The Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (EQB) will hold a public meeting March 25 in Red Wing to gain public input on a proposal to study nitrate-contaminated water in the karst region of southeast Minnesota. The meeting will be held at the St. James Hotel, 406 Main St., Red Wing, Minn., with doors opening at 5 p.m., presentations starting at 5:30 p.m., and table discussions from 7-8 p.m.
The EQB is made up of nine state agency heads and eight citizen members from across the state. The EQB oversees the environmental review program for the state of Minnesota, including environmental impact statements, as directed by Minnesota Statutes 116D.04.
The Board will use input from the March 25 meeting to help decide whether to order a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS) on nitrate-contaminated water in the karst region of southeast Minnesota. Karst refers to porous bedrock where contaminants on the surface can easily reach groundwater used for drinking. The EQB plans to make the decision on whether to order the GEIS at a future EQB meeting.
“This is a great way for people concerned about nitrate contamination of waters in southeast Minnesota to engage in discussion with state leaders, staff, and their neighbors about this issue. The Board is designing this meeting to hear people’s ideas and concerns for this potential study,” said Will Seuffert, director of the EQB.
More details on the March 25 meeting can be found on EQB website at https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/content/march-25-2019-board-meeting.