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Wabasha County issues negative declaration on Highland Quarry EAW; no EIS required
Summary
After reviewing the Environmental Assessment Worksheet for the proposed Highland Quarry, the Wabasha County Board of Commissioners determined the EAW was adequate, identified limited foreseeable impacts (dust, stormwater, habitat), and issued a negative declaration that an Environmental Impact Statement is not required.
The Wabasha County Board of Commissioners on July 7 found the Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) prepared for the proposed Highland Quarry to be adequate and determined the project does not have the potential for significant environmental effects, issuing a Negative Declaration and concluding that an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is not required.
County staff and the Planning Commission reviewed the EAW and the draft document was circulated to required state and federal agencies. The EQB Monitor published notice of EAW availability on April 7, 2026, and the 30-day public comment period closed on May 8, 2026; the minutes note two written comments were received during the comment period. The Planning Commission considered the EAW and related materials and forwarded its recommendation to the County Board. The board’s resolution states the EAW was prepared in compliance with the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and Minnesota Rules, parts 4410.1000–4410.1700.
The board’s findings list foreseeable impacts including dust and particulates, stormwater runoff and destruction of habitat, characterizing those impacts as acute rather than chronic and concluding they do not appear likely to produce cumulative significant effects. Based on the statutory criteria in Minnesota Rules, part 4410.1700, the board concluded an EIS is not mandated. The resolution also explicitly states that this determination of EAW adequacy should not be interpreted as county approval of the proposed development.
The resolution (Res. 2026-136) was adopted unanimously. Next steps for the project would depend on subsequent permitting and licensing; the minutes do not record further board direction at the July 7 session.
