Blue Earth County selects consultant for Rapid and Dam EAW review; Bolton and Mink recommended
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Summary
County staff recommended and the board approved entering an agreement with Bolton and Mink to review the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Rapid and Dam removal project; the proposed fee listed in the packet was $39,910.
Blue Earth County directed staff to enter an agreement with Bolton and Mink to provide Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) review services related to the proposed removal of the Rapid and Dam after a staff RFQ and proposal process.
Property & Environmental Resources staff said two firms responded to the RFQ (Bolton and Mink; and Emmons Oliver Resources/EOR). Because the removal project is unusual (the river is bypassing the dam structure), staff noted neither firm has identical past experience but concluded both are qualified; staff recommended Bolton and Mink based on proposal hours and experience. The packet listed Bolton and Mink’s proposal at $39,910. The board approved the recommendation by voice vote.
Why it matters: The EAW review is a key environmental-review step that informs permitting and mitigation for a dam removal. Selecting a consultant initiates the technical review and the public comment phase for the EAW.
Staff said the EAW work includes project management, responding to public comments and preparing review documentation. The board authorized the county administrator to enter into an agreement with Bolton and Mink per the staff recommendation.