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Primer Tracer site on TCAAP enters Environmental Quality Board review; Arden Hills schedules scoping and 30-day comment period
Summary
City staff said an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the Primer Tracer site will be published in the EQB Monitor, starting a 30-day comment period (publication expected June 16). Bolton & Menk will assist the City's review; staff anticipates a public scoping meeting and estimated up to 18 months for the complete environmental review depending on comments.
The property on TCAAP once used for primer and tracer production is moving forward in Minnesota's environmental review process after the site sale to Maplewood Development, city staff said at the June 8 Arden Hills work session.
Community Development Director Jake Reilly said the developer completed purchase activity in early 2026 and, as part of due diligence, an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) will be filed and published in the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) Monitor; that publication will begin a 30-day public comment period (staff said the EAW is anticipated to be published on June 16). Bolton & Menk will serve as the city's environmental reviewer and the consultant team will evaluate potential impacts and mitigation.
Reilly described the procedural steps: the EAW publication and 30-day comment period; a public scoping meeting (anticipated at Arden Hills City Hall immediately before a Planning Commission meeting); the applicant-prepared environmental statement materials; consultant review and edits of those materials; and a final Record of Decision summarizing potential mitigations. Reilly emphasized the EAW and comment record are part of a statutory public review process administered through the EQB.
Why it matters: The historical use of the Primer Tracer site raises environmental and land-use questions for TCAAP redevelopment; the public comment and scoping process will determine the scope of analysis for potential contamination, remediation needs and long-term land-use restrictions.
Staff said the applicant covers consultant and review costs. Councilmember Kurt Weber asked whether the city's consultant and review costs are applicant-funded; staff confirmed. Reilly estimated the full environmental review process could take up to 18 months depending on the volume and substance of comments received but said some portions may be shorter given prior reviews of the property.
What comes next: Staff will submit the EAW to the EQB Monitor and host a scoping meeting; the city website will post a public-facing page with documents and comment instructions. The 30-day comment period and scoping meeting schedule will be posted once the EAW is published.
