Olmsted County expects to double the amount of solid waste it converts to energy through its incinerator expansion, and it hopes to save a little money in the process through relaxed state mercury testing requirements.
Awaiting approval by the full House is
HF3027, which would reduce the frequency that the county would have to conduct mercury testing at its new incinerator, provided previous testing results at its facility fell well below state and federal emission levels. The relaxed mandate is expected to save the county $40,000 annually by reducing independent testing staff it hires to perform mercury sampling, according to John Helmers, the county’s solid waste manager. Helmers said the county removes 98 percent of mercury and emits less than 4 percent of what’s allowed under their permit.
Sponsored by Rep. Kent Eken (DFL-Twin Valley), the bill was approved by the House Environment Policy and Oversight Committee Feb. 25.
A companion,
SF2604 sponsored by Sen. Dan Skogen (DFL-Hewitt), awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
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Minnesota Index: Quality of life
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Safe Drug Disposal Act
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At Issue: Animal, vegetable, mineral … or chemical?
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At Issue: Control-alt-delete
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Minnesota Index: Extreme weather
Figures and statistics on weather records in Minnesota
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At Issue: Spending new proceeds
Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council considers projects for new tax receipts
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