By Laine Sletta

Brown County

Planning & Zoning

Administrator

The Brown County Landfill received an updated permit to operate from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) on May 9, 2018. There may be some changes to our operation with the new permit over the next two years. You may see a number projects being conducted as we test different technologies to treat our leachate as part of a Demonstration Research Project. There will more to write about this subject in the years to come.

A fire at the landfill occurred on the evening of May 6, 2018. The start of it is not known, however, due to the quick actions by the New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, Hanska Fire Departments and Mathiowetz Construction the fire was contained and extinguished in a short period of time.

A reminder to all folks: please do not place ashes from any fire or grilling in the trash unless they are wetted down and cold to the touch. Ashes may re-ignite if they are not wetted down and fully extinguished.

We also urge all rural people to come in to the Brown County Zoning Office early in the construction planning process. Zoning Office staff will work with you to make sure you can build your structure and meet the Brown County Zoning Ordinance. Call 507 233-6640 to set up a meeting regarding your development plans, we are happy to work with you.