Agenda Packets - 1982/12/06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Before a company can apply for a Pollution Control Agency (PCA) permit it must undergo review of its technical and financial competen- cy and its past history of operating hazardous waste facilities by the Waste Management Board. If the company passes the review by the Board, it can then apply for its.PCA permits. The PCA will evaluate the proposal from an environ- mental perspective looking specifically at the facility's effect on the environment. The PCA permit may include provisions concerning proper handling and safety measures, storage requirements, primary and secondary containment features, monitoring and inspection procedures, proper closure of the facility, and loading and inspection of the wastes. In most cases, the company will be required to complete an environmen- tal report (possibly a full Environmental Impact Statement), which will contain a detailed study of possible environmental impacts resulting from the project. Approvals from the local governing body are required. These approvals may involve review of the project's compliance with zoning ordinances, land use plans and capitol improvement plans. Concerns such as building setback, height of building, curb cut, transportation routes, sewer and water hook-up, fire codes and landscaping requirements may be examined at this time. If local approval is denied, the waste management firm may appeal that decision to the Board through a process called Supplementary Review. This six-month process involves mediation, public hearings, and appointment of six local citizens to sit as temporary members of the Waste Management Board to decide on that particular issue. This process is designed to reach an agreement between the firm and community that is acceptable to both parties. The entire process of research, review and approvals would probably take 1- 3 years. Selection of Preferred Areas On November 10, 1980, the Board notified officials representing all local governments in Minnesota that the entire state was being searched for suitable areas for hazardous waste management facilities. The Board recognzied that widespread public involvement should be a central element in the siting process. Consequently citizens throughout the state were asked to participate and make recommendations regarding the development of siting criteria and the collection of data concerning each area. The Board began the process by holding over 60 meetings across the state to acquaint citizens with the issue of hazardous waste management and to ask for advice on what criteria the Board should use in selecting hazardous waste management sites. Based on the recommendations from the public, the suggestions of technical