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<br />Planning Commission Minutes <br />February 29. 2000 <br />Page 3 <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />City did not want to have a lot of water pumped into this area. He stated that <br />this could potentially affected the migration of contaminants. <br /> <br />Terry Johnson explained that since the cells are impermeable when capped and <br />they contain organic material, gases are created which need to be released. He <br />felt that the method of venting the gas for the past several years has had a <br />positive effect. Steve Rohlf noted that the gas-to-electricity project at the <br />Landfill was named the U.S. Environmental Project of the Year in 1998. <br /> <br />Mr. Corrow asked if the Landfill will be able to expand in the future. Steve Rohlf <br />stated that in order to expand a rezoning would be necessary, and requires a 4/5 <br />vote of the City Council. <br /> <br />Joe Johnson, resident on 23151 Avenue, asked what kind of gas is being released. <br />Steve Rohlf stated that the gas is methane. Steve Rohlf noted that occasionally <br />the methane builds up and the Landfill will"flame off" the excess. Joe Johnson <br />asked what would happen if a fire occurred. Deb McDonald stated that the first <br />thing that would be done is to immediately shut off the flow of oxygen. They <br />would then try to get clay in and place an impervious cap on the cell. <br /> <br />There being no further comments from the public, Chair Thompson closed the <br />public hearing. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kuester asked what the landfill site could be used for, once the <br />operation ceases. Steve Rohlf stated that some of the possible uses include a <br />golf course, nature trails, ski slopes and archery courses. Commissioner Kuester <br />questioned who would own the property. Terry Johnson stated that the property <br />would gradually be turned over to the public. <br /> <br />Commissioner Baker questioned the use of water for the re-circulation of <br />leachate and asked if this would increase the risk for release of contaminants. <br />Terry Johnson explained that water vapor is pulled out with the gas at a faster <br />rate than water is put in. He noted that there generally is a moisture deficit. He <br />explained that they try to keep water out of the cell as much as possible, but <br />since the waste comes in fairly dry, they may need to introduce some water. <br /> <br />Commissioner Baker asked what the rate of decomposition might be. Terry John <br />stated that studies of bio-reactors for re-circulation have shown that the waste is <br />basically compost after 8 years. Terry Johnson stated that he was a part of a <br />project to dig up an old landfill near Watertown and they found that the waste <br />had basically become dirt. <br /> <br />Discussion followed regarding the bio-reactor system. Steve explained that too <br />much leachate could cause the liner to bulge or leak. <br /> <br />Matt Levina of Bruce Leisch and Associates, stated that he did not anticipate any <br />problems, but that a condition is included in the approval so that if a problem <br />arose with the bio-reactor, it would be stopped. Steve Rohlf noted that the <br />reason liquids are not allowed to be disposed of in the landfill is because it would <br />increase the level of leachate. <br /> <br />. <br />