9.1. SR 11-19-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EOty1� ,.,�� Request for Action River To Item Number Mayor and City Council 9.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by Work Session November 19, 2018 Zack Carlton,Planning Manager Item Description Reviewed by Concept Review: Enerkem Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested Receive information and provide the applicant with informal, non-binding feedback. No additional action is needed. Background/Discussion Enerkem has initiated discussions with the city, county, and GRE regarding construction of a waste-to- biofuel facility in the City of Elk River. The applicant's proposal includes acquisition of the RDF facility at 10700 165th Avenue NW and construction of a biorefinery facility adjacent to the sorting operation. The biorefinery converts waste (trash) to renewable methanol, ethanol, and other widely used chemicals. Enerkem operates a similar facility in Edmonton, Canada. The facility will need additional property beyond the current RDF site and would occupy approximately 60-75 acres near the intersection of 165th Avenue and Highway 10. The biorefinery includes a 190 feet tall distillation tower and additional structures between 100 and 120 feet tall. The applicant states that there are no odors from their operations. The project would need numerous reviews, amendments, and approvals from the city and state (MPCA) before operation could begin and the applicant is seeking initial feedback from the City Council regarding possible concerns the city may have prior to submittal of a formal application. Comprehensive Plan The Comprehensive Plan guides the project area in accordance with the FAST study which continues to guide the site for eco-industrial uses. The plan notes that the property affords sweeping views across the agricultural lands from the south and identifies the opportunity for a facility on this site to become a symbol marking the entry to the area and an iconic gateway to "Energy City."Adjacent properties are guided for light industrial uses with an eco-industrial focus. The proposed biorefinery use is considered heavy industrial and changes to the Comprehensive Plan would be needed. Zoning guidance for new heavy industrial uses is generally in the non-sewered areas in the south east corner of the city. The Elk River Vision A PehoMing community 2a itb revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional POWERED By service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity INAMIRE1