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Planning Commission Minutes October 23,2001 Page 3 . Mr. Rohlf state that the landfill began operation in 1972. The site was a former gravel mining area and was unlined. He eXplained that the contamination happened long before Waste Management owned the landfill, but that it will be cleaned up. Deb McDonnell stated that they will not be adding to the "footprint" of the landfill, but will be adding demolition waste over the top of a closed cell. There is a synthetic cap over the cell with earthen material which will be used as the liner base. Any water which comes in contact with the demolition material will be collected a put into the leachate collection and treatment system. Commissioner Baker asked the applicants to define demolition material. Deb Dean explained that demolition material consists of sheetrock, roofing, insulation, woods, new construction materials, tile or other building materials. Chair Pederson asked if a landscaping plan was available. Ms. Dean explained that large spruce type trees would be staggered to fill in the gaps in the existing trees. Chair Baker asked why the 5: 1 slope is recommended. Mr. Rolf explained that the issue is long term maintenance. He stated that the Landfill has demonstrated that they can provide maintenance on a 3: 1 slope, and that the State will likely be changing this requirement. Ms. Donnell explained that for a 5: 1 slope the State recommends a spacing of the drainage control berms every 200 feet. For a 3:1 slope, that distance between the drainage control berms must be shortened up which creates a different design, or the "wedding cake" approach. . Mr. Rohlf stated that there will be transition between the 3:1 slope and the 5:1 slope. Mr. Rohlf explained that the actual disposal footprint will not change but the footprint of the earth slopes will change, and will be closer to the property line. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. There being no public comment, Chair Pederson closed the public hearing. Chair Pederson suggested that Item 3 be changed to read "City of Elk River" rather than City Council. Also, that an Item 4 be added to ensure that this review does not replace the review scheduled for 2004. Mr. Rohlf suggested that language be added to the conditions of approval to specify that 3 rows of evergreens be planted to fill in the gaps along the west property line. The rows will be 10 feet apart and the trees will be staggered to provide maximum screening. Also, trees and bushes will be provided on the west side of the berm. Ms. McDonnell stated that the Landfill is agreeable to this request. Commissioner Baker asked if they should be looking at adding evergreens where there currently are oak trees, since the oaks do not provide any screening when the leaves are off the trees. Mr. Rohlf suggested that this issue could be considered when the permit renewal is reviewed. Ms. McDonnell stated that the County is requesting screening with evergreens on the west side. Mr. Rohlf stated that if the recommendation is approved, he will ask the Landfill to include the recommendations into a plan view for the City Council meeting. .