Addition-Public Compost Site in Scandia-Halldorson � � dE-h�o �
Anne Hurlburt
F,rom: Randall Simonson [r.simonson@ci.scandia.mn.us]
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 10:55 AM
To: Anne Hurlburt
Subject: FW: compost site
Anne I have two more emails being forwarded to you concerning this, she wants me to bring it up at the Council
Meeting, because our meeting times are in conflict with her schedule.
RS
From: Beryl Halldorson [mailto:b halldorsonCa�hotmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2012 12:36 PM
To: r.simonsonCa�ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: compost site
To: Mayor Simonson and the Scandia City Council
From: Beryl Halldorson, resident of Scandia on Bone Lake
Proposal: A public compost site in Scandia
One Reason: To prevent phosphorus from decomposing vegetation running into Bone Lake and other waters
There are many environmental benefits of composting. On the back end of the process is the value of the resulting
compost. On the front end, which is my main concern, is a safe place to deposit plant material so that the decaying
nutrients will not run into our waters.
I live next to a stream, a wetland and a lake. I have tried to find a place for leaves, garden trimmings, grass clippings,
curley leaf pond weed (which I try to take out of the lake), etc. where I HOPE the nutrients won't run back in the lake. I
would like a place where I KNOW that won't happen.
I consider Bone Lake a "jewel" in the city of Scandia. It is, however, on the "impaired" list because of the water quality,
mainly due to too much phosphorus. The watershed district is finally taking some steps to try and improve it. I think it is
the duty of all citizens to try and keep our water clean. Right now there is no safe place to deposit material so that the
phosphorus from decomposing will not wash into the lake.
I am forwarding some information from Adam Fredrick, who is with Washington County Public Health and Environment. I
will be happy to get more information for you if you decide a compost site is a good idea. I know cost is always an
issue. However, it would probably be open for a limited number of hours a week during the spring, summer and fall.
Perhaps voluteers could be used for monitoring. I would be willing.
Thank you for considering this topic.
Beryl Halldorson
23620 Melanie Trail
Scandia, MN 55073
651 433 3959
1
Anne Hurlburt
From: Randall Simonson [r.simonson@ci.scandia.mn.us] �
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 10:55 AM r
To: Anne Huriburt
Subject: FW: Beryl Halldorson
From: Doug Thomas [mailto:doug.thomasCa�clflwd.org]
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 8:53 AM
To: r.simonson@ci.scandia.mn.us
Cc: b halldorson@hotmail.com
Subject: Beryl Halldorson
Mayor Simonson:
Beryl Hallorson (Bone Lake resident) has been asking the Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District about what can
lakeshore residents do to reduce runoff of nutrients, primarily phosphorus, into the lakes and streams. Of particular
interest Ms. Halldorson had discussed with me,was what to do about lawn clipping and leaves. Both of these can be
significant sources of phosphorous to lakes and streams if they are able to be washed into the water with runoff from
rainfall or snow melt. The reason these are of concern is as they breakdown they release the phosphorous that is within
the plant cells into the water. Phosphorous in our watershed is the number one pollutant of concern because one
pound of it in the water can grow up to 500 pounds of algae. Excess algae is what urns our lakes and streams green and
not only does it cause problems with recreational uses of water but it also leads to conditions that support the growth of
invasive plants such as eurasion milfoil and curly leaf pondweed and if severe enough can change the fish structure in
the lake with a trend toward more rough fish (carp and bullhead) and less game fish.
One of the best ways to control the input of phosphorus from lawn clippings and leaves is to remove them from the
lawn and/or street and properly compost them. Unfortunately many landowners do not have the knowledge or area
that is needed to properly compost leaves and lawn clippings. As a result they are often dumped adjacent to or worse in
our lakes, wetlands and streams concentrating the problem of phosphorous getting into our waters. One idea that I
mentioned to Ms. Halldorson was for the City to consider creating a collection and compost site for City residents.
Similar facilities exist in the City of Forest Lake and the City of Marine but unfortunately are not open to residents from
outside the two cities. The side benefit of composting these materials on a larger basis is that it creates a valuable
product for use in the City by residents for gardens and even small scale agriculture.
My main reason for writing you was to help you understand some of the reasons for why it is important for residents to
properly manage leaf and lawn clippings and to offer our support to the City if it were to consider creating a collection
and compost site.
Doug Thomas,Administrator
Comfort Lake Forest Lake Watershed District
220 North Lake Street
Forest Lake, MN 55025
Phone: 651-209-9753
Fax: 651-209-9752
1
Anne Hurlburt
From: Randall Simonson [r.simonson@ci.scandia.mn.us]
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2012 10:55 AM
To: Anne Hurlburt
Subject: FW: Composting Rules and Application
From: Beryl Halldorson [mailto:b halldorsonCa�hotmail.com]
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2012 12:39 PM
To: r.simonson@ci.scandia.mn.us
Subject: FW: Composting Rules and Application
From: Adam.FrederickCa�co.washinqton.mn.us
To: B halldorsonCa�Hotmail.com
Subject: Composting Rules and Application
Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:23:55 +0000
This website should have all the correct links.
http•//www pca state mn us/index php/waste/waste-and-cleanup/waste-management/commerical-
compostin4/compost.html?menuid=&redirect=l
Try these
htt�//www pca state mn us/index �hp/view-document.html?gd=5673
http•//www pca state mn us/index�hq/view-document html7gid=5675
Benefits of composting
http•//www epa gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/composting/benefits htm
�
. Yard Waste Compost Facility Siting
� and Management Considerations
Minnesota
Pollution
Control w-sw1-03• November 2006
Agency To be good neighbors,yard waste compost facilities in Minnesota should consider the following
practices in addition to following the State compost rules (Minn. R 7035.2836, subparts 1-3)and
any local requirements. The "best management practices (BMPs)"listed here are simply
suggestions for yard waste compost site operators to consider. They do not carry the force of law,
rule, or policy. Nor does the MPCA expect that site operators will implement all of these
practices at every yard waste compost site.
Some recommended considerations are:
Siting and Design:
• When selecting a site, ensure that site location, size, and design are appropriate for the
+�, .' '' volume of compost to be managed; or only manage an appropriate quantity of waste for
,��Ij;,
, _�`'•�:� � r#,Nt-r the size of the facility and the type of equipment that will be used on site.
,...Y � `�.•
• Ideally,in order to minimize concerns,complaints,or disruptions in residential
• � •�;� neighborhoods, local governments should encourage siting facilities in areas zoned for
;� .,y' f. commercial or light industrial activities.
,�`-.�-. „. ,��• . * : � �
+,►�s- � � � ' • In evaluating a potential site,and when determining site size and configuration,consider
�*.t-`'�-:-'�:;.- �.
-> ,� �. .,,� , the potential effects of prevailing winds on odors, dust,noise,and other nuisances.
• • If it's necessary to locate a facility near residences, consider setback issues carefully.
���:�- ' � • When upgrading or expanding a facility,consider proximity to residences/businesses.
. • Ensure that proper perimeter controls are in place at the site--whenever possible,plant
trees,and provide fencing as buffer and screening(these measures serve several
functions, such as securing the site from illegal dumping,reducing blowing trash,and
providing aesthetic benefit). It may be possible to reduce necessary buffer areas by
adopting proper management practices,enclosure, or mechanization of the facility.
• Ensure that the site is not in a 100-year flood plain,or on shore land.
• Ensure that the staging area is large enough to accommodate the types of vehicles and
traffic levels expected.
• Select surfacing materials,either natural or manufactured,that reduce infiltration of
surface water.
• Ensure that access roads are adequate for the sizes of vehicles likely to be traveling to and
from the site, and that they are accessible when the site is operating.
. ;`�, � y , On-site Management:
� , wASTE AND BRUSH SRE • Develop and maintain an operating plan for the site.
�,i,. . NOURS
�^A°'� "" °M' • Develop a contingency plan for the site that will outline processes to be followed in case
uam,. aw rw
�' ,, .4aew►raw•�vu
' r�vu��no:.WfiSrdFSfi problems arise.
yCy�i.
, • Post permanent signs explaining hours of operation,rules for site use,and listing a
,�,�,,,�„� ���� �? telephone number for communicating complaints.
" >�'�A�° • Implement controls to limit unauthorized access.This will help prevent illegal dumping
,�.;:' ` =�.J
and increase site safety.
• Ensure that adequate personnel and equipment are on site as needed.
1
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency• 520 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194 Minnesota Pollution
ww�v.pcastate,mn_us•651-296-6300• 800-657-3864• TTY 651-282-5332 or 800-657-3864 Control Agency
Available in alternative formatspage
Yard Waste Compost Facility Siting and Management Considerations
• Routinely inspect for unacceptable materials. � .
• Ensure that clear space exists between windrows or other piles to accommodate
equipment necessary for site operations and emergency vehicles in case of an emergency.
• Try to achieve and maintain composting process efficiency;this not only will contribute
to efficient use of site space,but also will help to control odors.
• To promote the proper composting process and to prevent odors:
o maintain a proper degree of porosity(65-70%initial porosity)so that oxygen
levels are adequate(refer to the University of Minnesota's five-gallon-bucket test
at http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticultUre/components/3296-
�)�_}1tI111�FU2��
o Keep moisture levels at 40-60%moisture content by weight;and
o Maintain the pile or windrow temperatures near the 130-140°F.range.
� Cure compost for one month or more to stabilize the finished product.
• Turn windrows/piles at least every six months—some composting guidelines suggest that
at least four times per year is ideal.
• Employ dust suppression methods when necessary,especially when disturbing compost.
• Ensure that compost site operators are knowledgeable concerning applicable rules,
regulations, and site operation procedures.
• Ensure that on-site management capabilities(e.g., staffing and equipment)are adequate
for the volume of compost to be managed at the site.
• A water supply is recommended for maintaining proper moisture levels,and for
suppressing dust and any on-site fires.
• Divert run-on around composting areas,and consider implementing BMPs such as
setbacks,grassy swales,or rain gardens.
• Sites must comply with stormwater regulations.
• Maintain site surfaces and proper moisture levels in composting windrows and/or piles in
a manner that prevents area soil surfaces from becoming saturated for extended periods.
Nuisance Control:
• Establish acceptable hours of operation,considering nuisances that could arise from
equipment noise or traffic(e.g.,8 a.m.-dusk).
• Site managers should consider establishing an"Odor Committee"among local residents
to provide for a process of responding to odor issues.
• Develop a plan for minimizing odors,dust,noise,and other nuisances,taking into
account time of day when turning should occur,the volume of compost,wind direction
and speed,the presence of any ahnospheric inversion,the maturity of the compost, etc.
• Eliminate on-site ponding by filling in depressions with a stable fill material and
re-grading.Attempt to collect and reuse leachate.
• Process(e.g.,haul,place into windrows,move)compostable material within a
" " ':� , ,.�'��. „�� timeline that minimizes the risks of creating odor,dust,or other potential
.""-°"'"�'�Rf"" ;• � nuisances.
• Respond to all complaints in a timely manner.
• Keep site operations organized, and monitor site boundaries as necessary to
--��`-�� identif an o erational issues im actin ad oinin ro ert
..>, ,-. Y Y P P g J g P P Y•
- -`� ` • Accept yard waste un-bagged or in biodegradable bags.
2
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency• 520 Lafayette Rd. N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194 Minnesota Pollutbn
�^rw^��.pca.state mn.us•651-296-6300• 800-657-3864• TTY 651-282-5332 or 800-657-3864 Control Agency
Available in alternative formatspage