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PROJECT: 3M Research/Office Park Environmental Impact Statement City of Oakdale ell ENT: BRWwas responsible for analyzing the impacts of a proposed 18)000 employee research/office facility in Oakdale and Lake Elmo. Construction on the 563-acre site is anticipated to occur between 1977.and 1995. Because of the nature of the project as an employ~ent center, impacts related to the residential distribution of 3M employees as well as impacts related to site development had to be considered. A unique approach was, developed that would distinctly separate impacts into two categories in the EIS: ' ... . Primary Impacts, 'related to the construction and ,operati~n of the research/office facility, which could best be mitigated by the 3M Company through an action of its own. . ,Secondary Impacts, ~elated to the anticipated distribution of the 3M-related population which could best be mitigated through a responsive governmental action. The assessment of primary impacts considered changes in the physical characteristics of the site and areas surrounding the site (for example, impacts on air quality, wildlife, storm water runoff and visibility). Oemands for municipal and regional facilities to serve the site w~re alsQ examined (for example, the provision of sewer and water service, and impacts on transportation facilities). The secondary impact analysis, which was completed' to alert communities of impending development, considered impacts of the 3M-related population expected to settle across a 700 square mile region which includes the ~astern Twin Cities Area and western Wisconsin. Emphasis was placed on impacts that were quantifiable, such as land consumption and demands for housing, educational services~ and recreational areas. Potential natural resource impacts which were not quantifiable were discussed so that affected municipalities and regional governing agencies have adequate time and information to protect valuable resources.