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City Council Minutes <br />November 19, 2018 <br />Page 6 <br />process and some to waste -to -energy. He stated the waste to energy processing has <br />capacity of 550,000 tons per year. He stated this would be a complementary project <br />to Great River Energy (GRE). <br />Mayor Dietz questioned if GRE would be selling to Enerkem. <br />Mr. Herman stated there are many possible scenarios and partnership options. He <br />noted there is a county board meeting tomorrow and hopes to team if they have <br />more time to bring all the partners together. He stated they have working toward <br />identifying public/private owners for the facility. <br />Mayor Dietz questioned if Mr. Herman would envision Elk River's garbage going to <br />this facility. <br />Mr. Herman stated yes along with other communities' garbage. <br />David McConnell, Enerkem representative — Stated it would take about two years <br />for their facility to be operational due to design, construction, and permitting. <br />Councilmember Westgaard stated he has no issues with the concept in terms of <br />finding a way to process waste into reusable products and it fits with Energy City. He <br />expressed concerns with the heavy industrial component but also noted it can be <br />hard to find uses who want to locate near a rail line. He expressed concerns with the <br />height of the stacks and the location at the city gateway, noting he wouldn't want it <br />to appear as a distraction. He stated it makes sense to put it next to the RDF plant. <br />Councilmember Ovall stated he is okay with the concept but expressed concerns <br />with the facility's end of life cycle and the need for an exit plan. <br />Mayor Dietz stated he is interested in the concept but cautions about past history <br />when GRE was built and a lot of controversy in the community. He stated they <br />would need to be sensitive to the public regarding environmental effects. <br />Attorney Beck noted it would take four Council votes to amend the Comprehensive <br />Plan so if Council is not in agreement now, they should express it. <br />There was discussion about creating a new zoning district for a bio refinery type use. <br />Mr. McConnell stated they put together a community outreach program in order to <br />understand the type of opposition they would receive. He stated they will not move <br />if Council has no interest in the project. <br />Councilmember Ovall questioned if there would be any gas burn off. He stated he <br />likes the concept and the idea due to the energy city tie-in. He expressed concerns <br />about appearance, the height of the structure, and light pollution. <br />IO1EEAEIIY <br />IREJ <br />