Elk River Landfill, Inc. proposes to expand its existing municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill near Elk River. The landfill currently accepts MSW, industrial waste, and construction and demolition waste. It is proposing a 162.36-acre expansion of the MSW fill area, which includes the conversion of 7.21 acres of already permitted construction and demolition fill area. The proposed project will provide approximately 26.67 million cubic yards of MSW disposal capacity.
Our role
The expansion of an MSW landfill of this size requires the project to go through the environmental impact statement (EIS) process. An EIS is a more extensive form of environmental review with more detailed information about the project’s potential for significant environmental impacts. The EIS also provides project alternatives and identifies methods to reduce environmental effects. This process begins with the scoping environmental assessment worksheet (SEAW) and draft scoping decision document (DSDD) to inform what is going to be studied in the project’s EIS.
Comment on the draft documents
The public is encouraged to comment on draft documents for environmental review that will open for public comment for 30 days starting Tuesday, Oct. 28.
A community meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Zimmerman-Livonia Fire Hall and Event Center.
Elk River Landfill also will have to apply to the MPCA for a certificate of need (CON) to expand its MSW capacity. As part of its application, the landfill will have to show a need to take on more MSW in current county and regional solid waste management plans.
After submitting the CON application, the landfill will then have to apply for a new solid waste permit, which will go on public notice for 30 days during the EIS and CON processes. The solid waste permit and CON processes will take place after MPCA completes the EIS process.
Location
Elk River Landfill is located five miles north of Elk River, adjacent to U.S. Highway 169 in Sherburne County on a 550.24-acre portion of land owned by Waste Management. The proposed expansion will take the landfill north into Livonia Township. It will include the purchase of an additional 175.75 acres from Capital Land Group where sand and gravel mining operations by Martin Marietta are currently taking place. The landfill is located in a mix of industrial, agricultural, and residential areas.
Project information
Elk River Landfill currently accepts waste from 23 counties in central Minnesota and small quantities from Iowa and Wisconsin. The greatest volume of waste hauled to the landfill comes from Anoka and Hennepin counties.
The landfill will reach its permitted capacity in approximately three years. Without additional capacity, area businesses and residents won’t have a local facility where they can send their waste. This proposed expansion will extend the operational life of the landfill.
The proposed project will consist of the construction of the expanded MSW disposal area with a special protective layer at the bottom designed to prevent liquids from leaching out and contaminating soil and groundwater. A system of basins and pumps will collect and remove the liquids to a treatment facility. The project will also include construction of a new road for trucks to deliver waste to the site and construction of stormwater ponds to collect and control rainwater runoff from the site. When the landfill is full, Elk River Landfill will cover it with a durable, waterproof cap and vegetation such as grass to prevent erosion and stop water from getting into the waste.
The SEAW looks at items in the environmental assessment worksheet to determine the scope of the EIS. Some key findings include:
- The SEAW identified climate adaptation and resilience, permits, fish, wildlife, plant communities, sensitive ecological areas, and historic properties as important. The MPCA determined the information provided in the SEAW is adequate for use in the EIS with only minor updates.
- The SEAW identified land use, water resources, air quality, greenhouse gases, and noise as potentially significant issues. Information beyond what is in the SEAW will be included in the EIS.
- The DSDD provides a summary of the items to be reviewed in the EIS.
Next steps
The SEAW and DSDD will open for public comment for 30 days starting Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025.
Public meeting
The MPCA will host a public meeting for community members starting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Zimmerman-Livonia Fire Hall and Event Center to discuss the project in detail. There will be an open house and brief presentation on the SEAW and DSDD.
After the public comment period ends, the agency will review all comments and create a final scoping decision document that will be reviewed as part of the EIS. As the project progresses through the EIS process, the MPCA will offer multiple opportunities for public comment.
Elk River Landfill plans to develop the expanded landfill in phases following a typical landfill sequence with permitting followed by the construction, filling, and capping of individual cells. Construction activity will occur throughout the site's life as new cells become active or as completed cells are capped.