Your Feb. 1 edition carried a letter ("The impact of Big Stone II") by Mary Jo Stueve, Clean Water Action. I'm responding because she makes allegations that are simply untrue.
She asserts: During a dry winter, Big Stone II could cause a three-foot drawdown of Big Stone Lake. Minnesotans have had no opportunity to participate in the South Dakota water permitting process.
Otter Tail Power Company (Big Stone Plant operator) has received permission for emergency use of lake water without input from Minnesota. First, as noted in our water permit applications with the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Federal Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the worst predicted drawdown of Big Stone Lake over a 70-year period would be 10 inches in two non-consecutive weeks. In fact, our models show the addition of Big Stone II will reduce average lake level by less than 1.75 inches.
Second, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources had ample opportunity to participate in the South Dakota decision-making processes -- for both surface water and groundwater permits. The SDDENR twice extended for two months the administrative review process and comment period to accommodate the Minnesota DNR and others.
The Minnesota DNR had opportunity to appear as a party at the public hearing before the South Dakota Water Management Board as long as they followed the requirements of South Dakota law. They chose not to file as a party. Instead, by letter, they submitted their concerns to the board, which were considered at the hearing.
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Third, on four occasions, Otter Tail Power has requested and received permission for emergency withdrawals from Big Stone Lake. Withdrawals were made twice -- with permission from both South Dakota and Minnesota. Stueve writes prolifically to area newspapers. Unfortunately for readers, she does not take time to check facts before she raises untrue issues in a public forum like yours.
We welcome dialogue on the Big Stone II project. My staff and I are always available to help resolve issues or to direct inquiries to appropriate public documents. I extend that offer to Stueve in particular.
Mark Rolfes
Manager, Big Stone II project
Milbank, S.D.
