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strict emissions and study CO levels. None of these emission controls have <br />been discussed in Atlas' proposal. Mr. Lichter stated that on that basis, <br />he doesn't know what Atlas is proposing and doesn't think the Commission <br />could know either. The other thing that has to be done to control <br />emissions is minimize the particulate loading to the air pollution control <br />unit. Based on the type of incinerator mentioned in the slide <br />presentation, these types of units have a tendency to produce a smokey <br />vapor in the primary chamber and then in the secondary chamber there is <br />additional auxilliary fuel and air injected to completely combust. <br />Literature has sown that with that type of an operation you will produce <br />more dixoins because you are increasing your particulate loading to the air <br />pollution control system. The problem with a contract burn facility is <br />that you will not have a constant waste stream, so how can you maintain a <br />constant BTU level and manage the operation and prevent higher levels of <br />dioxins. These questions need to be address and it is understandable that <br />from a research standpoint, not all the answers are available. But, when <br />unknowns like rockets are tested, it is done in a desert somewhere in Utah. <br /> <br />Dan Berg - R~plied that the studies to which Mr. Lichter refers to will be <br />required. There is a standard list of criteria pollutants that always <br />receive consideration and they include particulates, acid gases and some <br />metals. There are non-criteria pollutants of concern and MPCA will obtain <br />an inventory of these and the rates at which they will be emitted. <br />Non-criteria pollutants include dioxins and other types of things that are <br />of concern. The study involves establishing emission rates, evaluating the <br />pl~e and health risk to people. The health risk assessment involves <br />direct exposure to the pollutants as well as through the food chain. The <br />purpose of the environmental assessment worksheet is to determine whether <br />an environmental impact statement is necessary. The process involves <br />publishing a document that reviews all the things mentioned above, <br />subjecting it to public comment for 30 days and respond to the comments <br />before the Citizen's Board. The Citizen's Board is responsible for <br />deciding whether an environmental impact statement is required. <br /> <br />Mr. Iabat stated that Minnesota has some of the strictest and toughest laws <br />in the U.S. as it relates to permitting incinerators. If Ramsey issues a <br />conditional use permit with the condition that Atlas has to meet MPCA's <br />test, Atlas will move ahead because they are confident they can meet that <br />test. If Atlas can't, they are out of business, as is the entire industry. <br />Atlas feels confident it can meet MPCA's test but moving forward is on the <br />condition that Atlas can have a proper facility because the economics are <br />contingent upon being able to continue to develop state-of-the art <br />equipment, which requires testing, under the auspices of Minnesota. <br /> <br />Harold Zupon - 6285 143rd - Stated he doesn't have anything against the <br />manufacturing portion of the operation but placing another garbage facility <br />in Ramsey will not serve the people's best interest. Mr. Zupon noted that <br />the public hearing was to receive positive and negative comments but Atlas <br />is doing most of the talking. Mr. Zupon inquired if Atlas has applied <br />elsewhere for permits. <br /> <br />Mr. I~bat - Replied that application had been made elsewhere but it was <br />withdrawn. <br /> Planning & Zoning Public Hearing/June 7, 1988 <br /> <br />Page 5 of 12 <br /> <br /> <br />