2007 Household Hazardous Waste Collection

Page 4 – Environmental Educator – Spring 2007
Calendar of Events
April 21
Energy Expo- Twin Lakes Elementary School, Elk River
April 28
Clean Up Events- City of Elk River & Blue Hill Township; Garden Expo- Handke
Center in Elk River from 8am-2:30pm
May 5
Clean Up Events- Cities of Big Lake, Clear Lake, and Zimmerman Townships of
Big Lake, Haven, Baldwin, Clear Lake, and Orrock
May 12 and 13
Princeton Girl Scouts Troop 578 Cardboard and Newspaper Collection Events,
Princeton Pamida Parking Lot
May 19
Free HHW Collection Event- 9am - 6pm Kolbinger Park, Becker
Clean Up Events- City of Becker, Townships of Becker, and Santiago
June 2
Clean Up Event- Livonia Township
July 7 and 8
Princeton Girl Scouts Troop 578 Cardboard and Newspaper Collection Events
Princeton Pamida Parking Lot
July 10
Free HHW Collection Event 1pm-6pm, Clear Lake City Hall Township
July 12
Free HHW Collection Event 1pm-6pm Sherburne County Public Works
Garage, Zimmerman
August 7th, 8th, & 9th
Free HHW Collection Event 1pm-6pm Sherburne County Fairgrounds, Elk
River
September 8 and 9
Princeton Girl Scouts Troop 578 Cardboard and Newspaper Collection Events
Princeton Pamida Parking Lot
September 25
United Cerebral Palsy 2nd Annual Great Computer Drop-Off and Electronic
Recycling Event 9am-5pm Sherburne County Fairgrounds, Elk River
November 10 and 11
Princeton Girl Scouts Troop 578 Cardboard and Newspaper Collection Events
Princeton Pamida Parking Lot
PrstStd U.S. Postage PAID
Permit #11 Elk River, MN 55330
ECRWSS
RESIDENT
CONSTRUCTION SEASON
REMINDER
With the advent of spring, the
construction season will be
upon us. This is a reminder
to contact the Sherburne
County Planning and Zoning
Department at 1-800-4380578 or (763) 241-2900 prior
to performing any excavation,
construction, or moving a
structure.
Vol. 14, No. 3
Inside this issue
A Sherburne County Publication • 13880 Hwy. 10, Elk River, MN 55330
Energy Expo ...............................................1
Household Hazardous Waste Collection .........1
In addition, finished compost and wood chip
(brush) mulch are available at no cost on a first
come - first served basis. Residents wishing to
use the finished products must provide their
own method of transportation and should plan
on loading it themselves.
The composts sites are located in the following
four cities:
To identify potential household hazardous wastes that may be in your home look for words in the product label, such as: caution, warning,
danger, poison, and combustible. Many product labels give instructions on how to use the product and how to properly dispose product
leftovers. Examples of household hazardous waste products include: paints, motor oil, lawn and garden chemicals, household cleaning
products, aerosol cans, solvents, poisons, pool chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, adhesives, and mercury.
Types of materials accepted include: grass
clippings, leaves, yard waste, brush, branches
under 12', trees less than 12' (including Christmas
trees).
Types of materials that are prohibited include:
household garbage, treated lumber, branches
over 12', trees over 12', stumps, and concrete
waste of any kind (concrete is NOT compostable
— and violators will be fined).
A few guidelines to help you manage household hazardous waste:
* Buy carefully and purchase only the amount that is needed and can easily be used up. This would avoid the need to
dispose of leftover material.
* Use up products before purchasing new.
* Read and follow label safety directions.
* Do not use pesticides that are more than ten (10) years old, as they may be banned.
* Store all household hazardous waste material out of reach of children.
* Store household hazardous waste away from heat or flames.
* Never mix products together.
* Try to keep products in their original container for delivery to collection sites.
Sherburne County proudly announces that there will be four (4) Household
Hazardous Waste Collection events this summer. The collection events are
FREE and open to all Sherburne County residents.
* May 19th at Kolbinger Park in Becker from 9am-2pm.
* July 10th at the Clear Lake City Hall from 1pm-6pm
* July 12th at the Sherburne County Public Works Garage in Zimmerman from 1pm-6pm.
* August 7th -9th at the Sherburne County Fairgrounds in Elk River from 1pm-6pm each day.
SHERBURNE COUNTY AREA RECYCLING DIRECTORY
RECYCLING SITE
POST
CITY/TOWN
PHONE
Becker True Value
140893 Bank St.
Becker
(763) 261-4464
Mon.-Fri. 8-7, Sat. 8-5, Sun. 10-3
Fluorescent Lamps, Ballasts, HID Bulbs, Household Batteries
Central Appliance Recyclers
3107 Hwy. 10 SE
St. Cloud
(320) 252-3221
9 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F, 9 a.m.-noon Sat.
Appliances, Fluorescent Bulbs, Ballasts, TVs and Electronics
City of Becker
Call for directions
Becker
(763) 261-4449
24 hours
Yard Waste, Branches and Trees less than 12" in diameter
City of Big Lake
Call for directions
Big Lake
(763) 263-2268
9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day
Yard Waste, Christmas Trees, Branches less than 2" in diameter
City of Elk River
19000 Proctor Rd.
Elk River
(763) 635-1120
M-F 7 to 4:30
Used Oil, Filters, Antifreeze, Yard Waste
City of Zimmerman
25499 2nd St. E.
Zimmerman
(763) 856-4666
Fri. 3 to 7, Sat. 9 to 1
Used Oil, Filters, Yard Waste, Household Batteries
East Side Oil
621 SE Lincoln Ave.
St. Cloud
(320) 252-9711
24 Hours
Used Oil & Filters
Citywide
Elk River
(763) 441-2020
Call for recycling bin
Food & Beverage Cans, Glass & Plastic, Newspaper, Cardboard
22460 Hwy. 169 NW
EIk River
(763) 441-2464
7 a.m.-4 p.m. M-F, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat.
Appliances, Tires, Auto Batteries, Unbagged Compost
Indy Lube
522 Dodge Ave.
Elk River
(763) 241-1103
Mon.-Sat. 8-5
Used Oil & Filters (5 gallons or less)
Jerry’s Auto Salvage
20798 Hwy. 10
Big Lake
(763) 263-2600
M-F 8-5, Sat. 8-12
Complete or Parts of Autos, Batteries, Tires (at a cost),
Aluminum, Tin, Steel, Used Oil (up to 5 gallons)
11680 Hwy. 10 SE
Becker
(763) 261-2458
M, W, F, 8-4, Sat. 9 a.m. noon
Utility Poles and Trees
Python’s Recycling Center
550 4-1/2 St. NE
St.Cloud
(320) 253-2054
M-F 8:30-5, Sat. 8:30-2
Metals, Glass, Plastic, Cardboard, Magazines/Newsprint,
Books, Paper
B & E Recycling
16501 Hwy. 10
Elk River
(763) 441-7211
M-F 8:30-5, Sat. 8:30-1
Aluminum, Metals, Cardboard, Appliances, Fluorescent Bulbs,
Household Batteries, TVs, Computers, Electronics
Schmiege’s Salvage
25140 Hwy. 169
Zimmerman
(763) 856-2037
Mon.-Fri. 9-5, Sat. 8-noon
Complete or Parts of Autos, Batteries, Tires (at a cost),
Aluminum, Tin, Steel, Oils, Filters, & Old Machinery
Elk River Landfill
Product Recovery Inc.
MATERIALS ACCEPTED
CLIP &
ADDRESS
Elk River Curbside Rec.
HOURS
Tri County Household
Hazardous Waste Facility
601 N. 20th Ave.
St. Cloud
(800) 450-6140
Please call for info.
Paint, Solvents, Pesticides, Cleaning Chemicals
Vonco II
15000 140th Ave.
Becker Twp
(763) 262-8662
7 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Tree Stumps, Grubbing and Root Balls, and Unbagged Composting
If you would like to be included on this list, please contact Johnny Exner of the Sherburne County Zoning Office at 763-241-2947
This newsletter is printed
on recycled paper
Please recycle it again.
Special Thanks to these Contributors
Sherburne County Planning and Zoning Department
ECM Publishing and Star News • MPCA • MOEA • Minnesota Extension Service
Recycling Association of Minnesota (RAM) • The City of Elk River
Compost Sites ............................................4
Recycling Directory ......................................4
Household Hazardous Wastes are waste materials that can be harmful to human health and/or the environment if used, stored, or thrown
away improperly. These wastes are the leftovers from common household products we all have in our homes. When the product is no
longer usable or wanted, it becomes household hazardous waste. To protect our environment and ourselves, do not dispose of household
hazardous waste products in your trash, down your sewers, or on the ground.
For more information or to find the location
nearest you, please contact the Sherburne
County Zoning Department at 1-800-438-0578
or (763) 241-2947.
City of Becker
City of Big Lake
City of Elk River
City of Zimmerman
Battery Collection ........................................3
Shoreland Refresher .....................................3
Calendar of Events ......................................4
Construction Season ....................................4
2007 Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events
Composting Sites
within Sherburne
County
Perhaps you were unaware; however the
following sites located in Sherburne County
accept certain compostable materials at NO
COST to Sherburne County residents. The sites
are available for ALL COUNTY RESIDENTS.
2007 Clean Up Days..................................2
Arbor Day..................................................2
Illegal Dump Sites........................................2
Garden Expo .............................................3
Spring 2007
For additional information about this publication
please contact the Sherburne County Zoning
and Solid Waste office
at 763-241-2900 or 1-800-438-0578
Please note: Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events are not licensed to accept waste from businesses, farms, non-profit, or
government entities.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact John Exner of the Sherburne County
Zoning Department at: 1-800-438-0578 or Email at: john.exner@co.sherburne.mn.us
2007 CLEAN- UP DAYS
Items not accepted
include:
household
trash, medical waste,
agricultural
wastes,
and hazardous wastes.
Please contact your
city or township for
pricing information and
location.
Sherburne County is pleased to announce the upcoming Spring Clean-Up schedule for county
residents. The annual spring clean-up allows residents to dispose of their unwanted items or
junk. Items accepted at clean-up days include: appliances, tires, mattresses, furniture, scrap metal,
automotive batteries, and electronics or e-waste.
City of Becker
May 19, 2007
Blue Hill Township
April 28, 2007
City of Big Lake
May 5, 2007
Clear Lake Township
May 5, 2007
City of Clear Lake
May 5, 2007
Haven Township
May 5, 2007
City of Elk River
April 28, 2007
Livonia Township
June 2, 2007
City of Zimmerman
May 5, 2007
Orrock Township
May 5, 2007
Baldwin Township
May 5, 2007
Palmer Township
Undetermined
Becker Township
May 19, 2007
Santiago Township
May 19, 2007
Big Lake Township
May 5, 2007
WHY ARE BATTERIES HARMFUL FOR THE ENVIRONMENT?
Laptops, I-Pods, Toys, Cell Phones, Calculators — These are just some
of the things that need batteries to function in our daily lives. The
United States EPA estimates that more than 350 million rechargeable
batteries are purchased annually in the United States. Batteries are a
unique product comprised of heavy metals and other elements that
make things "portable." Some of these toxic heavy metals include
nickel cadmium, alkaline, mercury, nickel metal hydride, and lead acid.
It is these elements that can threaten our environment if not properly
discarded.
Batteries may produce the following potential problems or hazards:
-Pollute the lakes and rivers as the metals vaporize into the air when
burned.
-Contribute to heavy metals that potentially may leach from solid
waste landfills.
-Expose the environment and water to lead and acid.
-Some batteries may cause burns and danger to eyes and skin.
-Batteries that end up in landfills and incinerators eventually leak into
the environment and end up in the food chain, causing health risks to
humans and animals.
Sherburne County residents are fortunate to have many convenient
battery recycling locations located throughout the county. Residents
are required to discard of old and unwanted batteries at the following
locations:
-Becker Community Center
-Becker True Value Hardware
-BP in Clear Lake
-Briggs Lake General Store
-Central Appliance Recyclers
-City of Big Lake Offices
-City of Clear Lake Offices
-City of Elk River Offices
-City of Zimmerman Offices
-Coborns of Big Lake
-Coborns of Elk River
-Santiago Country Store
-Cubs Foods of Elk River
-B&E Recycling Center
-Hardware Hank in Zimmerman
-Home Depot in Elk River
-Livonia Township Offices
-Sand Dune Stop
-Sherburne County Government Center
Batteries accepted at these locations include:
Alkaline
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd)
Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-Ion
Button
Lead-Acid Batteries, also know as Car Batteries, can be properly
disposed of at the following locations:
-A #1 Battery Source in Elk River
-B&E Recycling Station in Elk River
-Batteries Plus in Elk River and St. Cloud
-Sherburne County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events.
Please contact John Exner of the Sherburne County Zoning Office at
763-241-2947 with any questions you may have regarding the proper
disposal of your unwanted batteries.
Page 2 – Environmental Educator – Spring 2007
Spring 2007 – Environmental Educator – Page 3
Elk River Energy Expo will focus on Global Warming
Elementary
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, April 21, 2007,
the City of Elk River
will hold the first Energy
Expo at the new Twin Lakes
School, 10050 - 191st Avenue.
The Energy Expo is free of charge and will have activities
geared toward both adults and children. Free giveaways
and a grand prize drawing will be part of the event and
will add to the fun!
The goal of the Energy Expo is to increase public
awareness of global climate changes, and to inform
people about practical actions they can take to have a
positive impact on global warming.
Paul Douglas, the Chief Meteorologist from WCCO-TV,
will be the keynote speaker. His 11 a.m. presentation
will be geared to audiences of all ages, and will focus on
the topic of global warming. Paul is a local celebrity and
has been broadcasting television weather reports for
25 years. He also writes a daily weather column for the
Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper.
In addition to Mr. Douglas' keynote speech, there will be
short presentations throughout the afternoon on topics
such as water conservation, energy efficient products
and garbage recycling. Children will enjoy performances
with an environmental theme by the CLIMB Theatre and
Tricia and the Toonies.
A free bus tour of four locations will also be offered
as part of the Expo. Three of the sites can be toured:
a Landfill Gas-to-Electric Facility, a Refuse Derived Fuel
plant and the Great River Energy plant. A fourth stop to
view and hear the history of a full-scale wind generator
will also be part of the tour. Advance registration for
the bus tour is requested, and will be available online at
www.elkriverenergycity.org, or by calling 763-635-1073
starting March 1, 2007.
A wide variety of exhibitors will be participating in
the Energy Expo, displaying products that conserve
resources and energy.
For more information about the 2007 Elk River Energy
Expo, please contact Rebecca Haug, Environmental
Administrator at 763.635.1068.
WHY PROPERTY OWNERS MUST CLEAN UP ILLEGALLY
DUMPED "JUNK" ON THEIR PROPERTY
The Sherburne County Planning and
Zoning Department frequently receives
complaint calls about piles of "junk"
illegally disposed of on someone's
property or along road ditches. When
we receive a complaint, the Planning and
Zoning staff will perform an investigation
and take photographs to determine
exactly what the "problem" or "junk" is.
material that must be removed and
disposed of properly before discarding.
The PCBs may leak into the ground,
contaminating the soil and ground water.
* In addition, children that play near
discarded appliances and junk cars
could easily become trapped inside the
appliance (refrigerators, washers, and
dryers) or junk vehicles and suffocate.
There are two general scenarios for
this practice. Either a property owner
has created an accumulated junk pile
on their own land, or someone else has
indiscriminately dumped their own trash
on someone else's property.
The list could go on and on, but the
point is clear: There simply is no excuse
for the illegal dumping of hazardous or
solid wastes.
If the "junk" is determined to be a
violation of Sherburne County Solid
Waste Ordinance(s), the property
owner will receive a letter requiring
them to clean up the area and dispose
of the materials properly, such as a
licensed landfill or recycling facility. If the
property owner was an innocent victim
of an illegal dumper, we will investigate
the situation and try to find the dumper.
We will also help the property owner
find the best way to clean up the
problem. Legally, however, it is the
responsibility of the property owner to
clean up the problem.
Junk pile complaint investigations
usually find old tires, various containers
containing hazardous wastes (anywhere
from less than a gallon in size to as
large as a 55 gallon drum), appliances,
mattresses, automobile batteries, old
cars, and electronics. All these materials
are required to be properly disposed of
in accordance with Sherburne County
and State Laws. After officially notifying
the property owner of their requirement
to properly dispose of these materials
and if the property owner continues to
retain the junk pile, or is found to discard
the material in an improper manner,
the owner may be found guilty of a
misdemeanor.
Another aspect of inappropriate junk
accumulation involves general littering
There are a number of approved facilities
in or around Sherburne County where
you can bring household hazardous
waste, as well as recycling solid waste
— many at no direct cost to you.
and roadside dumping. It is a sad fact
that every year more than 26,000 tons
of trash is thrown onto Minnesota
roadways. The irresponsible and illegal
practice of roadside dumping by a few
people has quite a negative effect on all
of us.
When roadway ditches are involved,
the negative consequences can become
quite obvious. The purpose of a roadside
ditch is to collect and route surface
water after rainstorms. When hazardous
waste items such as automobile batteries,
paint, oil, stains, varnish, pesticides, and
others are discarded in a roadside
ditch, their contents are easily dispersed
into the environment. Among other
concerns, polluted runoff along roadsides
and drainage ditches can contaminate
wells and surface water. Not only does
this practice create health issue concerns
for both humans and wildlife, it can also
be quite expensive to clean up.
There are several reasons why the
County and State develop and enforce
laws that deal with this problem. It is
worth highlighting some of the health
and safety risks, as well as the financial
costs, that are associated with illegal
dumping. For instance:
* As a result of illegal dumping, property
values decrease and the community
becomes unattractive to commercial and
residential developers.
* Illegal dump sites can start on fire,
either by spontaneous combustion or by
arson.
* Dump sites serve as a magnet for
additional dumping and other criminal
activities.
* Illegal dumping can impact proper
drainage of runoff, making areas more
susceptible to flooding when wastes
block ravines, creeks, culverts, and
drainage basins.
* Rodents, insects, and other vermin are
attracted to dump sites, and may also
pose health risks.
* Mosquitoes can multiple 100 times
faster than normal in the warm, stagnant
water standing in scrap tire casings.
Tires which are left outside can collect
water, which will thus provide an ideal
breeding ground for mosquitoes which
can transmit West Nile Virus and other
diseases.
* Areas used for illegal dumping are
often easily accessible to people,
especially children, who are vulnerable
to the physical (protruding nails or sharp
edges) and chemical (fluids and dust)
hazards posed by wastes.
* Old appliances may contain PCBs,
which are very harmful and hazardous
As a homeowner, you can bring your
Household Hazardous Waste (any
household products that exhibit
hazardous characteristics, such as being
toxic, poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or
reactive) to the Tri-County Household
Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facility
located in St. Cloud. The Tri-County
HHW facility is available to all Sherburne
County residents at no charge. The
HHW facility also offers a RE-USE Room
that offers a wide variety of typical
household chemicals products that
are either new or ready to use. These
products are available to you for FREE!
In addition, residents may legally dispose
of their unwanted Household Hazardous
Wastes at four regional collection events
being held in Sherburne County this
summer. An event will be May 19th in
Becker, July 10th in Clear Lake, July 12th
in Zimmerman, and August 7-9th in Elk
River. (Please see add on front page for
more information).
For more in-depth information on this
topic please contact John Exner of the
Sherburne County Planning and Zoning
Department at 763-241-2947.
This time of year most gardeners are eager to get
out and get their hands dirty. A sure way to prepare
for spring is to attend the 3rd Annual Garden Expo
hosted by the Sherburne County Master Gardeners
and District 728 Community Education. This day
long event is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, 2007
at Handke Center, 1170 Main Street in Elk River from
8:00 am - 2:30 pm.
Shade Gardening, Greenhouses and High Tunnels, Theme
Gardening, Weed Identification and Control, Gardening to
Attract Wildlife, Bulbs and Tubers, Annuals for Color and
more. Garden vendors, hands-on garden demonstrations
and educational exhibits are also scheduled. Separate youth
program for Grades K-5. Cost is $20 per person or $15 for
youth program, both include lunch. Register by calling 763241-3520 or on-line at: www.728communityed.com
Adults can learn from Sherburne County Master
Gardeners and local garden experts on a variety of
yard and garden topics including: Woodland Gardening,
Perennials, Ponds and Water Gardening, Fruit Trees for
Minnesota, Indoor Plants, Top Flowers for Minnesota,
For more information, please contact Tana Haugen-Brown
of the Sherburne County Extension Service at: 763-2412723 or online at: thbrown@umn.edu
Celebrate Arbor Day and Plant a Tree
Arbor Day was first proclaimed and recognized in 1874 and each year since
1978 Minnesota has recognized the last day in April as Arbor Day and
the entire month of May as Arbor Month. Arbor proclamations
are made to celebrate trees and to encourage tree planting.
Trees provide many benefits to our surroundings and influence
how we live. Trees provide shade, wildlife habitat, and lumber.
Trees help with energy savings around our homes, they
help increase property values, and they reduce storm
water runoff. Trees improve air quality and carbon dioxide
reduction. Trees also enhance a community's social and
economic life. Help your yard, your neighborhood, and your
community and Plant a Tree this spring. In celebration of
Arbor Day and Arbor Month, take the Tree Quiz and test
your tree knowledge.
Arbor Month Tree Quiz
1) What is the Minnesota State Tree?
2) Name the only conifer that is deciduous (it annually sheds its needles)?
3) How many needles does a white pine have in a bundle?
4) What 3 months should oak trees not be pruned?
5) How many needles does a red pine (Norway) have in a bundle?
6) Which has little to do with fall leaf color: shorter days, cooler
temperatures, or frost?
7) T or F: About 99% of a tree’s root system is in the top 3 feet of soil.
8) What is the term for the common measure of firewood?
9) What layer of a tree trunk moves water and nutrients from roots to
tree?
10) What is the process in trees that uses energy from the sun and
converts it to sugar?
Tree Quiz Answers: 1. Norway pine 2. Tamarack 3. Five 4. April-June 5. Two 6. Frost 7. True 8. Cord 9. Xylem 10. Photosynthes
Event will include
informative
presentations and
family activities
It's Spring . . . Check Out the Garden Expo!
Shoreland
Refresher*
When the snow melts and the world
warms again, residents begin calling the
Zoning Office with shoreland project
proposals. Successful proposals are
rewarded with Shoreland Alteration
Permits. The permits typically allow
residents to change the landscape
between their home and the lake,
stream or river on which they live.
While some see the Zoning Ordinance
governing shoreland projects as
a nuisance, many are relieved it
exists. In two Wisconsin studies, the
establishment of shoreland regulations
was shown to increase property
values by 7-24%. (1) Shoreland
regulations are generally supported
by the public as a means to preserve
natural characteristics and water
quality (directly related to property
value (2)), and to ensure development
doesn’t negatively impact neighboring
properties. Following are several areas
to consider when creating a shoreland
project proposal:
Vegetation Alterations
The removal of trees and plants
is highly regulated by shoreland
ordinances throughout Minnesota,
because native vegetation is the best
vegetation for a shoreline. Among
the many reasons are: the natural
view vegetation provides by screening
neighboring structures from sight;
the erosion control native vegetation
provides by holding soils in place on
steep slopes and shorelines with its
deep roots, the home it provides
to local wildlife, and the pollution
absorption and filtration it provides
by catching runoff before it enters
the lake or river. Eroded soils and
runoff decreases water clarity either
by suspending in the water column, or
by feeding algae blooms. Studies show
that when water clarity decreases by
one foot, surrounding properties as
a group decrease in value by tens of
thousands to millions of dollars. The
services native trees and plants provide
are valuable to the ecosystem, and to
your property, therefore their removal
is highly regulated. Be sure to indicate
where your trees and plants are
located before and after you complete
your project, including any replantings,
replacements, additions, and removals.
Erosion Control
As mentioned above, loose soil may
decrease water clarity and feed algae.
Loose soil has filled portions of lakes
and streams when not properly secured
with erosion control material. When
you are unable to provide a cover of
native trees and plants, protect your
soil. Phase your project to minimize
the amount of soil that is exposed at
any time. Place silt fencing, fiber logs, or
another form of erosion control downhill
to keep your soil from moving too far.
Use fiber blankets, grading, and mulch to
slow water and soil movement before
they reach your downhill protection.
Keeping your soil on your property and
out of the water is your responsibility,
so chose your erosion control material
carefully. Be sure to indicate the location
and type of erosion control material on
your project plan.
Stairs, Decks, Retaining Walls
and Water-Oriented Accessory
Structures
In general, all shoreland alterations
must have minimal visual impact as
viewed from the lake. Stairs, decks,
retaining walls and structures must
be hidden as much as possible by
vegetation, and should be a natural
color. None of these items are allowed
within ten feet of the Ordinary High
Water Level of the lake or stream.
All of these items are considered
impervious. Impervious surface for
lake and stream lots is not allowed to
exceed 25%. Stairs are not allowed to
exceed four feet in width. Retaining
walls over four feet in height require
an engineered-design build. Be sure
to indicate the placement, dimensions,
color, and material used in any stairs,
decks, retaining walls and wateroriented accessory structures, as well
as plans to minimize visual impact of
these items on your project plan.
Riprap and Beach Sand Blankets
As mentioned above, the roots of
native vegetation is the best erosion
control for shorelines. When it is
not enough, and the property owner
would like to stabilize her/his shore,
riprap may be an option. Riprap is only
an option, however, when there is a
pressing need to stop existing erosion
or to restore a past erosion problem.
Riprap should not be used when
erosion is preventable by other means.
Neither riprap nor beach sand blankets
may cover emergent vegetation,
or completely eliminate native
vegetation. Both riprap and beach
sand blankets have width, depth and
length restrictions. Be sure to indicate
the placement, dimensions, color and
material to be used for riprap and
beach sand blankets on your project
plan. If any fill will be used to level
behind the riprap, indicate the amount
and placement on your project plan.
Grading and Filling
Erosion control is very important
when grading and filling a shoreland
property. Soils may not be stockpiled
near the waterbody or on a steep
slope. Grading and filling is only
allowed if accessory to a permitted or
conditional use, and does not adversely
affect adjacent or nearby properties.
Movement of more than 10 cubic
yards on steep slopes or near a bluff,
and movement of more than 50 cubic
yards away from steep slopes and
bluffs will require an additional permit.
Be sure to indicate the amount and
location of any grading and filling on
your project plan. Remember to install
erosion control, and include it on your
drawings.
Shoreland Alteration Permit
Applications
Shoreland Alteration Permit
applications are available at the
Sherburne County Zoning Office. Staff
is willing to assist you in understanding
the Shoreland Ordinance and
completing your application. Please
remember, having a shoreland
ordinance, and protecting water
quality is good for your property value.
Shoreland ordinances protect the
natural beauty of water bodies, protect
water quality, and ensure alterations
do not negatively impact neighboring
properties.
Good resources:
www.clean-water.uwex.edu/pubs/pdf/
shore.property.pdf
www.dnr.state.mn.us
Sources:
1 Papenfus, Michael and Provencher.
“A Hedonic Analysis of Environmental
Zoning: Lake Classification in Vilas
County, Wisconsin.” University of
Wisconsin-Madison. 2005.
1 Spalatro and Provencher. “Analysis of
Minimum Frontage Zoning to Preserve
Lakefront Amenities.” 2000.
2 Michael, Boyle and Bouchard. “Water
Quality Affects Property Prices: A Case
Study of
Selected Maine Lakes.” University of
Maine. 1996.
2 Krysel, Boyer, Parson and Welle.
“Lakeshore Property Values and Water
Quality: Evidence from Property Sales
in
the Mississippi Headwaters Region.”
Mississippi Headwaters Board and
Bemidji State University. 2003.
*This is only a partial summary of the
Sherburne County Ordinance. A copy
of the entire Ordinance is available at:
www.co.sherburne.mn.us
For more information on this topic,
please contact Jen Oknich of the
Sherburne County Zoning Office at:
763-241-2914.