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Solid-waste official warns proposed MPCA rules and uncertain bonding could affect 9-county hub-and-spoke project; organics grinder now operating
Summary
Solid-waste staff updated the board on an uncertain statewide bonding outlook for a 9-county hub-and-spoke project, MPCA proposed rules that may require liners at demolition landfills, and local organics-processing progress including a new horizontal grinder and mulch operations.
Hubbard County solid-waste staff reported to the board that the county's proposed 9-county hub-and-spoke regional solid-waste project remains dependent on state bonding decisions and that proposed changes at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) could raise closure and liner requirements for demolition landfills.
The county sought bonding support this session; solid-waste staff said the Senate DFL's initial proposal included placeholder funding for the project as part of a $1.3 billion bonding bill that now appears likely to be smaller (possibly near $700 million), leaving project funding uncertain. The department submitted an interest form to MPCA to continue pursuing funding options.
Staff said proposed MPCA rules would require liners at demolition-only landfills and include staggered closure timelines (examples discussed included two-, five- or eight-year windows depending on expansion), and they warned these standards would be costly without dedicated state funding. The MPCA summary also clarifies proposed leachate collection and treatment requirements; staff noted PFAS treatment is an unresolved technical challenge.
On operations, the county has a new horizontal grinder in service at the Park Rapids transfer station under a current MPCA grant. Solid-waste staff said they are processing brush into mulch, have been hauling some material to Polk County's composting facility under in-kind arrangements during the grant period, and are offering natural mulch to the public for $10 per yard. Staff said they plan a fall start for additional grinding operations at the North Station once a larger pile is available and are evaluating equipment (screeners, conveyors) and grant opportunities to improve product quality and material handling.
Other items: the department is awaiting delivery of a packer truck for commercial organics collection (anticipated late fall), continues work on reuse-center remodeling plans (cost estimates above initial expectations), and continues outreach for backyard-composting barrels in partnership with the Recycling Association of Minnesota.
