MPCA Pig's Eye Clean-up Survey (ends 3/31/25)

Below is one long time community member's response/point of view - Tom Dimond, Pig's Eye Park Advocate

Tom says: "I support option 3 – Dig and Haul, No Backfill.  But I encourage everyone to go to the MN DNR website and enter your response."

Targeted Waste Relocation and Filter (Q1)
A Natural Area with passive uses such as birding, wildlife viewing, trails, fishing, canoe and kayak lake access are very appropriate uses.  Industrial, commercial, and active use are not appropriate.  Not at all comfortable without cleanup and remediation of the unlicensed polluted dump. 

Dig and Haul and Backfill (Q2)
A Natural Area with passive uses such as birding, wildlife viewing, trails fishing, canoe and kayak lake access are appropriate uses.  Industrial , commercial, and active use are not appropriate.  Not at all comfortable without cleanup and remediation of the unlicensed polluted dump.  Not at all comfortable with backfilling wetland/lake.  Historical wetland and lake should be retained. 

Dig and Haul and NO Backfill (Q3)
Very comfortable with this excellent option.   It provides for full cleanup and restoration of the wetland/lake.  This would allow for restoration of vital habitat and eliminate  waste and pollution.  It reduces fill cost.  This has the greatest overall value and best long-term outcome. 

Dig and Line (Q4)
This is probably the worst proposal.  Not at all comfortable with this proposal.  The waste and pollution were dumped into the lake.  The material would need to be removed from the lake.  The lake would be filled.  A liner system would be constructed.  The waste and pollutant would negatively impact flood levels and leave mounds of waste and pollutant covering our parkland.  Leaving waste and pollutant degrades the park.

Your additional thoughts (Q5)

Compatible uses (Q6)

• Yes to canoeing, kayaking, walking trails, pollinator habitat, wildlife sanctuary, conservation area, wildlife viewing, water access/boat launch, Lake/wetlands. 
• Include habitat restoration, lake restoration, fishing piers, information kiosk, park benches. 
• No to commercial or industrial uses within the park.

Incompatible uses in nature preserve (Q7)
No to commercial development, outdoor material storage, solar array, athletic fields, playgrounds, warehouse(manufacturing), disk golf course, warehouse space commercial development, mountain bike trails, community garden and other uses that limit the ability of nature to thrive and the public to enjoy nature

Demographics (Q8-9-10-11)

Reminder - Survey ends March 31, 2025.

Pig's Eye Dump Task Force info

Clean-Up Survey