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Public works flags growing brush/compost pile, contamination and MPCA permitting concerns
Summary
Public Works Director reported increasing volume and contamination at the city brush dump, described steps to improve screening and composting, and warned MPCA permitting and tighter monitoring are now expected.
Stewartville's Public Works Director briefed the council on challenges at the city's brush dump and composting area, saying material volumes have increased, contamination with household garbage is rising, and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has indicated the site will need additional permitting and monitoring.
Director (transcript: "Boy") said the city has been screening compost piles to remove garbage but that the site has grown faster than staff can process. The director recommended options for managing the site, including limiting open days, increasing screening and mixing practices to speed composting, and potentially instituting monitoring or permitting as required by MPCA.
Council members asked whether the city could station staff to check vehicles and license plates; staff noted that some vehicles appear to come from outside the city and that monitoring would require labor and possibly cameras. The director said MPCA staff will provide permitting guidance and that the city should prepare for more regular oversight.
Council did not take immediate policy action but received the update and asked staff to return with specifics on proposed operational changes and potential budget implications.
