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Planning Commission Minutes October 23, 2001 Page 2 . 5.1. Request by Elk River Landfill for an Amendment to a Conditional Use Permit, Public Hearing - Case No. Cu 01-35 Staff report by Building and Zoning Administrator Stephen Rohlf. Mr. Rohlf stated that many of the typical issues associated with Elk River Landfill have been resolved in past years. He eXplained that the Landfill is requesting a modification to their existing conditional use permit and solid waste facility license to allow disposal of demolition debris over the top of an existing mixed municipal solid waste cell. Mr. Rohlf discussed issues regarding the Shoreland Management Ordinance. He stated that it is staff's interpretation that the city has the authority to determine the type of land uses in a Shoreland District and that a landfill can be considered. He noted that Dave Hills, ~egional ~ydrologist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources agrees with this mterpretatlOn. Mr. Rohlf also discussed technical issues and referred to the letter from the city's environmental consultant, Matt Ledvina of Environmental Resources Group, LLC, dated October 18, 2001. Mr. Rohlf then reviewed screening and buffering issues due to the close proximity of the hiking trail and Rice Lake. . Other issues of discussion include fires, litter, contamination, safety, renewals, and leachate recirculation. Mr. Rohlf stated that there are two areas of contamination at the landfill; one in the northeast corner of the site which seems to have been eliminated by the active gas venting, and the other is a small plume of contamination that is heading west toward Rice Lake. This contamination may have been introduced by borings for gravel mining. Aggressive remedial action is being pursed at this time. He stated that he is not worried that the contamination will leave the site. Mr. Rohlf noted that this current amendment process will not replace the regular renewal scheduled for 2004. He reviewed the leachate treatment process which speeds up the decomposition of the refuse. Mr. Rohlf explained that it is not known how long the liner will last, and that the leachate process will help to neutralize the material that is in contact with the liner. The city and county have approved the program, but the State has not approved the technology at this time. Mr. Rohlf reviewed the criteria and findings for approval of a conditional use and compliance with the Shoreland Management Ordinance. Staff feels the Landfill's request can meet the required standards and recommends approval of the request with the conditions listed in the staff report. Mr. Rohlf introduced Deb McDonnell with Waste Management and Deb Dean, site manager of the Elk River Landfill. Mr. Rohlf explained the location of the proposed demolition site, storm water pond, existing vegetation, and the city trail. Commissioner Baker asked how far the city trail was from the Landfill's property line. Mr. Rohlf explained that the trail is approximately 100 feet away. . Commissioner Franz asked where the two areas of contamination are located. Mr. Rohlf pointed out these areas, noting that the areas have been defined horizontally and vertically. He stated that the active gas venting system seems to have alleviated the problem with the area located to the northeast of the Landfill.