Vol. 23, No. 2 A Sherburne County Publication • 13880 Business Center Drive, Elk River, MN 55330

Page 4 – Environmental Educator – Summer 2016 PrsrtStd U.S. Postage PAIDPermit #11 Elk River, MN 55330

This newsletter is printed on

re cy cled paper. Please recycle it again.

Summer 2016

For additional information about this publication please contact the Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department at 763-765-4450 or 1-800-438-0578

2016 Sherburne County reCyCling & DiSpoSal guiDe

You can view the Sherburne County Recycling Guide online at: www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning/sw/

Recycling Facility nameB & e Recycling Station Metals, Electronics, Appliances, Fluorescent Bulbs, Cardboard, Batteries16501 Hwy 10 Elk River 763-441-7211 M-F 8:30-5, Sat 8:30-1

central appliance Recyclers Appliances, Electronics, Fluorescent Bulbs, Ballasts, Mercury, Fixtures3107 Hwy 10 St. Cloud 800-430-3221 M-F 9-5, Sat 9-Noon

lake State Recycling 19188 Industrial Blvd, Ste B Elk River 763-241-4000 M-F 8-5 Metals, Electronics, Automotive Scraps, Appliances

metro appliance Recyclers Appliances, Electronics, Fluorescent Bulbs, Ballasts 16403 60th St NE Otsego 763-241-8787 M-Thurs 9-5, Fri 9-Noon

Pythons Recycling center Aluminum, Glass, Plastic, Paper, Cardboard 550 4 1/2 St NE St. Cloud 320-253-2054 M-F 8:30-5

Randy’s environmental Services Appliances, Electronics, Document Destruction.5625 Quam Ave NE St. Michael 763-972-3335 Solid WaSte Facility nameelk River landfill Garbage, Furniture, Construction & Demoliton Debris, Tires, Railroad Ties, Appliances, Electronics 22460 Hwy 169 Elk River 763-441-2464 M-F 7-4:30

elk River Resource Processing Plant Garbage, Furniture, Mattresses, Box Springs, Tires, Propane Cylinders 10700 165th Ave NW Elk River 763-445-5846 M-F 7-4, Sat 7-3

Vonco ii landfill Construction and Demolition Debris, Tree Stumps, Root Balls15301 140th Ave SE Becker 763-262-8662 M-F 7-5 comPoSt SiteSBecker compost Site* Grass Clippings, Leaves, Brush (no logs or root balls)Call for Directions Becker 763-261-4449 Sunrise to Sunset

Big lake compost Site* Grass Clippings, Leaves, Brush (no logs or root balls) 18041 198th Ave Big Lake 763-263-2107 Sunrise to Sunset

elk River compost Site* Grass Clippings, Leaves, Brush (no logs or root balls) 19000 Proctor Ave Elk River 763-635-1000 Sunrise to Sunset

Zimmerman compost Site* Grass Clippings, Leaves, Brush (no logs or root balls) Call for Directions Zimmerman 763-856-4666 Sunrise to Sunset *Access cards required HouSeHold HaZaRdouS WaSteStri-county Hazardous Waste Facility Paints, Stains, Solvents, Cleaning Products, Fuels, Spa Chemicals, Yard Chemicals, Mercury, Mothballs, Adhesives, Aerosols 3601 5th Street S. Waite Park 800-450-6140 M 9-5, T-F 9-4, 3rd Sat 8-12

uSed oil collection SiteSchad’s auto Repair Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze 13050 1st Street Becker 320-252-9711 24/7 Used

clear lake oil Recycling Used Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze Lot east of Fire Station Clear Lake 320-252-9711 24/7

east Side oil company Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze 621 Lincoln Ave SE St. Cloud 320-252-9711 24/7 Used

elk River oil Recycling Used Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze - Key Card Required19000 Proctor Ave Elk River 320-252-9711 Sunrise to Sunset

Santiago township oil Recycling Used Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze Behind Santiago Townhall Santiago 320-252-9711 24/7

central Fleet Service Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze 12575 313th Ave Princeton 320-252-9711 24/7 Used

Johnson’s Hardware Hank Motor Oil, Oil Filters, Antifreeze 12860 Fremont Ave Zimmerman 320-252-9711 24/7 Used automotiVe SalVage yaRdSHanS Foreign auto Parts Cars & Car Parts 22823 Elk Lake Rd NW Elk River 763-441-0707 M-F 9-5

Jerry’s auto Salvage Cars & Car Parts 20798 Highway 10 Big Lake 763-263-2600 M-F 8-5

Rite away auto, inc Cars & Car Parts 17901 198th Ave NW Big Lake 763-263-7373 M-F 8-5

Schmiege’s Salvage yard Cars & Car Parts, Machinery, Tanks up to 1000 gal25140 Highway 169 Zimmerman 763-219-2237 Call for Hours miScellaneouS itemSPlymouth Foam Clean Styrofoam (EPS) Only - Not accepted if the material contains food wastes, liquids, paints or paper 13900 Industry Ave Becker 763-261-4900 M-F 7-3

Product Recovery, inc. Utility Poles11680 Hwy 10 SE Becker 763-261-2458 Call for Hours

Sylva company Tree Recycling - Fees may be applicable for stumps and rootballs. Call for pricing details. (Wood Chips and Logs Free) 900 Airport Road Princeton 763-389-2748 M-F 8-4

For disposal or recycling of items not located on this list please call John Exner with the Sherburne County Zoning Of-fice at 763-765-4466

2016 Sherburne County

houSehold hazardouS WaSte ColleCtion eventS

events are Free for all Sherburne County residents (i.d. required)residential households do not need to pre-register

Date Time Location

June27th 11am-1pm SantiagoTownshipHall,1694320thStSE,Santiago

June27th 3pm-6pm ClearLakeFireHall,86701stAveW,ClearLake

September6th 3pm-6pm KJsRefugeBar&Grill,26211184thStNW,Orrock

September20th 2pm-6pm SherburneCountyFairgrounds,13372BusinessCenterDrive,ElkRiver(enteracrossfromYMCA)

September21st 7am-10am SherburneCountyFairgrounds,13372BusinessCenterDrive,ElkRiver(enteracrossfromYMCA)

Products accePted Include

AppliancesAsbestos Containing Items

Business WasteCommercial WasteDemolition Debris

Drywall Compound ElectronicsExplosivesFurniture

Household GarbageMedical Waste

Motor Oil, Filters, Anti-Freeze (See Below)

Pharmaceutical WasteTires

Unknown ItemsNO DRUMS

agrIcultural PestIcIdesPre-registered farmers may bring their unwanted agricultural pesticides to these collection events for free disposal. For

transportation planning purposes, pre-registration is required by calling John Exner at 763-765-4466 to inventory the

amount of agricultural pesticides being delivered for disposal.

used motor oIl dIsPosalUsed Oil, Oil Filters & Anti-Freeze may be de-

livered to one of seven disposal locations estab-lished throughout the County. Visit www.east-

sideoilcompanies.com/recycling/ to find a used oil collection site near you.

7

4AdhesivesAerosols

Automotive Chemicals

(NO MOTOR OIL – SEE BELOW)

Car Batteries Cleaners

Fuels (Gasoline, Diesel, Etc.)

Fluorescent Bulbs (limit 10 bulbs per vehicle)

Garden ChemicalsMercury

Mothballs

PaintsPoison

Pool/Spa ChemicalsRoofing Tar

Sealers

Products not accePted Include

Questions Contact John Exner with the Sherburne County Zoning Dept. at 763-765-4466

or john.exner@co.sherburne.mn.us Residential Households do not need to pre-register.

Wetlands were once considered wasted space, a hindrance to urban development and crop production. In Minnesota, an estimated 11 million acres of wetlands have been drained or filled over the last hundred years, leaving about 10 million acres. While this represents a 50% loss statewide, some areas of Minnesota have lost more than 90% of their original wet-lands. Sherburne County is fortunate to have 50% - 80% of the original pre-settlement wetlands remaining. Wet-lands provide a number of valuable functions and values:

• Erosion control. Wetland veg-etation reduces erosion along lakes and stream banks by reducing forces associated with wave action.

• Fisheries habitat. Many spe-cies of fish utilize wetland habitats for spawning, food sources, or protec-tion.

• Flood control. Wetlands can slow runoff water, minimizing the frequency streams and rivers reach catastrophic flood levels.

• Ground water recharge and discharge. Some wetlands serve as a source of ground water recharge. By detaining surface waters that would otherwise quickly flow to distant lakes or rivers, the water can perco-late into the ground and help ensure long-term supplies of quality ground water. Some wetlands are ground-water discharge are- as; they receive

ground water even during dry peri-ods. This helps reduce the impact of short-term droughts on rivers and streams.

• Natural filter. By trapping and holding water, wetlands store nutrients and pollutants in the soil, allowing cleaner water to flow in to the body of water beyond or below the wetland. Vegetation, like cattails, can absorb some of the pollutants that remain in the soil. Wetlands also moderate water flows, providing time for sediments to settle out before the water is released to other wetlands, lakes, or streams. Less sediment means clearer waters and a better environment for aquatic life.

• Rare species habitat. 43% of threatened or endangered species in the U.S. live in or depend on wet-lands. This includes plants and ani-mals.

• Recreation. Wetlands are great places to canoe, hunt, fish, or explore and enjoy nature.

• Source of income. Wetlands provide economic commodities such as cranberries and fish and provide spatial amenities to developments.

• Wildlife habitat. Many ani-mals depend on wetlands for homes and resting spots. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic insects and certain mammals need wetlands as a place for their young to be born and grow.

• Education. Wetlands provide ideal locations for classroom ecologi-

cal studies and a focus for art.

Wetland regulationAny impacts to wetlands in

Sherburne County will require a per-mit. Applicants will often need to show efforts to avoid wetlands and may be required to replace drained or filled wetland areas. In Sherburne County, you will need to talk with your Local Government Unit (LGU) for any activities in a wetland. A wetland delineation by an approved delineator is typically required to

determine the boundaries of a wet-land. Sherburne County is the LGU for all Townships located within Sherburne County. If you live within the city limits of Clear Lake, Becker, Big Lake, Elk River, Princeton, St. Cloud or Zimmerman you will need to contact your city.

Please contact Zach at zach.gut-tormson@co.sherburne.mn.us or 763-765-4462 if you have any questions or request additional information.

Importance of Wetlands

Requirements pertaining to septic systems in Sherburne County are outlined in the Sherburne County Zoning Ordinance (Section 17.5) and Minnesota Rules Chapters 7080-7083. For further information on re-quirements and regulations, please contact the Sherburne County Plan-ning and Zoning Office with any questions or comments you may have. We look forward to working with you. Below are some frequent septic relat-ed questions we often receive:

How do I get a permit to install a septic system?

Contact a state-licensed septic sys-tem designer to determine the ap-propriate system size and location for your property. After working with you, the designer will submit a design to the Zoning Office for review. Once your design is approved by the Zon-ing Office, you can submit an appli-cation with the appropriate fee. A fee schedule is available in the Zoning Office and on the County’s website at www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning. In addition, a list of licensed septic pro-fessionals is available online at www.pca.state.mn.us/water/ssts-search.

What do I need to do after I ob-tain a permit?

Unless the homeowner is install-ing the system, the responsibility generally shifts to the septic system installer. It is required that the in-staller contact the Zoning Office for an inspection 24 hours prior to cover-ing the system. Once the inspection is approved, a certificate of installa-tion will be issued.

Do I need a permit to replace my pump?

A permit is not needed in Sherburne County for septic system maintenance such as pump replace-ment, manhole lid replacement, pipe

repair, and filter cleaning/replace-ment. If you are unsure, please call the Zoning Office and we will gladly answer your questions.

What is a compliance inspection?A compliance inspection is used to

determine if a septic system meets local and state requirements. The inspection must be conducted by a state-licensed inspector. The inspec-tor looks at the septic tank(s) to determine if they are wa-tertight. The i n s p e c t o r reviews the drainfield to ensure it has the minimum required ver-tical separa-tion between the bottom of the drainfield and the periodically saturated soil or bedrock. Additionally, the inspector checks to see if the system is function-ing properly overall. If the inspection passes, a certificate of compliance is issued.

When do I need a compliance in-spection?

Any transfer of property in Sherburne County requires the sep-tic system to be newer than five (5) years or a passing septic compliance inspection completed on the system within the past three (3) years. In addition, any building permit re-quest, other than maintenance per-mits (i.e re-roof, re-side, furnace), re-quires that the septic system on the property is newer than ten (10) years or a passing compliance inspection completed on the system in the past ten (10) years.

How can my system be failing?Often times we hear of systems

“working” or that homeowners have never had a problem with the system despite the fact that an inspector just failed it. A septic system is not only considered failing if it is discharg-ing to the ground surface or backing up into a dwelling, but it can also be failing if the bottom of the drainfield has less than the required vertical

separat ion d i s t a n c e from the water table or any other r e s t r i c t -ing layer. MN Rules 7080.1500, Subp. 4 further ex-plains com-pliance cri-teria.

How can I take better care of my septic sys-tem?

Homeowners can start by working with a septic system professional to develop a management plan for their specific system. A management plan can help the homeowner understand the importance of a regular pumping schedule and how to establish the pumping schedule that is right for their specific system. A management plan can also help the homeowner understand the importance of moni-toring water use, repairing leaky fix-tures, limiting the use of antibacte-rial products and household cleaners, and knowing what types of products and medications are potentially det-rimental to a septic system. For more detailed information regarding the use of your septic system and man-agement plans, please visit the Uni-versity of Minnesota website (www.

septic.umn.edu). There is an Owner’s Guide available to purchase as well as many free resources. In the end, it is important to remember that prop-erly maintaining your septic system will help optimize the lifespan and performance of the system which is both environmentally and financially beneficial.

Is septic maintenance required?Minnesota Rules 7080.2450 re-

quires septic systems to be assessed a minimum of every three years to determine if the tanks need to be pumped out. Section 17.5, Subd. 7 of the Sherburne County Zoning Ordi-nance requires a management plan for all new or replacement septic sys-tems.

What can I do to prevent my sep-tic system from freezing?

Although there is no one solution that will work for every situation, there are many things that can be done to help prevent septic systems from freezing. Here are a few ideas to start with. There are many more available on the University of Minne-sota website (www.septic.umn.edu).

• Do not mow the grass over the top of the drainfield in the fall.

• Also in the fall, spread 8-12 inches of loose leaves, hay, or straw on top of the drainfield, tank(s), and the pipes going to and from the tank(s).

• If you are going to be out of town for more than 2 days over the winter months, have a friend or neighbor stop over periodically and use an appliance such as a dishwash-er to inject warmth into the system.

QuestionsPlease contact John Exner or Steve

Aleshire at 763-765-4450 if you have additional questions or request addi-tional information.

Septic System Questions??? Call the planning & Zoning Department

Page 2 – Environmental Educator – Summer 2016 Summer 2016– Environmental Educator – Page 3

Office of the State ArchaeologistEstablished in 1963, the Office

of the State Archaeologist (OSA) is charged with sponsoring, conducting and directing research into the pre-historic and historic archaeology of Minnesota; protecting and preserv-ing archaeological sites and objects; disseminating archaeological infor-mation through the publication of reports and articles; identifying, au-thenticating and protecting human burial sites; reviewing and licensing archaeological fieldwork conducted within the state; and enforcing provi-sions of MN Statutes 138.31-138.42 and 307.08.

Under MN Statutes 138.31-138.42, licensure through the OSA is re-quired for field archaeology under-taken on all lands or waters owned,

leased by or subject to the paramount right of the state or its subdivisions, as well as on lands impacted by pub-licly-funded development projects. Proposed projects are reviewed to as-sess the appropriateness of research methodology and to assist in identi-fying strategies for mitigating poten-tial adverse effects to known cultural resources. Only professional archae-ologists meeting the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Archaeology (36 CFR Part 61) may be licensed to conduct such investigations in the state of Minnesota. A copy of the application form, including terms and conditions for licensure, can be obtained by contacting the OSA at www.mn.gov/admin/archaeologist/.

The OSA has the right to enter all

non-federal property for the purpose of authentication, but the State Ar-chaeologist will always attempt to gain landowner permission before undertaking an authentication.

The OSA also maintains a data-base of the state's identified archaeo-logical sites in collaboration with the Minnesota State Historic Preserva-tion Office (SHPO).

Burial SitesSection 307.08 of Minnesota's "Pri-

vate Cemeteries Act" (MS 307) af-fords all human burial grounds and remains older than 50 years and lo-cated outside of platted or identified cemeteries protection from unauthor-ized disturbance. This statute applies to burials on either public or private

lands or waters, and includes prehis-toric Indian burial mounds as well as historic cemeteries.

Authentication of burial sites is conducted under the sole auspices of the OSA per this statute. In the event that a burial is either known or sus-pected to be associated with Ameri-can Indian peoples, the OSA works in concert with representatives of Min-nesota's tribal communities to ensure the integrity of such burial sites. The OSA maintains a database of identi-fied burial sites in the state.

For more information or for a list of licensed archaeologists, please con-tact the Minnesota Office of the State Archaeologist at http://www.mn.gov/admin/archaeologist/ or 612-725-2427.

Through composting in your back-yard, you can recycle fruit scraps,

vegetable peelings, grass clippings and leaves into a wonderful soil amendment called humus. Benefits, both environmental and economical, of composting include:

• Enjoy Healthier Plants. Compost can be spread on your lawn, as top dressing, or placed around plants, bushes and trees as a mulch to help retain moisture and inhibit weed growth.

• Backyard composting allows you to produce healthy soil overall for your plants, which means your vegetables will be greener, and your plants will be brighter and more vi-brant.

• Reduce your garbage and your garbage bill. Remove the organ-ic material from your garbage and you may be able to a have a smaller garbage can, which always costs less in Minnesota.

• Conserve water and save

money. Placing compost around plants, bushes and trees will help retain moisture so you won’t have to water as much. Composting your food waste means you don’t have to use your garbage disposal and the extra water it takes to flush it down your drain.

• Composting is a great soil amendment for sandy soil. Reducing the need to purchase chemical fertil-izers and potting soil.

What types of material can be composted:

• Vegetable scraps• Green plant trimmings• Fruit scraps• Old flowers• Leaves• Tea Bags• Coffee grounds and filters• Acorns• Sawdust

• Grass Clippings• Rinsed Eggshells• Pine Needles• Garden Waste• Straw

To prevent odors and keep pests away from your backyard compost bin, do not compost the following:

• Meat or Bones• Pet Waste• Whole Eggs• Dairy Products

There are many examples on the internet that will show you how to build your own backyard composting bin. In addition, most home improve-ment stores have pre-manufactured compost bins for sale. If you would like additional information please contact John Exner, Sherburne Coun-ty Zoning, john.exner@co.sherburne.mn.us.

Backyard Composting

Building permit requirements in Sherburne County are governed by the specific provisions of the Min-nesota State Building Code, which is available on our website www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning/building-permits/.

Refer to County Ordinances and related factsheets for further infor-mation on requirements and regula-tions. Please feel to contact our office with any questions or comments.

What requires a building permit?The Sherburne County Ordinance

requires a permit for the construc-tion and placement of structures on property as well as additions and structural alterations to exist-ing structures. In addition to dwell-ings, typical structures requiring permits include decks, garages, fin-ishing basements, swimming pools, etc. Please visit www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning/buildingpermits/ for a complete list.

I live in a City and need a building permit. Does the County issue per-mits for Cities?

Sherburne County does not issue building permits for incorporated municipalities of the County. Contact your City directly for building permit requirements.

Do I need a permit to re-shingle or re-side my house?

Yes, a permit is needed for main-tenance items such as re-shingle, re-side, gas water heaters, fireplace and furnace installation, window replace-ment, and garage door replacement.

Where do I get permit applica-tions & information?

Sherburne County offers ap-plications and information on-line. The website address is: www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning/building-

permits. You may also obtain a permit application at the Planning and Zon-ing Office located at the Sherburne County Government Center. Com-pleted applications may be mailed or brought to the Planning and Zoning office located at: 13880 Business Cen-ter Drive, Elk River, MN 55330

What needs to be included with my permit application?

Depending on the type of building permit, the information required var-ies. Please visit www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning/buildingpermits or contact our office at 763-765-4450 to determine what needs to be included with your permit.

What prerequisites are required in order to apply?

All permits require a current sep-tic compliance or installation inspec-tion. These inspections are valid for 10 years and must be performed by a state licensed septic profes-sional. Contact our office or www.co.sherburne.mn.us for a list of local septic professionals.

How long does it take for a per-mit to be issued?

Issuing a building permit can take up to 15 business days after a com-plete application has been submit ted. Permit review times vary, depending on the time of year. Summer months are generally busier which results in longer permit issuance times.

Do I have to come back and pick up my approved permit?

Yes, the permit can be picked up at the Planning and Zoning office. The permit must also be paid for when it is picked up.

How long is my building permit good for?

Construction must start within 180 days of the permit issuance date. Permits are valid for 6 months and can be extended provided progress is being made.

Do I need a permit for a fence and how close to the property can it be built?

A permit is not required for a fence under 7 feet in height. If the fence ex-ceeds 7 feet in height, designs from a professional engineer must be sup-plied with the permit. A fence can be erected up to a property line but cannot encroach on the neighboring property. No fences are allowed in-side the building set- back to a lake, cannot infringe upon the view of a waterbody, and must not be placed in the road right-of-way.

How do I contact an electrical in-spector?

Contact the Inspector from the De-partment of Labor and Industry at: (320) 743-3149 or www.dli.mn.gov (Call between 7:00 - 8:30 am)

What are the required setbacks?Setbacks differ depending on the

zoning of each parcel. Because there are so many variables, we advise our residents to contact the Planning and Zoning office to determine the re-quired setbacks that pertain to a par-ticular property. Setbacks can also be found in our County Ordinances available on our website.

Is my lot buildable?There are many requirements that

need to be met in order for a lot to be buildable. Setbacks requirements, septic regulations, well placement, and zoning are just a few of the items that need to be verified. In addtition, environmental considerations that also need to be reviewed include; wetland, shoreland, and flood plain regulations.

QuestionsFor all of your building permit ques-

tions, please contact the Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Depart-ment online at zoning@co.sherburne.mn.us or directly at 763-765-4450.

Building Permit – FAQ’s

Sherburne County

Yard Waste Compost SitesSherburne County residents have four conve-

nient options when it comes time to manage yard wastes. There are four public compost sites located in Sherburne County. County residents may use any one of these facilities free of charge.

Please note, a non-expiring access card is required prior to your first use of the facilities. Access cards can be obtained at the Becker, Big Lake, Elk River or Zimmerman City Halls. Photo ID or Sherburne County property tax statement is required in order to obtain your free card. Please note that commer-cial users (landscapers, tree removal companies, lawn mowers) are required to purchase an annual access card to utilize the sites. The annual fee for commercial users is $500 for the first vehicle and $250 for each additional vehicle. (Vehicle weight re-strictions also apply).

Accepted items include grass clippings, leaves, sod, brush, branches and logs. Items that are not accepted include tree stumps, rocks, concrete, trash and bags (empty and reuse your bags). Each site is monitored via CCTV, disposal of prohibited items may result in a fine.

The compost sites are located in Becker, Big Lake, Elk River and Zimmerman. Directions and additional composting information is available at www.co.sherburne.mn.us/zoning/sw/compost.php.

If you have any questions about composting, please contact John Exner, Sherburne County Zon-ing, at 763-765-4466 or john.exner@co.sherburne.mn.us.

Backyard garbage burning releases toxic chemi-cals into our air. These chemicals settle on our soil, water, and plants—and eventually get into the food we eat. Breathing these pollutants can lead to seri-ous lung and heart issues and eating contaminated food can cause serious health problems like cancer.

What’s the problem? Garbage has changed in the last 50 years. Burn-

ing anything, even seemingly harmless items like paper, releases pollution. That’s because today’s garbage contains plastics, dyes, and other chemi-cals that release hazardous toxins when burned. In fact, backyard garbage burning is now the largest source of dangerous dioxins in the United States.

Burning your garbage is harmful to our health and environment. Backyard burning pollutes our air, water and food. It also contributes to nearly half of all wildfires in Minnesota. Burning garbage in Sherburne County is against the law and may result in a citation if you are caught.

What can you do to help?Don’t burn garbage – at home, on the farm or in

a campfire.Use recycling and garbage service from a local li-

censed hauler; encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Reduce waste, buy items with less packaging. Educate your family and neighbors about the

hazards of burning. Contact the Sherburne County Zoning Office at

763-765-4450 if you see your neighbors burning their garbage.

Source: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency www.pca.state.mn.us

If you’re burning garbage, you’re making poisons

What is Stormwater Runoff?The importance of an abundant and clean water supply can not be argued. Minne-

sota is blessed with an abundance of high quality water resources but ensuring that the State’s waters are clean requires awareness and efforts from everyone. Two of the lead-ing factors of impaired water quality are stormwater runoff and illicit discharges. This article will briefly describe those two factors and the steps Sherburne County Planning and Zoning is taking to protect our waters from being polluted.

Stormwater runoff is one way pollutants can enter the State’s waters. Whenever rain or melting snow runs through yards and down streets it carries debris which can trans-port pollutants into the state’s waters. The main pollutants caused by stormwater run-off are: sediments (dirt, that fills in lakes and streams and caries other pollutants into our waters), nutrients (small quantities of fertilizers create an overabundance of algae), microorganisms (fecal bacteria caused by untreated animal and human waste) and tox-ics (pesticides, salt, and heavy metals). This type of pollution enters the state’s waters many ways and many times it is not visible.

Illicit discharges that enter into ditches, streams and lakes are another way pollutants can enter the State’s waters. Some examples of illicit discharge include: chemical spills, failing septic systems, illegal dumping of solid waste, and improper storage or disposal of solid waste. Efforts to eliminate pollutants from stormwater runoff and illicit discharge are headed by the Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department. Those efforts range from free public hazardous waste collection events to regulating ordinances.

The Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department requires septic systems be evaluated by a certified septic inspector when properties are transferred or if a land use permit is requested and the septic system is over 10 years old. This effort is undertaken to ensure septic system are functioning properly and not causing pollutants to enter the ground water. The Sherburne County Solid Waste Department enforces ordinances pro-hibiting illegal dumping and improper storage of solid waste on private properties. The Solid Waste Department also facilitates several free hazardous waste cleanup events annually. These events are held to provide County residents an opportunity to property dispose of paints, lawn chemicals, fuel, fertilizers, solvents and miscellaneous chemicals free of charge.

Controlling stormwater runoff and illicit discharges from conveying pollutants into the State’s waters is challenging, because sources of pollution can come almost any-where. Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department will continue their efforts to control pollutants from entering the State’s waters. But it also requires awareness from the County’s residents and businesses to be aware how they manage their proper-ties and potential pollutants that may be sitting around.

For more information about this article please contact the Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department at 1-800-438-0578 or online at zoning@co.sherburne.mn.us.