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Variance Request to the City of Elk River Section 2. Setback Variance Request <br />June 30, 2025 <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br />Section 2. Setback Variance Request <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Section 2.1 Project Narrative <br /> <br />ERL and MMPA are proposing to develop a landfill gas (LFG) to renewable natural gas (RNG) <br />processing facility located at the Elk River Landfill in Elk River, MN. The legal description of <br />the property is provided in Attachment A. <br /> <br />Landfill gas collected by ERL will be delivered to the RNG facility for processing and cleanup. <br />The RNG facility will remove water vapor, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, and other <br />impurities. The processed RNG will be transported via an underground low-pressure pipeline <br />to a location approximately two miles east of the property for delivery to the NNG interstate <br />pipeline. Process byproducts will be returned to the ERL for disposal under existing permits. <br /> <br />The RNG facility equipment will utilize membrane separation, pressure swing absorption, and <br />media vessels to process and clean the gas. The RNG equipment will also utilize blowers and <br />compressors to move the gas through the process. Cooling equipment will be used to cool oil <br />and gas throughout the facility. <br /> <br />The RNG facility will convert the existing LFG to a beneficial use as a renewable fuel. Once <br />delivered to the interstate pipeline, RNG will be used by downstream customers such as homes, <br />businesses, transportation, and power generation. Currently, LFG is combusted through ERL’s <br />flare. The LFG to electricity generation plant at this site is no longer in operation. <br /> <br /> <br />Section 2.2 Variance Request <br /> <br />ERL owns and operates the Landfill on multiple parcels within the City of Elk River and <br />Livonia Township in Sherburne County, including the adjacent property to the north. <br /> <br />ERL and MMPA request a zero (0) foot setback variance from the north property boundary of <br />the proposed project location. The proposed site layout, indicating equipment, buildings, <br />accessways, fencing and property boundaries are included in Attachment B. <br /> <br />The proposed project is located on parcels in both the City and County because of the location <br />of the landfill gas supply and the need to have sufficient access around the facility. The <br />proposed building is located within the city limits. The only facilities crossing the city <br />boundary are piping supports. <br /> <br />The following information is provided as required by the City of Elk River ordinance <br />Section 30-365. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Page 14 of 97