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~ty of <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />iver <br /> <br />TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL <br /> <br />FROM: STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING <br />AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR <br /> <br />DATE: DECEMBER 1, 1997 <br /> <br />SUBJECT: REIMBURSEMENT FOR <br />LANDFILL GAS EXTRACTION <br /> <br />Sherbume County is aggressively enforcing their requirements at the Elk River Landfill <br />to get completed cells capped. Capping cells is basically sealing them so water can not <br />penetrate creating contaminated leachate when it comes in contact with the garbage <br />enclosed. City staff strongly supports the county's efforts. <br /> <br />An issue of concern with a capped cell is the migration of landfill gas. This gas can no <br />longer vent out of the top of the garbage pile due to the cap. If this gas is not properly <br />vented it can migrate off-site underground and may cause explosions. <br /> <br />Proper venting of this gas is extremely important for safety. Money to install a gas <br />extraction system is always a limiting factor. Staff is recommending that the city <br />financially participate in the installation of the gas extraction system to ensure its <br />timely installation. Through negotiations, staff and representatives of the landfill have <br />agreed that a proper dollar amount for the city's participation is $71,700. <br /> <br />Part of the money the city collects as landfill surcharge goes to the general fund and the <br />rest goes to a landfill abatement/mitigating local risk fund. The landfill <br />abatement/mitigating local risk fund has a balance of over $600,000 and the landfill gas <br />extraction system is a legitimate use of this fund. Staff recommends this fund be used <br />for the $71,700. <br /> <br />With city participation in the active gas extraction system, USA Waste, the owners of the <br />Elk River Landfill, are encouraged that they can get over some of the economic hurdles <br />of converting landfill gas into electricity. Producing electricity from landfill gas will be <br />an excellent demonstration for Energy City and good for the environment. The Elk River <br />Municipal Utilities appear to have reached an agreement with the landfill to purchase the <br />electricity produced. <br /> <br /> f:~hrdoc\b&z~steverXlan fgas.doc <br /> <br />13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 490 · Elk River, MN 55330 ° TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 ° Fax: (612) 441-7425 <br /> <br /> <br />