Liberty Classical Academy - Wastewater Permit

Submitted By

60 Results

Search Type

Sort:

Sort Results By

Comment From: Chris Hause

5/20/25 @ 10:23 PM

The MPCA has been made aware of how environmentally sensitive the area proposed for this Wastewater Treatment Facility is.
It is in close proximity to lakes, wetlands and sensitive creek feeding into the St. Croix river.
There are also 100's of exi...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Karen Ukura

5/20/25 @ 2:56 PM

My comments are in the attached images.

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Geary Olsen

5/20/25 @ 11:47 AM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Mark Stoltz

5/19/25 @ 8:30 PM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Jim Kloek

5/19/25 @ 5:36 PM

Having this large school in an area without proper utilities makes no sense. To the point that the academy has to drill several wells to circumvent legal issues on drilling only one. The demand on the water table could cause problems with wells in th...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Jim Dropps

5/19/25 @ 11:38 AM

Hello MPCA, I am writing with strong concerns about the long term impact of this sewage system in our rural area that already has impaired drinking water due to high nitrate levels. I live about 2000' from the site, my last test of the nitrate level ...↓

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Sheila Hause

5/18/25 @ 6:17 PM

Thank you for the opportunity for being part of this informational meeting. I was disappointed by the MPCA's inability to answer a number of questions from the community, including the lack of awareness on the part of the MPCA, in regards to the Bro...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Alicia Blanchard

5/16/25 @ 4:43 PM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Heidi Harvieux

5/16/25 @ 4:19 PM

First of all thank you for holding public meeting on May 13th. I still have concerns about water contamination. I was very surprised to hear that MPCA was unaware that Washington County put in a drainage culvert from Goggins Lake to South School Sect...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Kelly Williams

5/16/25 @ 2:18 PM

I appreciate MPCA taking the time to meet with he public and hear our concerns on 5/13/2025. At a May Town Hall meeting last year one of my neighbors brought up the point that all surface run off from this site is going to wind up in the retention po...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Judyth Onufer

5/16/25 @ 9:42 AM

I am a resident of May Township. My family moved here from NY 13 years ago and chose to buy a home in this rural community for its quiet character, abundant wildlife corridors, and commitment to retain its rural character as well as protect our envi...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Glenn Williams

5/15/25 @ 2:40 PM

Thank you for hosting the informative meeting on Tuesday. It was exciting to see how knowledgeable and passionate everyone at MPCA is about their job.
My hope is that you will become more knowledgeable about exactly what LCA is proposing to build ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Bernard Lam

5/14/25 @ 8:42 PM

I am writing in concern with this outsized development proposal for Liberty Classical Academy. As I understand the MPCA works in conjunction with local ordinances when considering the approval of these septic systems. Well known is the fact that this...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Jane Krentz

5/14/25 @ 11:11 AM

Comments re: Liberty Classical Academy Wastewater Permit:

Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the public hearing last night (Tuesday, May 13) regarding the draft permit for the proposed expansion of Liberty Classical Academy. I understan...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Chris Hause

5/13/25 @ 9:23 PM

During the Public Informational Meeting on 5/13, I asked if the MPCA could tell us how long it will take from the time wastewater enters the system until it infiltrates to the groundwater?
MPCA resources were unable to answer this question.
Seems od...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Chris Hause

5/13/25 @ 8:57 PM

During the Public Informational meeting on 5/13, it became apparent that the MPCA was totally unaware of the infrastructure that the Browns Creek Watershed District installed to lower the lake level of Goggins and connected lakes. This infrastructure...↓

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Matt Fritze

5/13/25 @ 4:08 PM

My name is Matt Fritze and these comments are in response to the request from Mr. Wright that I be present for questioning during the public information meeting on May 13th. I am very sorry but I am unable to attend the meeting this evening but can o...↓ffer some comments/clarifications on the subjects that were brought up. You are correct in that I work with these types of wastewater treatment systems every day but on a much larger scale. These small residential/domestic waste treatment systems while still regulated by the MPCA, are smaller than what I would normally work on. However, the treatment process that is designed for this project for Total Nitrogen (TN) removal is one that I am very familiar with. This treatment process (MBBR) has been widely used to treat domestic wastewater for a very long time. After reviewing the plans for this process, I am very confident that standard permitting process through MPCA will offer the neighborhood the level of protection and confidence that their well water and surface water will not be affected by this new treatment system. As required by MPCA, this system will be operated by a licensed operator and regular reporting is required. This treatment system should achieve lower TN values than many of the larger septic systems in the area.
In regards to my comment during a past public meeting about not wanting this treatment system across the street is being taken out of context. I was asked by a resident if I wanted the school across the street from my own home, and I answered honestly that I would not want to live across the street from the school. The reason for my answer did not have anything to do with the waste treatment system, but for the traffic concerns. Your comments Mr. Wright in many of those meetings were the very same issues I would be bringing up if I lived in your home. Your comments and questions were well thought out and provided for good discussion in terms of how to properly route traffic on this property and what would make the most sense. When buying our home, my wife and I preferred a quieter and more secluded place to live and therefore did not purchase a house across the street from a school or any other non-residential property. That is why I answered the question the way I did. If asked specifically if I would be ok living across the street from this specified treatment system, my answer would be absolutely yes. When designed and operated properly, they have less noise than most residential or agricultural uses. As discussed during one of the meetings, the main area of concern I would have for this waste treatment system if I was in close proximity would be the potential for noise created by rotating equipment. This system requires constant aeration for the aerobic bacteria in the process. This air is typically supplied by positive displacement blowers. For this system, the aerobic tanks are relatively shallow which results in lower noise levels to begin with. When you combine that with sound attenuating enclosures on the blowers, and putting the blowers the blowers in a building, the end result should have little to no noise that can be heard from outside the building. Especially at the distances from the closest neighboring home. If I was a resident in the nearby vicinity, that would be my only concern with this treatment system and the engineer has addressed those concerns with their design.
As we discussed during the public comment period for the CUP, these treatment systems are most often used in these neighborhood developments that do not have access to City Sewer as well as schools, golf courses, etc. There are several in the Stillwater and Lake Elmo area already. Most of these require the treatment system to be a much shorter distance to the closest occupied home as a developer doesn't want to tie up a lot of land dedicated to the treatment system. As a result, these systems need to be designed to blend into their surroundings and not produce concerns for nearby residents. I am confident that the design for this system will meet those same objectives.
Since I will not be able to attend the meeting, please feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions or concerns. Thank you.
Matt Fritze
[email protected]

No attachments

Comment From: Katherine and Douglas Faltesek

5/13/25 @ 11:27 AM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Kirk Hillquist

5/13/25 @ 7:57 AM

As a long-term resident of May Township, we feel that the proposed expansion of the Liberty School in our Township is irresponsible and potentially reckless. We value the environment, and the rural mindset of this area, and fully support the school ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Ashley Hay

5/11/25 @ 6:00 PM

Hello,
I am a local resident of the May Township area and have been following LCA's attempts to expand since the beginning. Their plans to drill multiple wells drawing more than 10,000 gallons per day could affect area aquifers as well as lake levels...↓

No attachments

Comment From: George Scott

5/11/25 @ 10:40 AM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Matt S

5/10/25 @ 12:08 PM

Protecting Our Water, Preserving Our Way of Life: Why We Oppose Liberty Classical Academy's Industrial Septic and Well System Proposal:

As residents of this rural farmland community, we've chosen to live here not just for the peace and space, but fo...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Joe Osburn

5/10/25 @ 10:42 AM

I'd like to say that Liberty Classical Academy is a good school and I support them in what they are doing. I've witnessed a small but vocal campaign filled with misinformation and some (but not all) anti-Christian bias trying to prevent their facilit...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Michelle Ovre

5/10/25 @ 10:07 AM

Please see attached document for comment.

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Laura Richert

5/10/25 @ 9:58 AM

Our house is on the same water system as the lake near Liberty. For years we have had issues with low water levels after White Bear Lake drained the area around us. We do not feel comfortable being on the same water system that will be putting out th...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Douglas Faltesek jr

5/10/25 @ 8:51 AM

This will destroy the local ecosystem there is farm land and wetlands all around. This ground is not suitable for this type of septic. She filed a lawsuit to strong arm her way in. If you dont want a class action you better cover your ass because it'...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Karen Ukura

5/01/25 @ 3:24 PM

I am very concerned about the Liberty Expansion and the effects it will have on this community. This is not the place for such a project.

This area is rural residential and has had very strict rules governing its growth and use since I moved here i...↓n 1969. Having said that, there have been things that have been allowed that have already impacted this area negatively. For example, when Hugo decided to develop into a larger city it drilled municipal wells that have had negative impacts on our individual wells downstream from the city. Hugo has recently approved another 152 unit development. Those units need water. Now Liberty wants to drill wells for its project. No wonder the neighborhood is concerned about impacts to its wells.

I am also concerned about the implications for the run off to Brown's Creek. I was a manager on Brown's Creek Watershed District from its inception until 2005. I lost several acres of usable land to the water levels that are maintained on Plaisted, School Section, and Goggins Lake to prevent water from negatively impacting Brown's Creek. I suggest an extensive review be made of the School Section Feasibility Study done by Montgomery Watson around 1996 before it may be acceptable to dump thousands of gallons of water daily.

Ironically, the members of the community have not been made privy to the changes that are now being discussed in any detail. Hugo has not revisited, to my knowledge, the changed plans. They should be asked to do a more recent review.

But, one of the most disturbing things for me is the fact that I watched the local farmers spread mounds and mounds of free incinerated waste full of PFAS on our local fields. What impact will the Liberty development have on this situation or its remediation?

These concerns deserve further study. It is much easier to prevent polluting than it is to remedy it.

Some side thoughts: What happens if Liberty fails? They are a for profit organization, which means they can file bankruptcy and walk away. Liberty has said their septic design should last about 10 years and they have stated they believe there will be city sewer and water here by that time. Who would pay for that? Why should a commercial venture be able to impose itself on a rural community and be granted benefits that the rest of the community cannot share? If, the way Liberty has taken care of their property to date is any indication of how well they will take care of things in the future, then I don't hold out much hope for them complying with what will be expected of them.

I hope the MPCA will hold some meetings to inform this rural community what and how decisions are being made. Thank you for allowing us to give our input.

No attachments

Comment From: P M

4/29/25 @ 2:14 PM

I am writing to express my concern regarding the proposed plan for multiple well drillings by LCA located within five miles of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. As a resident of this community, I—and many of my neighbors—are deeply worried about the potent...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Bruce Lundeen

4/24/25 @ 2:13 PM

Dear MPCA
Frist I wish to thank you for keeping our enviorment as safe as possible. In regards to Liberty, if I understand part of the argurement for allowing Liberty to porceed is the fact that the waste water will be generatiored from a area that i...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Staci OConnell

4/19/25 @ 5:19 PM

Hi Lisa,
The numbers that Liberty Classical Acadamy gave were for their school hours student/staff ratio.
However they hold after-school events,concerts, especially sports if not every night at least 3 o 4 nights a week, with other schools and p...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Andrew Hennig

4/14/25 @ 4:23 PM

To whom it may concern,
I am writing to support the granting of the permit for the Liberty Classical Academy school expansion on the site in Hugo. Our children have attended Liberty for the past 3 years, and this space will be the permanent home f...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Michael Hansel

4/14/25 @ 11:06 AM

I urge you to issue this permit for Liberty Academy. It seems to me that the proposed system clearly meets all state standards for an SDS permit.

Thanks.

No attachments

Comment From: Ann MCLELLAN

4/14/25 @ 10:32 AM

My family owns a home in the area and our burial plots are in the Withrow Cemetry across the road from the proposed area. The proposal calls for a municipal sized wastewater treatment facility with a flow of over 25,600 gallons a day, which is 4 mil...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Scott Mellick

4/14/25 @ 7:59 AM

I echo the comments of my neighbors who have very thoroughly outlined their thoughts and concerns of this proposal. A project of this size clearly has an immense footprint to the aquifer and downstream drainage in a rural area. At the very least, th...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Daniel Tonkin

4/10/25 @ 9:05 PM

As a nearby resident who relies on the same aquifer proposed to support the Liberty Classical Academy campus, I respectfully urge the Pollution Control Agency to proceed with caution in evaluating this project. While I recognize the value of educatio...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Janet Faragher

4/10/25 @ 12:16 PM

As a homeowner next to Goggins Lake I needed to keep my septic system away from the lake and am required to own 10 acres of land for a one-family home. How is it now OK to put a septic system next to Goggins Lake and a school the proposed size of Li...↓

No attachments

Comment From: James Gese

4/10/25 @ 11:42 AM

Most everyone who live in Withrow feels the same way... keep our community rural which is what was intended for the past years. We do not have the infrastructure to support a school of this size. The traffic alone will be unmanageable. And to us...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Ted Rice

4/09/25 @ 7:36 PM

No to everything.No to the school,no to any permits.This is not the place to put a school of this size and septic system,large athletic fields,large structure,parking lots,a lot of vehicles,noise.This is a very quiet.rural area.

No attachments

Comment From: Charles Harvieux

4/09/25 @ 4:14 PM

As a concerned citizen I would like to ask for a public hearing. This is out of my understanding, however I do have concerns over the high flow rate of 25,625 gallons per day and how ground water maybe effected. I'm also curious about a possible chan...↓

No attachments

Comment From: C G

4/09/25 @ 1:43 PM

No thank you! This wastewater treatment facility will only benefit the school being built not the surrounding community.

No attachments

Comment From: Chris Fossbinder

4/09/25 @ 12:19 PM

Please approve the plan as private schools need to be in Minnesota. My kids went to that school when it was called Withrow. They have done everything in their power to follow the rules and laws. What they are planning is beyond what any other entity ...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Bill Wright

4/09/25 @ 11:32 AM

I request the agency to hold a contested case hearing, for reasons specified below. If this request is denied, my follow up request is for the agency to hold a public informational meeting to provide transparency on their decision and address the co...↓ncerns of residents prior to issuance of the permit.

I have two primary reasons for requesting a hearing: (i) testimony of experts who specialize in these systems, and (ii) already dangerous levels of nitrates existing in our groundwater supply.

(i) Testimony of Experts

At the May Township Planning Commission meeting held in May 2024, a parent whose children attend Liberty Classical Academy initially spoke in favor of the proposed wastewater treatment facility, suggesting these were common around the state. He stated he was an expert in this area, as he owned a company that specializes in these types of systems. He also sits on the Grant Planning Commission. Given his expertise, he opened the floor for any questions from those in attendance about the system. When asked if Grant would allow the infrastructure to support this system (the pump house, generators, etc.) he said he didn't know for sure, but probably not. However, when asked directly if he would want one of these systems near his own home, he very candidly said no he would not.

The man's name is Matthew Fritze, and the company he owns is called Great Northern Environmental, LLC. I would request Mr. Fritze as a witness in the hearing so that he can better explain his point of view and why he stated that he wouldn't want this type of system near his own home. I found him to be helpful and genuinely informative, and I think having him explain and clarify his perspective would be helpful. I would also request witnesses who were at the meeting who can provide their perspective and detail on that discussion, including members of the May Township Planning Commission, if necessary, and other town residents. I entered that meeting not really even thinking about the wastewater treatment facility risks, as there were other concerns on my mind relative to the proposed development, but left the meeting extremely concerned about the proposed system, given the data and expert opinions shared.

This system is obviously out of my own expertise, but it is in Mr. Fritze's. As a concerned resident, I would want greater awareness and information as to just why this type of system is not OK to put near someone else's home, but it is OK to put near mine.

(ii) Dangerous Levels of Nitrates

In their in "Infiltration Evaluation Report" dated March 22, 2024, Terracon indicated that their Nitrate testing came back at only 1.2 ppm. I may be reading that wrong, and there may be other testing that was done with other results, but if that is accurate this is completely at odds with the test results that local residents have experienced in their own groundwater testing. Our own well water tested at 5.63 ppm when we initially installed it. Other neighbors have tested at even higher levels. While EPA guidelines have a maximum of 10 ppm, the MPCA may be aware that more recent studies and research indicate that the EPA guidelines may be outdated and that a limit far below that number creates an material and elevated risk.

The National Cancer Institute, for example, found in a study from 2018 that nitrates above 5 ppm create an elevated risk of several kinds of cancer, including kidney, bladder, colon and even ovarian. Meaning, the water my family already drinks is already within that danger zone. The addition of this treatment facility, and what seems to be little design for neutralizing the nitrogen discharge, will only serve to take the water of local residents - all of whom rely on their wells - and put it further into that danger zone and elevate our risks.

I worked at 3M for a significant period of time. I also lived in Lake Elmo before moving to this area. I am aware of households who, despite having wells, are completely dependant on drinking bottled water because of what has been done to their groundwater. Agencies stood by the practices that created those situations, and said they were safe - until they weren't. A major reason those of us living in this agricultural area chose to live here were density constraints that serve to minimalize the type of environmental impact and risk this system potentially introduces. I hope the facts can be discussed in an open and public way in a contested case hearing. If rejected, then please hold a public meeting and address the concerns of local residents so that we can better understand the anticipated impact of this system, inherent risks, and worst case scenario situations and mitigation strategies.

No attachments

Comment From: Amanda Matson

4/08/25 @ 10:39 PM

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Marcus Brandt

4/07/25 @ 8:44 PM

Please DENY the application for permission for a Waste Treatment Facility at Liberty Classical Academy in Hugo, MN. Why should the groundwater of May Township, Grant, and Hugo rural residents be endangered in order to process the waste from the scho...↓ol as well as the runoff pollution from their vehicles, such as oil and salt from their parking lots? Because LCA is located in Hugo, and because the City of Hugo approved its expansion, has the PCA considered that it is Hugo's responsibility to run city water and sewer to this school?

The City of Stillwater ran water and sewer to locations outside its city limits when facilities were approved, such as Rutherford School in the Stillwater School District. The City of Stillwater also was able to run water and sewer out to the Washington County Public Works facility located at 11660 Myeron Rd., N., while the surrounding rural residences have wells and septic systems.

A campus of this size simply simply cannot be on a well and septic system. Their water consumption would lower and possibly dry up our lakes, ponds, and wells and the danger of sewage leakage is too great. Will this school be responsible to pay for digging new wells for the surrounding residents of May Township, Grant, and Hugo, if our wells run dry and our water is tainted with a pollution leakage?

Unfortunately, even if the City of Hugo is able to extend city water and sewer to LCA, the added traffic to our rural area, which does not have the infrastructure to support it, is also a pollution threat to our communities. Even now, when LCA is only an elementary school, a police officer is needed for traffic management. With an expansion of their school, how much delay and additional hazards will more vehicle traffic bring to the surrounding rural communities of May Township, Grant, and Hugo, with many inexperienced young drivers unused to rural roads? Another considerable concern is the ability of emergency vehicles to reach our residents with the concentration of so much traffic, in the morning and at school dismissal and school events.

Please hold a public meeting so that our residents of rural May Township, Grant, and Hugo can make our opposition to the expansion of this school and its Waste Treatment Facility publicly known.

Thank you.

No attachments

Comment From: Chris Hause

4/06/25 @ 5:35 PM

Reading through the documentation supplied in the draft permit.
There are items not mentioned that are concerning to me and should be concerning to all of the residents in the surrounding area and down stream along Browns Creek.

I do not see that th...↓ere has been an Environmental Review completed for this project.
Due to the sensitive location and proximity to private wells, Goggins Lake, wetlands and the headwaters of Browns Creek an Environmental Review should be completed for this project.

I see no mention of the system being designed to treat Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), drugs
or PFAS. Common sources of VOCs include paints, solvents, cleaning products, personal care products, and building materials. Common sources of PFAS are glass and hard surface cleaners, carpet cleaners and treatments, floor waxes and polishes, dishwashing rinse aids and personal care products.
Can anyone predict what quantities of these items may find their way into the wastewater stream from a school.

Engineers and the MPCA use the science and engineering best practices of today to plan and regulate wastewater treatment facilities. The acceptable levels set today may not be acceptable levels in the future.

As it has been proven in the past with MPCA projects, what was thought to be sound and correct policies at the time, turns out to be not necessarily correct or safe in the future.

While todays engineers feel that it may be acceptable to flush 25,625 gallon per day (over 4 million gallons annually) of wastewater into a drain field base wastewater treatment facility, doesn't mean that 5 or 10 years down the road there won't be unforeseen or unplanned environmental damage and issues.

An institution of this scope and size does not belong in a rural setting without the proper urban infrastructure, like city water and city sewer services.

To allow a private wastewater treatment facility of this size, at this location so close to numerous private wells, Goggins Lake, wetlands and the headwaters of Browns Creek would be reckless and lacking common sense.

If this project is approved by the MPCA, how will the MPCA protect the groundwater feeding 100's of residential wells, Goggins Lake and wetlands that flow into Browns Creek.

No attachments

Comment From: J M

4/06/25 @ 5:02 PM

LCA Expansion Plans: Key Concerns and Request for Clarification

1. Intent for Full Campus Buildout:
LCA has expressed its intent to construct its entire campus as soon as funding and necessary approvals are secured. This raises significant concerns...↓ about the lack of phased evaluation. Each proposed phase should undergo thorough analysis for safety, environmental impact, and appropriateness. Combining phases or approving future expansions prematurely undermines responsible growth and could neglect emerging challenges or community changes.

2. Reliance on Well Water and Septic Systems:
The proposed reliance on well water and septic systems presents risks to local water resources, environmental sustainability, and public health. These systems are not equipped to handle a campus of this scale in the long term, potentially overburdening natural resources and creating hazards that would otherwise be mitigated through municipal infrastructure.

3. Need for City-Like Infrastructure:
The scope of the proposed campus expansion necessitates city-like infrastructure, including municipal water and sewer systems, which are more reliable and scalable. This would better support the campus's needs while ensuring proper oversight and reducing the potential strain on the surrounding environment and community.

4. Concerns About Neighboring Property Wells:
The proposed reliance on well water raises significant concerns about its potential impact on neighboring property wells within a seven-mile radius. This scale of water usage could lead to depletion or contamination of local groundwater resources, adversely affecting surrounding properties and residents.

5. Meeting with MPCA:
a) It is crucial to request a meeting with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to address these concerns. The MPCA's expertise is essential to:
i) Validate LCA's calculations and assumptions.
ii) Clarify the short- and long-term environmental impact of the project.
iii) Guarantee that the project will not adversely affect neighboring property wells within a seven-mile radius.
b) Such a meeting would provide stakeholders with the necessary information and assurances to make informed decisions regarding the appropriateness of this project.

6. Commitment to Responsible Development:
To ensure that safety, environmental health, and community infrastructure align with the proposed campus's demands, this project must follow rigorous analysis and independent verification of its feasibility and impact.

No attachments

Comment From: Suzanne Kelly

4/06/25 @ 10:40 AM

To Whom It May Concern,

I am submitting further comments, as the more I read, the more questions I have. I am attaching the site plan for the proposed Liberty Classical Academy Wastewater Permit. I am now questioning the location of the utility bui...↓

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Suzanne Kelly

4/05/25 @ 8:16 PM

To whom it may concern,

My first comment is, I was somewhat dismayed, as I read through the draft of the permit. It appears that the PCA would like us to comment on the operation and maintenance of a wastewater treatment facility, as 18 of the 25 p...↓ages of the draft are focused solely on meeting the PCA's requirements. I doubt highly, that the general public has experience in operating a wastewater treatment facility, nor could make comments on it.
I am concerned about the flow of 25,625 gallons/day and our ground water. I 've been told this isn't a concern. With ground penetration, soil types, flow rates, our ground water will not be affected. No worries. If this business operates 20 days/month, 9 months per year, that equates to 4,612,500 gallons/year.
I read through the PCA LSTS design guide, which is directed towards developers that are expanding housing developments on the edge of suburban/rural, let's call it "lines". It appears, much of the criteria that the PCA applies to a LSTS is being applied to the Liberty Classical Academy Wastewater Treatment facility. That is not the case here. This is a rural community, not on an edge to a suburb. All households are on acreage and have wells. There is a 9 mile radius from the location of the proposed wastewater treatment facility where all households within that radius have wells. I understand the PCA does not concern itself on the location of the proposed wastewater treatment facility.
In the Town of May, where the wastewater treatment facility has been proposed, for a building/structure located in Hugo, MN, the minimum acreage required to build a home is 10 acres. So for example, an 70 acre parcel of land, could accommodate 7 homes. Based on the PCA's flow rate determinations (see attached), a three bedroom home would have a flow rate of 450 gallons/day, 365 days/year which equates to 164,250 gallons/per household. Seven households equates to 1,149,750 gallons/year versus Liberty at 4,612,500 gallons/year.
Yes, I'm concerned. And so are another 500+ people who signed a petition against the Liberty Classical Academy Wastewater Treatment facility which was presented to the May Town Board.
Will the PCA guarantee, with it's operational and maintenance requirements, that we, within a 9 mile radius of the Liberty Classical Academy Wastewater Treatment facility, will have no adverse effects to our drinking water and wells?
I have one more comment. When I looked at page 6 of the permit draft, 4. Summary of stations and station locations, the PLS location is T31N, R21W, S36, NE Quarter of the SE Quarter. From what I can ascertain, is this parcel in Hugo, MN?

Thank you for your time.

Suzanne Kelly

Attachments:

Download

Comment From: Sheila Hause

4/03/25 @ 1:40 PM

I am a May Township resident who lives within close proximity of the proposed Liberty Classical Academy wastewater treatment facility planned for their school expansion.

My concerns are (1) a facility of this size requiring the proposed amount of wa...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Ashley Hay

4/01/25 @ 11:59 AM

LCA has been open to their intent in building their entire campus as soon as they have funding and entity approvals. They've bullied the city of May Township to get what they want, without the consideration of the residents in the area. The amount of...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Bruce Lundeen (Bruce Lundeen)

3/31/25 @ 9:34 PM

Dear MPCA
I would like to request a Public Hearing on this matter to better understand all view points on this important matter.

Thank you
Bruce Lundeen

No attachments

Comment From: Sheryl Ferguson

3/31/25 @ 1:37 PM

I have questions about the Liberty Classical Academy (LCA) waste permit. My property ajoins the LCA boundaries on two sides. I have attended both Hugo and May township meetings and was surprised to hear via MPCA that the wastewater treatment facili...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Melissa L

3/29/25 @ 8:33 PM

I would like to request a public informational meeting to ask more questions about this project. I have concerns about the ability of the school to carry through with all of the requirements of this permit, as well as the accuracy of the student numb...↓

No attachments

Comment From: James Gese

3/29/25 @ 6:48 PM

There are many concerns in having a school of this size in our rural community. We do not have the infrastructure to support the massive increase in traffic. The water usage is very concerning as there are many concerned what impact that will have...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Bruce Lundeen (Bruce Lundeen)

3/29/25 @ 3:19 PM

To MPCA
I am greatly concered about the proposed expansion of the Liberty School. The long term effects of the waste water and the effects on the enviorment and the community can not I belive be entirely forseen. LCA will continue to grow, and will c...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Chris Hause

3/27/25 @ 10:44 AM

Public Informational Meeting Request:
I am a resident of May Township, Washington County MN near the proposed site of the Liberty Classical Academy Wastewater Treatment facility. I live in the Browns Creek Watershed District, down stream of the propo...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Kelly Williams

3/24/25 @ 11:46 AM

I live half a mile from this proposed facility and I am deeply concerned by the scale of the project. I am dependent on clean well water for my livestock, as is my entire rural community. A development of this size belongs in an area with infrastruc...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Amalia Hogan

3/21/25 @ 11:45 AM

Hello,

My family and I has been living in our house 3 years now. We live in May Town Ship but our mailing address is Hugo. We live right behind LCA. We moved from Mahtomedi 3 years ago because of rural living in May Town Ship. Rural living is fewer...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Patricia Harvieux

3/19/25 @ 11:08 AM

I have been a resident of the Withrow area most of my life. I was wondering how it is possible that this business is allowed to put in a facility that will hold hundreds of students as well as staff. There is a law that states we can not build a home...↓

No attachments

Comment From: Heidi Harvieux

3/15/25 @ 9:17 AM

This waist water facility does not belong in a rural area like the the east side of Hugo and May Township. I would like to know if this facility was put in for a housing development how many four bedroom homes with this serve? I'm a near by property ...↓

No attachments