BISMARCK – Public comment is being accepted on a City of Minot project to identify and replace lead service lines.

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality opened a 30-day comment period following a review process that did not indicate significant environmental impacts. A preliminary decision not to prepare an environmental impact statement has been made, based on a careful review of the engineering report, environmental information document and other supporting data on file, according to the department.

Comments concerning this decision regarding environmental impact may be addressed to Mitch Murray, Environmental Engineer, Division of Municipal Facilities, North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, 4201 Normandy St., Bismarck, ND, 58503-1324.

After evaluating the comments received, the agency will make a final decision.

The City of Minot has obtained a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to finance the $29.57 million project.

There are more than 7,500 service lines made of unknown materials in Minot. Replacement of lead service lines has become a priority throughout the United States due to the potential health risks from lead exposure in drinking water. By completing the replacement of lead service lines, the risk of lead exposure will be significantly reduced, the NDDEQ stated in its report.