Laserfiche WebLink
The MPCA is asking the metropolitan counties to meet very high goals, and to consider <br />significant changes to their master plans in order to protect public health, protect the <br />environment, and hold costs for businesses and residents who pay for waste management and <br />recycling services. Ramsey County is using its current master plan as a foundation for this <br />change, with some changes in emphasis. For example, there is increased emphasis on recycling <br />and organics management. This includes increasing opportunities for residents through <br />municipal programs. The County will be increasing the level of communication, technical <br />assistance and consultation about both, and will continue to use the County Environmental <br />Charge as an incentive. The County intends to stay the course with many of our priorities <br />including regulation, toxicity reduction and processing. <br />The County Board reviewed and discussed the draft plan on October 11, prior to its release for <br />comment. At that meeting the question was raised about whether the existing model of <br />municipally - provided recycling service is still the best and most efficient and effective fit, given <br />the economic and funding challenges that cities and counties face. We will be examining that <br />issue over the next few months. <br />The County is also working through the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board <br />(S WMCB) on a Regional Solid Waste Master Plan. It is expected that the draft of the regional <br />plan will be available in November. You can expect a final, comprehensive document, including <br />the regional and Ramsey County elements, for public review in mid - December. <br />The draft plan is available on the web at <br />www.co.ramsev.mn.us /ph/rt/planning beyond the garbage can.htm, <br />along with other information about the planning process. <br />If you have comments or questions, you can contact Deborah Carter McCoy (651- 266 -1162) at <br />Deborah. McCoyACo. Ramsey. mn.us, or me at Zack. HansenACo.Ramsey.mn.us, or 651 -266- <br />1160) <br />Zack Hansen, R. E. H.S. <br />Environmental Health Director <br />Saint Paul - Ramsey County Department of Public Health <br />2785 White Bear Avenue, Suite 350 <br />Maplewood, MN 55109 -1320 <br />Phone: 651.266.1160 <br />Fax: 651.266.1177 <br />Recommended Action: <br />Receive presentation and discuss concerns or changes with Ramsey County staff. <br />Attachments: <br />A. none <br />