By Sara Quam
Commissioner Jane Wildung voiced concern over Lyon County Regional LandfillÕs future at the Tuesday Rock County Board meeting.
Rock County hauls its garbage (except for demolition material) to the Regional Landfill, which has applied for an expansion.
Wetlands and how they are assessed during the application could stop that expansion, and Rock County, along with others in southwest Minnesota, would have to find another landfill.
Landfill expansion requires completion of an environmental assessment worksheet, which is reviewed by the state.
As it is planned, the expansion would move into an acre of land that is a part of 12 acres of wetlands. The land was developed into a wetland with the help of the Department of Natural Resources.
Now the Army Corps of Engineers is asserting that the landfill has to be moved because of what Wildung called "damp ground."
To move the landfill would cost $5 to $7 million.
The Army Corps of Engineers says that the wetland is a "navigable waterway." Some of the water, through a series of ditches and culverts, trickles into the Minnesota River, which is a navigable waterway.
The landfill has applied for the expansion because it has run out of other space. The decision will be made by March.
Wildung said the wetland is about the size of a large room. "It is so small," she said.
County Administrator Kyle Oldre said, "There was less objection to the Hoover Dam than this."
Wildung said that some area legislators have toured the area in question and support the landfill expansion, saying they don't fear for water contamination.
In other business Tuesday, the board:
Passed a resolution condemning the deadly terrorist acts and supporting President Bush and the National Security Team in defending the nation.
Approved the removal of some trees on the courthouse lawn and additional landscaping worth about $1,600.
Put values on tax-forfeited properties in Steen and Beaver Creek. These will be advertised and auctioned.