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Environmental Reviews
Land use actions considered by the City of Monticello may be subject to an environmental review process.
Environmental review helps decision-makers within the City understand the scope and potential impact of a project's environmental effects. It also provides an opportunity for public input and increases awareness of the environmental impacts of proposed projects.
The requirements for environmental review are outlined in Minnesota Statute 116D and Minnesota Rules 4410.
Types of Environmental Review Documents
Minnesota’s environmental review process includes three primary forms of environmental review documents.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the potential for significant environmental, social, and economic impacts of a project. An EIS presents alternatives to the proposed project and identifies methods to reduce adverse environmental effects. The EIS also considers alternative project designs or locations that may result in fewer environmental impacts.
More information about the EIS process is available here Version OptionsEnvironmental ReviewsHeadline.
An Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) is a tool used to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of a project, as well as possible mitigation strategies. It includes an assessment of various impact areas, such as traffic, noise, and water quality.
An EAW is not an approval of denial process for a project. An EAW provides valuable information for other project approvals and permits. It also helps to determine whether a more detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is needed.
More information about the EAW process is available here Version OptionsEnvironmental ReviewsHeadline.
The Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) process provides local governments with the opportunity to evaluate how different development plans may impact the community's environment and to plan how to manage and mitigate those impacts. It allows environmental analysis before major development occurs, helping guide local planning and zoning decisions.
An AUAR Scoping Document is an additional step in the AUAR process required under specific provisions of Minnesota Rules and precedes the full AUAR study.
The full AUAR document provides study and analysis of development plan impacts, while the purpose of an AUAR Scoping Document is to suggest additional development scenarios and relevant issues to be analyzed in the full AUAR review. The estimated time to complete a full AUAR study is 6 to 8 months.
More details about the AUAR process can be found at Environmental Reviews.
Current Reviews & Information
Monticello Industrial Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR)
Updated: February 3, 2026
The City of Monticello has determined that the preparation of an Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) Scoping Document and AUAR is required for the proposed development of approximately 550 acres into a technology campus (data center) by Monticello Tech LLC. The proposed development area and subject of the AUAR lies south of 85th Street and east of TH 25 within the Monticello Orderly Annexation Area.
The AUAR evaluates the environmental impacts and proposes a mitigation plan for two potential development scenarios within the subject site area. An AUAR is an environmental analysis, not a project approval.
The environmental review process for Monticello Industrial also included an initial scoping review prior to completion of the full AUAR. The AUAR Scoping Document was approved by the Monticello City Council on October 13, 2025. The Scoping Document includes two development scenarios for evaluation in the full AUAR and a response to comments received during the comment period which ended on September 4, 2025.
The Final AUAR and Mitigation Plan for Monticello Industrial was adopted by the City Council on January 26, 2026. The link to the City Council agenda item is below. The Final AUAR for Monticello Industrial includes a response to all public comments received during the draft AUAR comment period (November 18 - December 18).
For more information on the Alternative Urban Areawide Review process, please visit the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board.
Additional Information
The City of Monticello hosted an open house on the Monticello Industrial AUAR on November 20, from 6-8 p.m., at the Monticello Community Center. A short presentation was provided at 6 p.m. View and/or download the presentation (PDF) at the link below.
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Community & Economic Development
Phone: 763-295-2711