Operators of a Shakopee-area landfill are proposing a change to begin accepting municipal solid waste (MSW). Dem-Con proposes to convert approximately 2.2 million cubic yards of permitted construction and demolition (C&D) space near Shakopee so it can accept municipal solid waste over an 81-acre area. Converting this area into an MSW landfill of this size requires the project to go through the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is preparing a draft EIS for the proposed landfill conversion.
An EIS is an extensive process with detailed information about the project’s potential for significant environmental impacts. The EIS also provides project alternatives and identifies methods to reduce environmental effects.
The landfill will continue to accept C&D and industrial waste in separate areas of the site. Through this conversion project, Dem-Con will provide needed additional MSW disposal capacity for the Twin Cities metro area. Without additional capacity, area businesses and people will not have a local facility where they can send their waste.
The draft EIS preparation follows a scoping process that included the preparation of a Scoping Environmental Assessment Worksheet (SEAW) and the preparation and adoption of a Final Scoping Decision Document (FSDD).