HomeMy WebLinkAboutPotential future uses for landfill site To: Street File - 3245 Wayzata Boulevard
From: Michael P. Gaffron, Asst. Planning&Zoning Administrator
Date: June 23, 1997
Subject: Potential future uses for landfill site
I discussed this topic with Jerry Stanke of MPCA(297-1459)and he made the following comments,
suggestions and observations:
- Soil stability is a concern related to any structures as well as other uses which would
have to support any weight.
- Methane gas generation is a likely problem. Methane is an asphyxiant as well as an
explosive,and must be dealt with from an engineering standpoint for any structures
placed above or adjacent to the landfill.
- There is a potential for other chemicals to be present.
- A survey was done on all landfills in 1968. This is a 4-page standard survey that
is available if we need it. This landfill was closed around 1970-71.
- For any uses proposed for the site, MPCA will have to do an investigation that will
encompass a multi-step process.The site might be usable for something if they make
a "No Associations Determination".
- In any case,the site will not be suitable for residential use. Commercial or industrial
uses might be feasible if all site issues are dealt with.
- He thinks the City of Bloomington has dealt with something similar and has an
ordinance on building on landfills. The Bloomington Planning Dept. (Cindy at 948-
8920) says they don't have such an ordinance...
The Eisinger landfill site is zoned RR-1 B single family rural residential. Permitted uses in the RR-1 B zone
include one family detached dwellings;public-owned parks and playgrounds;and municipal buildings. The
City at this time has no intent to acquire the site for parkland or for municipal buildings.
Residential use might be possible if open space density credit was given for the filled land and a clustered
development allowed via PRD on the non-filled land near the highway. However,such clustering would
require municipal sewer which is not readily available,although the Metro force main runs past the property
along Highway 12.
In 1975 when the City formally denied Eisinger's request to expand the landfill,the City listed all the
permitted and conditional uses of the RR-1 B district as potential future uses of the site. Many of those uses
would rely on meeting the conditions set forth by MPCA for making site development possible. The types
of uses most likely to be approved are those which make use of the land surface without the use of
structures.
A golf driving range,open tennis courts and other recreation facilities come to mind. Animal pasturage
might be a potential if there are no toxic materials present. Remember,however,that the recent filling
project to cap the landfill site was intended as its final cover for drainage purposes,and any change to the
topography may have a negative impact on the site drainage and future leaching.
With the pending Highway 12 bypass,the nature of the surrounding area may change to be more suited
to commercial/industrial uses. Open storage is a potential commercial use of the site, and there are
probably other potential uses.