Agenda - Council - 01/27/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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• A majority, but not all of this area, is located within the Groundwater Area of Concern • This area is not located within the Methane Gas Area of Concern • Portions of this area were purchased through the sale of State issued bonds • The MPCA may desire to retain soil rights to this area for potential future remediation needs for this and other closed landfill sites Rural Developing - Garnet Street The MPCA has previously purchased several single family homes along the western border of the waste footprint. As this area is located within the Methane Gas Area of Concern and the previous homes have now been removed, Staff recommends that this area be guided 'Closed Landfill'. Future Land Use Considerations Use of State Issued Bonds for Financing. The site was purchased using State bonds. The existing bonds restrict the use of the site for 'public' use, further defined within the bond issuance documents. Retention of Soil Rights. The MPCA desires to retain this portion of the site for remediation purposes, most notable the retention of soil rights if needed to protect the waste footprint. Groundwater Area of Concern. Much of the site is also located within an area defined by the MPCA as a Groundwater Area of Concern. While there are no immediate risks to public health, the existence of the closed landfill warrants continued groundwater monitoring. If any of the portions outside of the waste footprint were to be developed, it is anticipated that the site would be serviced by the municipal water supply rather than a private well. It is further noted that there are other areas in the vicinity that have developed while being located in the Ground Water Area of Concern. Before adopting the proposed land use plan, Staff requests policy direction on the future use of the area south of the landfill footprint. As previously noted, the Statute gives the MPCA broad discretion in developing a land use plan for the site. If the City desires to modify the proposed land use plan, said modification would require approval of the MPCA or the City would need to seek special legislation Funding Source: This case is being handled as part of normal Staff duties. Recommendation: This case has been reviewed by the Environmental Policy Board, Economic Development Authority, and Planning Commission. Environmental Policy Board Review by the Environmental Policy Board focused on the Open Space designation intended to protect an existing, native stand of oak savannah trees as well as implications of private development within the groundwater area of concern. The Environmental Policy Board recommended that the City Council approve the Open Space designation as presented. Additionally, aside from the deed restrictions noted above, the Environmental Policy Board recommended that private development within the Groundwater Area of Concern not be precluded, provided that future said development be serviced by the municipal water supply. Economic Development Authority The Economic Development authority also discussed the Plan. Although no formal motion was provided, consensus of the Economic Development Authority to make the request that the portion of Parcel J located on the north side of Sunwood Drive be allowed by be guided as Business Park in the Comprehensive Plan and located within the E-1 Employment District. The Economic Development Authority understands that this request was previously made by