Contact: Stephen Mikkelson, 218-316-3887, stephen.mikkelson@state.mn.us
Brainerd, Minn. - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed expansion of the East Central Solid Waste Commission (ECSWC) Sanitary Landfill near Mora, Minn, and the installation of a generator that will burn landfill gas to generate electricity for the local grid. Citizens are invited to comment on this EAW in writing, until April 19, 2010.
The ECSWC is proposing to expand its existing municipal sanitary landfill in two construction phases that would increase waste capacity by about 968,000 cubic yards. The proposed expansion would allow for expected capacity needs through 2020. In conjunction with the expansion, the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency plans to install and operate a generator on the landfill site. The landfill is located about 4 miles southwest of the city of Mora in Kanabec County.
The MPCA will be placing proposed operating permits for these projects on public notice on March 19, 2010. Copies of the draft permits will be made available at that time and the public notice for these permits will be issued separately. The public comment periods for the proposed permits and the EAW will both end on April 19, 2010.
The EAW is a preliminary environmental review looking at how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. Comments on the EAW should be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m., on April 19, 2010, to William Lynott, MPCA, Environmental Review, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, by e-mail to william.lynott@state.mn.us. Comments may also be faxed to 651-297-8683.
The MPCA will use the comments on the EAW to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project and determine if an Environmental Impact Statement, a more comprehensive environmental review, is needed.
Copies of the EAW are available for review at:
- MPCA St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
- MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html
