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DNR process, new airspace figures give Vernon County more time — but uncertainty remains
Summary
County staff said a consultant rerun and DNR review indicate about 15,000 cubic yards of usable airspace (18,000 overall), which could provide roughly two years of operating room if the DNR accepts the calculations; the committee still expects a contested DNR hearing and asked for additional slug testing.
County solid-waste staff told the committees that a consultant rerun and DNR review revised earlier, more pessimistic airspace estimates. "This area per the engineer's calculation has over 15,000 cubic yards of airspace," said Stacy (solid-waste staff). She added the overall remaining airspace figure is about 18,000 cubic yards and that much of the discrepancy came from how intermediate daily cover was netted in the consultant memo.
Staff said they recently met with DNR staff and expect the plan-of-operations submission to face a contested hearing; slug testing within existing wells was recommended to reduce variance in groundwater flow estimates, and consultants estimated that extra testing would cost $15,000–$20,000. The county also received a transfer-station license that could be used to manage resident drop-off volume while the plan-of-operations and construction timelines proceed.
Committee members responded that the new calculations materially change the near-term urgency but asked staff to document the consultant's revised assumptions and DNR correspondence in writing before the committee treats the airspace issue as settled.
