project site)  Healthy fields of corn and soybeans, homes and animals are beautiful --- much more so than 24 foot concrete walls that block the sunrise.  Prime farmland is a rare and diminishing commodity with homes and commercial uses sprawling onto land perceived as easiest to develop.  Once developed in any way it is impossible to reclaim ... It is my hope that you the Planning Board and County Commissioners will protect the quality of life in our rural community from noise, air pollution and ugliness and acrid smells of this proposed development.