9/19/2006 10:39:00 AM SEMEP out of spotlight, but busy as ever
Fran Sauer of Preston, president of Southeastern Minnesotans for Environmental Protection, talks about recent work by SEMEP.
By Lisa Brainard
As the cloud of a proposed tire burning plant hung over Preston in 2002, a group of concerned area residents came together to request a thorough investigation into the potential for environmental harm from said plant.
The names and faces behind Southeastern Minnesotans for Environmental Protection (SEMEP) became common sights, as they continued to ask tough questions. Eventually its members saw the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) Citizens' Board in a near unanimous vote order that an environmental impact study (EIS) be done for the plant. While other factors may have entered into the decision, such as a vote by Fillmore County officials not to back the plant with a business subsidy, the owner of the proposed plant decided not to go ahead with the plant after the EIS was ordered.
The grassroots environmental group completed that effort early in 2005. While it might seem that things have been quiet for SEMEP since then, the organization keeps quite busy. Its members are continually being called upon for their hard-earned knowledge and skills.
SEMEP President Fran Sauer of Preston stated, "While continuing to address regional environmental issues, the organization has become a networking hub, sharing information, environmental alerts and education opportunities to its e-mailing list of over 350 supporters."
She said that because of the nationwide coverage SEMEP received while addressing the tire-burning issue and the subsequent success in obtaining an EIS on the facility, the organization hears from people throughout the United States who are - or were - experiencing similar challenges.
She and three other board members - Inez Strahl, Ann Ott and David Williams - meet every two weeks to keep up with the incoming issues.
Helping
The first request for guidance came from a group of citizens in Decatur, Ill., facing a proposed tire-burning plant in their area. SEMEP shared its experiences, background and encouragement.
Sauer noted, "The proposed facility decided not to continue with the project because of the many questions that arose and the citizens were able to take satisfaction in knowing that they had spoken out… making a difference in their area."
Since then, she said SEMEP has heard from several individuals or groups in the tri-state area that are facing environmental challenges. "Each request is answered and the organization does its best to provide ideas, contact information and encouragement," stated Sauer.
SEMEP also became a member of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership (MEP) in 2005 to gain more access to information.
"This was an important step for SEMEP because MEP is an organization consisting of over 90 environmental organizations that share communication, technical assistance and work together to advance and protect Minnesota's environment. The partnership allows SEMEP to direct those requesting assistance to those most qualified to help," said Sauer.
SEMEP members also have attended and participated in roundtable discussions by the MPCA, MEP, the Environmental Education Team, Clean Energy Resource Team of SE Minnesota (CERTS) and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, now affiliated with the MPCA.
With the organization's concern over global warming, members are currently in the process of making arrangements to sponsor viewings of the movie "An Inconvenient Truth" at the Jem Theatre in Harmony.
SEMEP also has ordered several copies of the movie, which they plan to distribute to local schools, libraries and groups. When arrangements are complete, information regarding viewing opportunities will be announced and posted on the organization's Web site: www.semep.org
Recent issues
• When SEMEP was first starting, it heard from a group in Vermont concerned that the New York-based International Paper Company had proposed to begin tire burns at their company, located across Lake Champlain from Vermont. The state of Vermont joined the opposition and, any day now, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should be weighing in on the issue.
• Citizens are concerned about a proposed expansion of the Winona port on the Mississippi that would impact Prairie Island in Winona.
• Pilot Mound Township residents were concerned about a temporary asphalt plant to be used during a construction project. Sauer said this concern was resolved with cooperation from the Fillmore County Board of Commissioners.
• Pilot Mound Township residents also are concerned over a proposed campground to be located on the Root River, near the Allen Bridge northeast of Fountain and by County Road 11. This is in the planning stages. No permits have been issued yet.
• The proposed Spring Valley Ponds' trout pond project is currently on hold due to the sudden death of facilities owner John Bondhus. Concerns there regard the permitting process and possible detrimental effects to the nearby trout stream.
• Recently, concern over having the Minnesota Pipe Line Company cross certified organic land on the Garden of Eagan farm in Dakota County was resolved with an agreement by MPL that no pipeline would cross the land. Sauer said SEMEP was contacted regarding this last fall and put the concerned citizens in contact with Twin Cities' area contacts SEMEP has maintained.
• The Olmsted County Board of Commissioners recently responded to concerns about the Decorah Edge by passing an ordinance regulating construction along this shale edge that has been discovered to recharge water aquifers.
• Rochester citizens had concerns over a permanent asphalt company in their area. The issue has been "frozen" while the developer and the citizens review advantages, risk and concerns.
• In another Rochester issue, citizens were concerned about the destruction of trails and wetlands for a housing development. Sauer reported that despite the concerted efforts of area citizens, development in that area will proceed.
• A newly formed group of southeastern Minnesotan residents continues to move forward with concerns about the use of pesticides, their drift factor and the health issues they present. Sauer said they would like to see the use of pesticides on parks or school grounds discontinued and are talking to related officials. The group began less than one year ago and involves citizens in the Rochester and Red Wing areas.
• And, the final issue listed here could spell volumes for the respect SEMEP has gained in its few years of existence. As the city of Fountain continues to experience both residential and industrial growth, it needs to update its sewage treatment facilities to handle an increased load. City officials contacted SEMEP to talk about their various proposals.
"It shows good judgment. We want what's best for the area, and they do, too. I appreciated that we were contacted," stated Sauer. SEMEP now awaits a decision from the MPCA on whether or not the agency feels stabilization ponds by the old drain field will be environmentally acceptable.
Concluding, Sauer said, "We've turned into a networking hub. It's exciting… and fun."
For more information, check the Web site: www.semep.org
