Contact: Daniel Olson, 218-846-8108
Detroit Lakes, Minn. ― The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is hosting a public information meeting in Perham to discuss the environmental review of a proposed expansion to the municipal solid waste incinerator. The meeting will be Dec. 14, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Perham City Hall, 125 Second Ave. N.E. At this stage, the MPCA is seeking comments on the scope of the environmental review. Comments are being accepted through Jan. 5, 2012.
The Perham Resource Recovery Facility is operated by the Prairie Lakes Municipal Solid Waste Authority through a joint powers agreement between Becker, Otter Tail, Todd and Wadena counties. The authority proposes adding an additional waste heat boiler as well as a facility to help separate out recyclable items. The expansion would increase the facility’s solid-waste-processing capacity from 116 to 200 tons per day. The facility generates steam that is used by nearby businesses.
Earlier, the MPCA distributed an Environmental Assessment Worksheet as the initial step in the environmental review process. The authority has voluntarily agreed to continue the environmental-review process with a more detailed review called an “Environmental Impact Statement” (EIS). The purpose of the scoping process that is currently underway is to define the issues, impacts and alternatives to be addressed by the EIS; the expected schedule of completion; and any studies that will be required. The scoping process is intended to focus the EIS by carrying forward only those issues that are significant and require additional information.
The purpose of the environmental review process is to evaluate and disclose information about the significant environmental effects of a proposed project. It is not intended to justify a project; rather, the information will be used by the MPCA as a guide in issuing permits for the project and in identifying measures necessary to minimize adverse environmental effects.
Comments on the EIS scoping process for the Perham expansion project will be accepted through Jan. 5, 2012. Comments should be sent to Kevin Kain, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., Saint Paul, MN 55155, or by email to Kain at kevin.kain@state.mn.us.
