04-14-14-TCAAP WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Memorandum Suite 238N Date: April 14, 2014 2550 University Avenue West St. Paul, Minnesota To: Arden Hills City Council 55114 From: Jessica Laabs, Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Subject: TCAAP Draft AUAR Update and Next Steps The purpose of this memo is to provide an overview of the TCAAP AUAR evaluation process, the impacts and mitigation plan, and the key steps in the review and approval process. An AUAR is a form of environmental documentation through Minnesota State Rules that evaluates development scenarios for a geographical area rather than a specific project. In October 2013, the City of Arden Hills issued an order for an AUAR for the TCAAP study area, which Ramsey County is preparing for redevelopment. Two development scenarios were identified, loosely based on anticipated and maximum development allowed under the comprehensive plan and other site constraints. This AUAR is not intended to evaluate any specific development plan, rather it is to assume worst-case impacts of the defined scenarios to determine at what level of development impacts would occur and when mitigation of impacts is required. This provides the city information to make informed decisions about development density and required mitigation. The city, as the responsible government unit, is responsible for approving and adopting the Final AUAR and Mitigation plan. This Mitigation Plan is submitted as part of the Draft AUAR to provide reviewers and regulators with an understanding of the actions which are advisable, recommended, or necessary to protect the environment and minimize potential impacts by the proposed development scenarios. The Draft Mitigation Plan will be revised and updated based on comments received during the Draft AUAR comment period. This Mitigation Plan is intended to satisfy the AUAR rules that require the preparation of a mitigation plan that specifies measures or procedures that will be used to avoid, minimize, or mitigate the potential impacts of development within the AUAR study area. The mitigation plan will be formally adopted by the city as its action plan to prevent potentially significant environmental impacts. The AUAR follows the state EAW worksheet format, addressing a standard range of environmental issues. In addition to the standard regulatory permits and approvals, the areas that have been identified as requiring mitigation include water resources, contamination, sensitive ecological resources and transportation.