4.5. SR 12-01-1997~ty of
MEMORANDUM
iver
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING
AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: DECEMBER 1, 1997
SUBJECT: REIMBURSEMENT FOR
LANDFILL GAS EXTRACTION
Sherbume County is aggressively enforcing their requirements at the Elk River Landfill
to get completed cells capped. Capping cells is basically sealing them so water can not
penetrate creating contaminated leachate when it comes in contact with the garbage
enclosed. City staff strongly supports the county's efforts.
An issue of concern with a capped cell is the migration of landfill gas. This gas can no
longer vent out of the top of the garbage pile due to the cap. If this gas is not properly
vented it can migrate off-site underground and may cause explosions.
Proper venting of this gas is extremely important for safety. Money to install a gas
extraction system is always a limiting factor. Staff is recommending that the city
financially participate in the installation of the gas extraction system to ensure its
timely installation. Through negotiations, staff and representatives of the landfill have
agreed that a proper dollar amount for the city's participation is $71,700.
Part of the money the city collects as landfill surcharge goes to the general fund and the
rest goes to a landfill abatement/mitigating local risk fund. The landfill
abatement/mitigating local risk fund has a balance of over $600,000 and the landfill gas
extraction system is a legitimate use of this fund. Staff recommends this fund be used
for the $71,700.
With city participation in the active gas extraction system, USA Waste, the owners of the
Elk River Landfill, are encouraged that they can get over some of the economic hurdles
of converting landfill gas into electricity. Producing electricity from landfill gas will be
an excellent demonstration for Energy City and good for the environment. The Elk River
Municipal Utilities appear to have reached an agreement with the landfill to purchase the
electricity produced.
f:~hrdoc\b&z~steverXlan fgas.doc
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 ° TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 ° Fax: (612) 441-7425