5.2. PCSR 11-23-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk River MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission FROM: Rebecca Haug, Environmental Technician DATE: November 23, 2004 SUBJECT: CU 04-34 Riding & Equestrian Learning Center The proposed Riding & Equestrian Learning Center is a very commendable project. However, I have concerns about how the manure will be handled at the site. There are several wetlands and ditches on this piece of property. The ditches drain to Lake Orono which has been closed in the past due to fecal coliform. Phosphorus is also a problem with manure. Excess phosphorus in waters of the state has been attributed to causing algae blooms. I would require a 50 foot vegetated buffer along the ditches and wetlands to filter any manure prior to discharge. No outside storage of manure will be allowed unless the stockpile is on an impermeable surface (i.e. Concrete) with sidewalls and covered. Providing six months of storage would allow spreading on cropland in the spring and after harvest. The stockpile should be removed every six months. I did receive a letter from Joyce Mickelson, who is the former owner of the farm and realtor for the property. She has written out what the plans are for manure management on the site. These plans sound like they will work but to ensure proper management, I would recommend that the manure be managed following the MPCA Technical Guidelines for manure management and applications. Guidance documents are located at the MPCA home page under permits. For assistance in implementing these guidelines, the applicant can contact the Sherburne County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) at (763) 241-1170, ext. 3. I have also attached a copy of Sherburne County's Manure Management Ordinance, as well as the County's Animal Carcass Ordinance in case it is ever needed. The County refers to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.(NRCS) Field Office Technical Guide for manure management. If you have any questions, Bill Bronder, SWCD and myself will be at the November 23, 2004 Planning Commission meeting. Thank you.