Comparison with H. B. Fuller 'net benefit' nature preserve

Below is posted a DNR comparison with the one, and only one, prior exemption from the 1989 state law prohibiting new or expanded once-through cooling system permits. This comparison shows that the only previous exemption involved a much smaller amount of water, and at the same time provided a much larger nature preserve. The General Mills proposal is very important in that its small scale sets a dramatic new precedent. I obtained the below information from a DNR information sheet in Nov-00. This information sheet was undated, but included with other papers dated Feb-00, so I am quite sure this information was also put together Feb-00. Note that the EAW released in Dec-00 shows that the latest General Mills plan areas are slightly different from those listed in this two column table. See below table for newest numbers. ----- ds

Note: Below data current as of February 2000
- - - - - - - The latest plan areas in the Dec-00 EAW are slightly different. See below.

General Mills
(Permit 74-5231)

Once-through System (OTS)
installed: 1957

OTS Conversion Date:
January 1, 2002

Authorized Water Volume:
487.5 MGY

H.B. Fuller
(Permit 80-6214)

Once-through System (OTS)
installed: 1982

OTS Conversion Date:
January 1, 2005

Authorized Water Volume:
185 MGY

Year - Million Gallons

1989 - 259.6 - OTS only
1990 - 198.1 - OTS only
1991 - 243.4 - OTS only
1992 - 199.7 - OTS only
1993 - 260.8 - OTS only
1994 - 260.1 - OTS only
1995 - 281.7 - OTS &
institutional
1996 - 246.6 - OTS only
1997 - 231.6 - OTS only
1998 - 265.4 - OTS only
1999 - 254.3 - OTS only

Building Size:

Numbers vary from
420,000 sq. ft. in 1989,
to 608,900 sq. ft. in 1990
to 759,000 sq. ft. in 1999.
They propose adding a new employee services building (150,000 sq. ft.) and a future tower (200,000 sq. ft.).

Year ---- Million Gallons

1989 - 85.0 - OTS only
1990 - 53.l - OTS only
1991 - 78.5 - OTS only
1992 - 49.2 - OTS only
1993 - 70.3 - OTS only
1994 - 68.6 - OTS only
1995 - 93.1 - OTS only

1996 - 83.9 - OTS only
1997 - 48.2 - OTS only
1998 - 78.9 - OTS only
1999 - 62.8 - OTS only

Building Size:

100,000 sq. ft.,
campus expansion in 1990’s
did not utilize OTS or
increase OTS use.

Conversion Cost:

$1 .5 M (1/24/90),
$2M+ (8/10/90),
$2.9M (1992),
current estimates range from
$2M to $9M.

Nature Preserve Area:

The proposed nonprofit
corporation would include 24
acres along Bassett Creek
floodplain, with 10.4 acres of
upland area used for ball fields,
turf, concessions, parking, and
roads.
Total area is about 31.3 acres, if
additional 7.3 acres of General
Mills easement land is included.

Conversion Cost:

$600,000 (1991)

Nature Preserve Area:

The Foundation is 131 acres
(75.3 Ramsey County & 55.6
H.B. Fuller),
Total area is 265 acres,
w/additional H.B. Fuller land
utilized for the preserve.

Wetland Area:

Approximately 15.7 acres. Forested wetlands reduced (9.4 to 2 acres), emergent wetlands increased (5.8 to 11.3 acres), creek increased (1 to 2.4 acres).

Benefit Statements:

General Mills states OTS water “is not necessary for development of the Nature Preserve”.
Meanders will be added to Bassett Creek.
Forested wetlands will be replaced with emergent wetland areas.
About 10.4 acres of undeveloped land would be replaced with ball fields, turf, parking, and a concession building.

Wetland Area:

There are approximately
95.5 acres of wetland area
with 70 acres of open water
(Willow Lake).

Benefit Statement:

H.B. Fuller states OTS water
increased the average depth
of Willow Lake by approxi-
mately 2'.
Willow Lake is stocked with
fish and the higher water
levels help prevent fish
kills.
"Since the site is a preserve
and not a park, no highly
developed ball fields or
similar sport-type
recreational activities will
be permitted."