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Commissioner reports raise concerns about incinerator staffing, recyclables markets and MPCA planning for C&D disposal
Summary
Commissioners reported municipal solid-waste and recycling markets remain volatile, incinerator staffing has declined, and regional efforts are awaiting clearer state guidance and funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on closing certain landfill operations and alternatives for construction and demolition debris.
Commissioners reported on recent solid-waste committee discussions that highlighted falling municipal solid-waste volumes, improving but mixed recycling commodity prices, and staffing shortages at the regional incinerator.
A commissioner said paper is now fetching about $18 a ton and that certain plastics and aluminum prices vary substantially; staff also noted the facility was short a couple of boiler operators and mechanics. Commissioners discussed potential consequences for county landfills if state rules require closures of some C and D landfills without a practicable alternative for disposal.
Several commissioners said the MPCA has solicited comments on proposed rules and that regional nine-county planning has produced a plan but that funding and specific state guidance remain unclear. One commissioner said there had been legislative funding in the last session but that details about how the money will be used were not yet available.
Ending: Commissioners said they will continue to press for clearer state guidance and funding and that county staff remain engaged in regional planning efforts; no county action or vote resulted from the report.
