Agenda - Council - 01/12/1982 - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I LOOKING FOR POTENTIAL SOLID WASTE SITES Each county has searched for possible (or "candidate") sites in its territory; the law requires five per county if possible. All seven counties have submitted their lists of sites to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (PCA) to determine which sites are "intrinsically suitable" as landfills. Basically, this review is a preliminary screening to make sure there are no major environmental conflicts. What is next? I '1 I I I I I I Thc Metropolitan Council determines whether the sites in each county's inventory are suitable. The Council uses its environmental, land use and other policies to make that determination. For example, it will examine the sites to find out if they have the necessary soil type and subsurface formations to protect underground and related surface waters. Not ali the sites that pass this review will get landfills, but they will form a "pool" from which suitable locations are chosen. DEVELOPING ABATEMENT PROGRAMS What about the abatement programs? By the spring of 1982, the counties are expected to propose abatement programs to reduce waste that must be landfilled. The Council will' review these abatement programs, and adopt a regional abatement plan to be carried out by the counties. With that accomplished, the Council will determine how many landfills are needed, a schedule for developing the landfill sites and abatement objectives for each county. Does that mean that we won't know how many landfills the Region will need until the Council adopts its ref~ional abatement plan? Yes, but the counties have to get a headstart in locating suitable sites. One reason is to encourage the participation of local communities and residents early in the site selection process. Another reason is to make sure the Region won't get caught short of sites, even if all of them aren't used. The Council determines the number of landfills; each county selects specific sites to meet its quota. The counties will then acquire the sites and start implementing their abatement programs. By 1983, those efforts should be under way. The system of landfills and abatement programs should meet the Region's disposal needs for the next 20 years. I I i I I I ENVl RONNIENTAL SAF EGUARD8 What assurances are there that the environment won't be harmed by any of the landfills? First, the sites must pass a stringent soil test. Some soils-for example, clay--are better at sealing off the bottom of a landfill. Such a seal would help protect the groundwater. The Metropolitan Council will also evaluate the sites in light of existing land uses and the community's land use controls, protection of agriculture and natural resources, existing and future development, and other factors. Another safeguard-is that the seven metropolitan counties and the PCA are required to establish and enforce.regulations to ensure the sanitary operation, periodic inspection, monitoring, maintenance and licensing of the sites. I 3