5.10. SR 02-18-1997ty of
TO:
iver
ITEM 5.10.
MEMORANDUM
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ~
STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDIN~ANDI~
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
DATE:
FEBRUARY 18, 1997
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE
ELK RIVER LANDFILL
The Elk River Landfill is seeking renewal of their Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency (MPCA) permit. As in the past, the City, County and State
have been meeting in an attempt to have consistent permits so the Landfill
does not have conflicting requirements.
One issue in debate is whether or not the Landfill will be allowed to have 3 to
I slopes. Normal slopes allowed are 5 to 1. Besides the engineering, slope
failure and long term maintenance concerns with 3 to I slopes, the other
issue this raises is the ultimate height of the Landfill.
The Landfill is already the highest point in five counties at 1,095 feet above
mean sea level. Steeper slopes will allow the maximum height of the landfill
to increase. The Landfill's proposed Long Term Development Plan shows a
finished elevation of 1,170. With 3 to I slopes this could be significantly
increased.
Keep in mind that the land to the north and south of the Landfill is proposed
to be excavated for gravel. This will make the elevation difference between
the Landfill and surrounding properties even more pronounced.
City staff has been working with the City Attorney, City environmental
consultant, County staff, and MPCA staff regarding this issue. It appears
probable that MPCA will deny the Landfill's request for 3 to I slopes, but
allow a horizontal expansion of the Landfill to meet their original permitted
capacity of 18,000,000 cubic yards as a compromise. Without 3 to I slopes
the Landfill's ultimate height is still of issue, but not quit as extreme of an
issue. Staff will keep you updated.
LAKE ORONO
The Sherburne County Board has authorized an additional $5,000 toward the
Lake Orono Study in 1997. This funding is greatly appreciated and shows
the County's concern with the Elk River Watershed.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
As you may be aware, MPCA reanalyzed Lake Orono in 1996. The last time
they did this was in 1991 and the Lake had a 66 rating, which falls under
"Swimming Impaired". The 1996 rating was 72, which translates into
"Swimming Prohibited".
It is staffs understanding that the negative 1996 rating was based on algae
not necessarily toxic contamination. This does not mean there is not a
potential health problem or toxic chemicals in the Lake. The rate of
deterioration of the lake is alarming. The Lake Orono Sedimentation Task
Force is meeting with representatives of MPCA on February 12, 1997 to get
more details.
It is also staffs understanding that the state does not necessarily step in and
close a lake down. It most likely will fall on the City as to what measures are
taken, such as health advisories or shutting down Orono Beach for
swimming. We should be able to add to MPCA's data from our study to
better advise the Council as to what to do, prior to the swimming season.
This worsening trend in water quality can be reversed, but it can never be
brought back to an acceptable level without working on the entire watershed.
Lake Orono is a small volume lake with a large watershed flowing through it.
Approximately 40% of Benton County's and 70% of Sherburne County's run-
off flows through Lake Orono via the Elk River. This water needs to be
cleaned-up before the waters of Lake Orono can really be considered fit.
The City of Elk River (government and citizens) need to get involved in the
efforts of the Elk River Watershed District. Staff will be updating the
Council on strategies for getting involved at Monday's meeting.
ENERGY CITY
The Energy City program is going well. The Action Committee for Energy
(ACE) will be asking for a joint meeting with the City Council, EDA, Elk
River Municipal Utilities Commission and the Energy Alley Steering
Committee probably sometime in March or April. Further, ACE should have
a 1998 budget proposal for the City Council's and Energy Alley Steering
Committee's review in June or July.
Some of the more notable demonstrations being considered include:
· The Elk River Landfill converting landfill gas into electricity to run a
burner that would treat their leachate.
· Northern Alternative Energy's proposed wind generator. The proposed
wind generator will be the largest single wind generator in North
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America. Northern Alternative Energy is currently collecting wind data
from equipment attached to one of our local radio towers.
The Suburban Northwest Builder Association's Energy House (proposed to
be finished in September of '97)
A MN Department of Public Service project to use solar energy to preheat
intake air of a local business with a large demand for ventilation. This
project is being funded by a $50,000 federal grant and the local business is
likely to be Elk River Ford's body shop with its paint booth.
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