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County board signs off on 10‑year waste projections for Central Solid Waste Commission certificate of need
Summary
Pine County approved estimates showing an approximate 2% annual increase in municipal solid waste over 10 years as part of the Central Solid Waste Commission’s certificate of need to open a new cell at the Mora landfill; commissioners discussed capacity and long‑term options.
County staff presented 10‑year waste projections required for the Central Solid Waste Commission’s certificate of need to demonstrate future demand for a new landfill cell in Mora. The projections use historical data and assume roughly a 2% annual increase in tonnage; staff showed an estimate of 22,919 tons in 2025 growing to about 27,091 tons by 2034.
A staff member described the projections as necessary for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency permitting and for demonstrating need to open a new cell. Board members noted prior estimates had proven conservative in the past—the last assumed cell lasted 10 years and filled in seven—and discussed that per‑person waste and regional growth can change forecasts.
Nut graf: The board approved the county estimates for submission to the Central Solid Waste Commission and discussed longer‑term strategic choices, including the timeline to consider alternatives such as incineration or other waste‑management strategies as landfill space is planned out.
Board discussion included questions about whether nonmember loads are accepted (staff said the practice is not to accept out‑of‑county waste) and about each county’s relative share of the landfill; staff said Pine County’s share is roughly in the high teens percent range. Commissioners also asked about remaining footprint and expansion plans; staff reported the current site expansion should provide multiple decades of capacity (discussed as roughly 40 years in conversation), and county staff described ongoing cell construction work following environmental testing of liner clay samples.
Ending: The board voted to submit the projections and authorized the county chair to sign the letter to the Central Solid Waste Commission. Commissioners indicated a need to start planning longer‑term options now rather than waiting until capacity runs out.
