Agenda - Council - 03/23/1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I -9- Quality of Other Potential Sites Anoka County's landfill siting effort began with identification of site selec- tion criteria. Relevant provisions of federal and state regulations and the Region's Solid Waste Policy Plan were enumerated. Each criterion was rated as to whether it represented a high, moderate or low restriction on a site's ability to sustain a landfill with minimum environmental degradation. Exclusion criteria included steep slopes, surface water, floodpTains, wetlands, groundwater near the surface, or areas of the existing following land uses: airport, residential, industry and highways. On a county-wide basis, resources were then mapped to show areas to be excluded, those highly limited, moderately limited and slightly limited, as well as areas believed acceptable. This information was used as a first level or coarse screening. Large areas of the county shown as generally exhibiting less limitation were then singled out for more detailed evaluation. Primary and secondary search areas were identi- fied encompassing virtually all of the central part of the county. The siting criteria were again applied to the search areas based on more detailed information. Existing and platted residential development was eli- minated, as were poorly drained soils, highly productive agricultural soil's, parks and areas in or near water bodies. This phase of the siting effort re- sulted in identification of 15 possible search areas. .'In addition, a site in Ramsey was added following a demonstration that it satisfied adopted county criteria for expansion of existing landfills. Based on input from the public at an informational meeting held in April 1981, two additional sites were identified. Each site was characterized with respect to residential development, soils, parks, surface water, agriculture and other pertinent factors. Reduction in the number of sites to the. complement specified by the WMA was accomplished by Anoka County Board action, based on the recomendations and deliberations of the county's Health Board and Environmental Services Committee. The East Bethel site is comparable to many of the other potential sites identified in the county's siting process. CONCLUSIONS Site E is generally compatible with existing surrounding land uses. The site is compatible with existing development patterns. Delay in'imple- mentation of the site, however, could seriously conflict with anticipated nearby development. Soils in the site are highly permeable and do not protect surficial ground- water. This aquifer is not believed to be used as a water supply downward from the site. The site must be lined and a leachate collection system installed.