MPCA reviews potential environmental impacts from proposed landfill expansion

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is reviewing the potential environmental impacts from a proposed expansion of the East Central Solid Waste Commission landfill near Mora.

According to a news release from the MPCA, the commission is proposing to add 1.7 million cubic yards of municipal solid waste capacity at the landfill.

The landfill accepts municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste, and industrial waste from Kanabec, Pine, Isanti, Chisago, and Mille Lacs counties.

The release states that the landfill will reach its permitted capacity by next year. The proposed expansion would extend the landfill's operational life by approximately 39 years.

According to the release, ECSWC is applying for a 10-year permit to add municipal solid waste capacity to the currently permitted landfill, while conducting environmental review for the unpermitted areas of its landfill expansion.

An additional 9.2 million cubic yards of capacity over 62.1 acres will be added with the proposed expansion capacity.

The MPCA will hold a public meeting for community members to discuss the impacts of the proposed project on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Kanabec County courthouse.