This message is for those who may be interested in the General Mills pumping and dumping issue. As you know, this has potential impact on the ecosystem of Bassett Creek which runs through Minneapolis. Time is running tight, so this is my last ditch attempt at drumming up EAW comment submittals. The DNR, Met Council and MPRB are submitting comments of concern on the issue. It would help greatly if there were also many letters of concern from individual citizens. The EAW lightly brushes off concern for groundwater depletion and creek water quality, and spends 90% of the EAW space talking about technical aspects of the 27 acre net benefit nature preserve. I agree that it would be wonderful to have a 27 acre nature preserve in Golden Valley. However, many of us believe that the EAW is incomplete in addressing the long term impacts of this dramatic precedent on groundwaters and surface waters. The deadline (Wed. 10-Jan, 4:30pm) for comments is coming up fast. Send letters of concern to ::: EAW, Bassett Creek, Golden Valley Jeannine Clancy, Dir. of Public Works 7800 Golden Valley Road Golden Valley, Mn 55427 If time is real tight, comments may also be emailed to ::: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website for more info :::: http://www.mninter.net/~stack/aquifer In case you simply do not have time to write an in-depth letter, even a few simple sentences of concern would help. Please, word your letter somewhat differently than this one, but here is one example of a simple letter of concern ::: --------------------------------- --------------------------------- Dear City of Golden Valley, I want to express my support for the DNR in their efforts to protect our public natural resources of groundwaters and surface waters. I agree with the DNR in their work to have General Mills cease the wasteful and unwise practice of once-through cooling. Pure groundwater should be reserved for higher purposes and for our future generations. This EAW is incomplete, therefore, I request an Environmental Impact Statement to fully address the long term problems of groundwater depletion in this project, and in the precedent that it sets I am also concerned for possible harm that the discharge may cause to the various plant and animal species living in the Bassett Creek's ecosystem. The EAW is incomplete in addressing possible problems from thermal effects, runoff, chlorine, ortho-phosphate, or any other chemical that may be added. I request an environmental Impact Statement to fully address long term concerns with this discharge, and with the precedent that this action sets. This General Mills net benefit nature preserve proposal is very inadequate in comparison to the only previous exemption of H.B.Fuller. This preserve factors to an unprecedented approximate 45 times weaker than the H.B.Fuller exemption to the 1989 state law. This new precedent would very unwisely make future exemptions that much easier to obtain. Sincerely, Xxxxxx Xxxxxx ------------------------------ ------------------------------ This above letter is just one possible sample letter. Unlimited variations and elaborations can be constructed, and are encouraged. I have been told that it is better to cite specific EAW paragraphs. Please feel free to email me with questions, comments or suggestions. The public hearing on this issue will be ::: 6-Feb, 7:00 pm Golden Valley City Hall 7800 Golden Valley Road Even if you do not want to speak at this hearing, your attendance as a show of concern would be greatly appreciated. Dave Stack Harrison
