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0 w~~ Zehringer Consulting 18920 Concord St NW Elk River, MN 55330 Sept 21, 2009 To: Elk River City Council Subject: Elk River Landfill Expansion Elk River was named Energy City in 1996 by the Minnesota Environmental Initiative (MEI). We were officially designated Energy City by the State of Minnesota in 2006 acid received both a State and Federal trademark for same, so no other City can use this designation. Being Minnesota's only Energy City is good! It's good to have a designated location within the State to demonstrate leading edge alternative energy and energy efficiency technologies. It's also good for notoriety and business! We have 28 demonstration sites featuring 24 different technologies in our portfolio. Perhaps the best known and most frequently toured demonstration site is our Environmental Learning Center and adjoining Landfill Gas Electric Generating Plant. In the past, that facility has been toured by Scout groups, 4-H groups, home schooled classes, grade school and high school classes, groups from many electric coops, U of M engineering classes, St Thomas engineering and continuing education classes, and a host of foreign visitors. As example, a group from 17 European countries will be touring the LFG Electric Plant and learning more about what Energy City is all about this Friday, Sept 25. Another group from Central and South America did likewise in June. Both groups came to us through the Minnesota International Center and we are now on their list of things to do when foreign dignitaries visit Minnesota. I know there are many other tours conducted by Elk River Landfill staff as well. Elk River Municipal Utilities owns the Landfill Gas Electric Generating Plant and it generates 12% of Elk River's electrical needs. If the landfill expands and another six engine/generators are added to this expansion, we will generate 30% of our electrical needs from landfill gas -and this is a 35 year plus source. Electricity generated by landfill gas is recognized as "green power" and is a valuable asset for any utility to own. This asset is operated and maintained by F,lk River Landfill personnel. In summary, please consider the advantages our landfill brings to the community when making your decision. I know first hand that it's a facility that is well managed and efficient. It also provides a resource that would otherwise be wasted. Allowing the expansion of the Elk River Landfill will not only guarantee continued employment for 20 plus families, but will put us in the "drivers seat" when our municipal electric utility looks for a new wholesale power supplier. Sincersetly, ./ Vance Zehrir~ er