DNR seeks comment on Grand Rapids paper mill expansion (2006-01-30)

A proposal to increase paper manufacturing at the UPM/Blandin paper mill in Grand Rapids took another step forward today as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released a draft environmental impact statement for public review and comment.

The 800-page document, prepared during the past year in cooperation with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), UPM/Blandin Paper and the Grand Rapids Public Utilities Commission, details potential impacts of installing a new paper machine and increasing the plant's efficiency. The project, known as Thunderhawk, will increase the mill's annual wood consumption by approximately 197,000 cords to 400,000 cords per year.

"Release of the draft environmental impact statement represents a significant milestone in the review process," said Bill Johnson, DNR environmental impact statement project manager. "This document gives the public a detailed look at the project and its consequences. There's also the opportunity to provide feedback for agency consideration."

Public comments will be accepted through March 7. The DNR and its consultant will consider all substantive comments in the final environmental impact statement, which is expected to be available for a 10-working-day public review period in early April. When complete, the project could result in 27 new full-time jobs and produce 761,000 tons of publication-grade paper per year. The draft environmental impact statement contains detailed analysis of the project's impacts and mitigation relating to potential traffic, noise, socioeconomic and timber harvest.

Principal findings include:

TRAFFIC

The project is not expected to cause excessive delays to drivers operating along the existing road network in Grand Rapids. The project is expected to increase traffic volume by 2 to 5 percent. Delays can be addressed by adjusting signal timing at key intersections or by adjusting travel routes.

RAIL

Project implementation will result in approximately five minutes of additional delay at Grand Rapids rail crossings. A train services the mill twice a day and the number of railcars will increase from an average of 18 to 37 cars per trip.

NOISE

The draft environmental impact statement required the collection of new noise data to project current and future noise conditions. Existing noise was within the state daytime noise standard but exceeded the state nighttime noise standard by one decibel. The MPCA was notified and Blandin Paper Company took the actions necessary to bring the facility back into compliance with state regulations. Future noise levels with the project are projected to be within state noise standards. Annual noise monitoring will be a condition of the MPCA air permit.

SOCIOECONOMICS

If approved, the project would be built in late 2008 or early 2009. Local construction expenditures are projected to be approximately $96 million. Installation of the new paper machine will add 27 full-time jobs to the mill from current operations. The total economic impact of building the project upon the local economy is $77 million per year compared with the present.

TIMBER HARVEST

The proposed expansion would increase statewide demand for aspen, spruce and balsam fir by 5 percent over current conditions. The draft environmental impact statement analysis indicates the additional harvest to supply the project could have a small impact on plant diversity, soil nutrients, soil erosion, visual quality, recreation resources and cultural/historical resources.

UPM/Blandin Paper's forest management includes provisions to address each of these impacts. These impacts are also addressed through the state's programmatic effort conducted statewide. The draft environmental impact statement also reports that although statewide aspen harvest levels are approaching the estimated maximum sustainable harvest level for all ownerships, modeling shows this expansion is sustainable under current conditions.

Public review copies of these documents are available at the DNR library, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul; the DNR Regional Office in Grand Rapids, 1201 East Highway 2; the Grand Rapids Area Library, 140 NE Second Street; the Duluth Public Library, 144 West Second Street; and the Environmental Conservation Library, 250 Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis. There are limited copies of the draft environmental impact statement available. A draft environmental impact statement summary is available by calling the DNR at (651) 259-5157 or toll free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). The documents are also posted on DNR's Web site at dnr.state.mn.us.

The DNR will hold a public informational meeting at the Robert J. Elkington Middle School in Grand Rapids on Feb. 21, at 7 p.m.

Written comments on the draft environmental impact statement must be received by 4:30 p.m. on March 7. Comments and inquiries should be directed to: Bill Johnson, DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4025; or (651) 259-5157.

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