02-10-1997 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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1i February 3,1997 Spring Hill EAW Page 5 future, the elevation of the proposed tunnel under County Road 6 may be a factor in accomplishing that. While these two concerns may be significant in the City ’s variance/CUP review process, it may be arguable whether they are 'environmental concerns' in the context of the EAW. Staff feels the wording of the EAW is acceptable as-is, but if Council feels otherwise, the above concerns could be added to the EAW. Item 23: This item indicates that impacts on overall air quality are expected to be minimal. Item 24: This item confirms there will be no stationary source emissions. Item 25: This item defines the anticipated impact of noise, dust and odors during construction and after construction is completed. Item 26: This item identifies and details the two areas of archaeological importance which were identified through the Phase I Archaeological surv'ey conducted at the site. It also notes that there are no prime or unique farmlands on the site. This item fuither states that there are no designated parks, recreation areas or trails on or inclose proximity to the site. It should be noted that the Orono Park Commission in 1990 adopted a proposed Bike/Hike Trail Plan which includes a trail corridor along Spring Hill Road from East Long Lake Road northwestward to Count)' Road 6 and westward. Further, the City of Medina has indicated they may request a trail easement on the east side ol Tamarack as part of this project. The Park Commission's Plan has not been formally adopted as an amendment to the Orono Comprehensive Plan but may be in the near future. Council should discuss whether disclosure of the proposed trail route should be added to the EAW. This may also be an appropriate section to again note the proximity of the site to Wolsfeld and Wood-Rill SNA's, although that is already noted in Item 11. Item 26 also indicates there are no "scenic views and vistas" at the site. The EAW Guidelines describe such features as including "spectacular viewing points along lakes, rivers or bluffs; virgin timber tracts; prairie remnants; geologic features; waterfalls; specimen trees; plots of wildflowers; etc." Staff is unaware of any such features of local or statewide interest at this site. Item 27: This item indicates no adverse visual impacts will be created by this project. Although the proposed location of maintenance facilities w ill place a rather large pole building type structure at a location that is veiy visible from neighboring roadways and properties, and although the character of portions of the site will likely change slightly from 'woods and fields’ to a more manicured I