Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Media Contact: Stephen Mikkelson, 218-855-5001 Technical Contact: Debra Moynihan, 651-296-8420 Toll Free: 1-800-657-3864 Brainerd, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) seeks public comment on the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed expansion of the Elk River Landfill, located in the city of Elk River, Sherburne County. The main issues addressed in the EIS include the effects the expansion may have on ground water, stormwater runoff, landfill gas emissions, visual impacts, compatibility with area land uses and evaluation of a "no build" alternative. Comments on the adequacy of the EIS must be submitted to the MPCA by Jan. 30, 2006. The proposed expansion will consist of the development of approximately 74 acres currently used by a gravel mining company, located immediately south of the existing landfill property. The proposed project will provide about 15-million cubic yards of additional disposal capacity. That extra capacity is expected to provide for continued landfill operations for 16 to 20 years, depending on incoming waste volumes. In January 2005, the MPCA completed a Final Scoping Decision document, outlining issues to be examined in the EIS. Several issues specified in the scope for the draft EIS were presented to the public at an informational meeting held on Nov. 15, 2005. The MPCA has since responded to public comments about the draft EIS. The final EIS is available on the MPCA's Web site at hhref="/news/eaw/index.html. Copies of the final EIS are also available for review at:
· MPCA St. Paul Office, 520 Lafayette Road North
· MPCA Brainerd Office, 7678 College Road, Suite 105, Baxter
· Elk River Public Library, 413 Proctor Avenue
· Elk River City Hall, 13065 Orono Parkway
· Sherburne County Government Center, 13880 Highway 10, Elk River
Written comments must be submitted by Jan. 30, 2006, to Debra Moynihan, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN, 55155 or by fax to 651-297-2343. It is expected that the final EIS will be brought before the MPCA's Citizens' Board in February for a decision on its adequacy. For more information on the project or final EIS, contact Debra Moynihan at 651-296-8420.