3.0. SR 03-30-1998ITEM ~3.
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TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
MEMORANDUM
CITY COUNCIL
STEPHEN ROHLF & LAURIE
MEZERA-KERR /}V'
MARCH 30, 1998
SOLID WASTE ISSUES
LANDFILL EXPANSION
The Elk River Landfill (owned by USA Waste) is considering an expansion of their
facility toward the north into Livonia Township. The proposed expansion will be for
demolition debris. Although this expansion is not proposed to expand the landfill's foot
print in Elk River, waste will be added over the top of existing deposits in Elk River.
The new demolition area is proposed to be lined underneath. This liner will help contain
landfill gas in this area so it can be more readily collected. The proposal will require a
modification to the city license and conditional use permit for the landfill as well as the
county' s.
On a side note, USA Waste and Waste Management are proposing a merger. If joined,
they will be the largest solid waste company in the world.
NEW LANDFILL
Vonco Corporation has had discussions with Sherbume County staff regarding a new
demolition debris landfill in Sherbume County. The proposed location is on the east side
of US Trunk Highway 169 just north of the Elk River city limits in Livonia Township.
No permits from the city are required for this facility.
COUNTY'S RDF CONTRACT
Sherbume County is currently soliciting RFPs from licensed haulers who could deliver
up to 50 tons of waste daily to the Resource Recovery Facility. This option was
developed so the county could meet its minimum contractual agreement, as well as
eliminate financial penalties associated with processing excess waste. The selected
hauler (RFP) would monitor tonnage entering the plant daily, serving as a relief valve
ensuring that only 50 tons entered from Sherbume County. If this option works, the
county does not need to develop an intra state designation ordinance, which raises many
concems.
13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 · TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 · Fax: (612) 441-7425
As a result, future disposal options for Elk River may include the following: sign a five
year county contract at the RDF Plant with escalating fees, solicit disposal bids from area
landfills, or negotiate new residential refuse contracts with haulers paying for, and
selecting the disposal location.
RECYCLING
Two SCORE grant requests for the 1998 funding budget were submitted by the city.
Grant funding for 1998 is limited due to the county's implementation of a recycling
rebate program. Nevertheless, last month the Waste Management Committee tentatively
approved one application pending County Board approval. This request was for $1,526
to build recycling corrals constructed out of recycled plastic timber. The corrals will
house the refuse/recycling carts in Orono Park.
Because the second application (compost/wood waste facility) was similar to other
community requests, the Waste Management Committee will research the possibility of
developing a centralized drop-off site in the county.
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