Contact: Forrest Peterson, 320-441-6972
Willmar, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for a proposed expansion of the Kandiyohi County Landfill. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality, and air quality, is open for public review and comment through Oct. 5, 2011.
Kandiyohi County proposes to add two cells to the landfill, increasing capacity for approximately 20 additional years of operation. Development of these cells would include a synthetic liner, leachate collection, landfill gas collection, access roads, and stormwater-control structures. The landfill currently accepts about 35,000 tons per year of mixed municipal solid waste.
In 2010 Kandiyohi County initiated an investigation to delineate the nature and extent of soil and groundwater contamination associated with the landfill’s first cell dating back to 1969. The investigation is on schedule to be completed in 2011 so that effective corrective action measures may be developed to reduce and eliminate further impacts to human health and the environment.
The EAW provides basic information on how the proposed project could potentially affect the environment. During the 30-day period, it is open to public review and comment. Comments on the Kandiyohi County Landfill EAW must be submitted in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5, to Debra Moynihan, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul, MN 55155-4194, or by fax to 651-297-2343.
The MPCA will use these comments to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project, and to decide whether an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review) is needed.
In addition to the EAW, this public notice includes the county’s application for a solid waste disposal facility construction and operating permit. Questions about the permit should be directed to Tony Bello at 651-757-2219.
Copies of the Kandiyohi County Landfill EAW are available for review at the MPCA’s St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Road N.; the MPCA Willmar office, 1601 E. Highway 12; and on the MPCA website.
A copy of the EAW may be obtained by calling the MPCA at 651-757-2587. Questions about the project should be directed to Debra Moynihan at 651-757-2587 or 800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY).
