HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.A. SMSC Compost Odor Discussion 1
CITY OF SHAKOPEE
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Mark McNeill, City Administrator
SUBJECT: SMSC Compost Odor Discussion
DATE: August 31, 2012
Comment:
ACTION SOUGHT:
After hearing issues relating to reports of objectionable odors generated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton
Sioux Community's Organics Recycling Facility, the Council should give direction as to what, if any,
action it wants to take.
BACKGROUND:
The SMSC opened an organics recycling facility in September, 2011. It is located on the northern end
of what had been the former 593 -acre Metropolitan Waste Control Commission site, which is between
CSAH 83 and McKenna Road, and south of CR 16..
The facility is a commercial enterprise which composts organic waste. The materials come not only
from the SMSC generators, but also from public and private suppliers from the area. The materials
accepted at the facility include brush, logs, grass, and source separated organics such as produce,
manure, food waste, and paper waste. The operation utilizes approximately 25 -acres of the 47 -acre site,
and is located on a portion of the SMSC property which has been designated as Trust land.
Shortly after it opened, some of the City's elected officials began receiving calls about problem odors
from Shakopee residents who are neighbors to the north of the site. The calls are especially generated
from the Montecito Drive neighborhood. While the number of complaints diminished over the winter,
the calls began again this spring when the weather warmed and outdoor activities resumed.
It has been asked that this subject be placed on the City Council agenda for September 4 for discussion
by the neighbors. The SMSC has also been invited to attend the meeting.
It should be noted again that the operation is on Trust property. As such, failing a negotiated settlement,
the legal alternatives available to the neighbors may be limited to resolution in Federal District Court.
RELATIONSHIP TO VISIONING:
This supports Goal F, "Housekeeping"
ACTION REQUIRED:
The Council should hear the issue and give direction as appropriate.
." A
Mark McNeill
MM:en City Administrator