7. Authorizing Chan to Join an Environmental Cities Coalition 1 CITY OF 7.
_____
11 V
CHANHASSEN
1
.itt -0'' '' 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937-1900 • FAX (612) 937-5739
IIMEMORANDUM f., .
TO: Don Ashworth, City Manager
1 FROM: Jo Ann Olsen, Senior Planner �-
DATE: February 7, 1991 e.t_ - - �
�
SUBJ: Resolution to Join the Environmental Cities Coalition
1 The Environmental Cities Coalition (ECO) is an informal coalition
of cities that are interested in working on environmental
initiatives at the local level. ECO feels that by working together
I cities can create uniform policies across the state that will
provide solutions to environmental issues and also serve as models
for state legislation.
II The Chanhassen Recycling Commission has expressed interest in
joining the coalition to provide the city with useful information
on environmental issues being reviewed by other cities to provide
II cities with useful information from our experience and to work
towards uniform policies. Staff attended the most recent ECO
meeting held on January 24th in Falcon Heights. Almost 20 cities
I were represented at the meeting and staff was very impressed with
the knowledge and initiative of the group. The ECO is very
informal and if a city does not agree with a certain ordinance that
is being pursued by the ECO, it is not necessary, nor is there any
I pressure from the other city for the cities, to be involved in that
project. Being involved with ECO will provide Chanhassen with
another means of being at the forefront of environmental issues and
IIshould be very beneficial to the city. Attached is a resolution
for the City Council to adopt should you agree that the ECO is
something that Chanhassen should join.
IRECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached
Iresolution.
ATTACHMENTS
II1. Resolution.
2 . Information about ECO.
II
II
11
City of Chanhassen
Carver and Hennepin Counties, Minnesota
' DATE: RESOLUTION NO:
MOTION BY: SECONDED BY:
' A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CHANHASSEN
TO JOIN AN ENVIRONMENTAL CITIES COALITION
WHEREAS, the City of Chanhassen recognizes its leadership role
in protecting the environment of those people living and working
within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that local environmental
initiatives often have a more immediate impact on the environment
than those initiatives passed at higher levels of government; and
WHEREAS, the City understands that there is a need by
business, other governmental bodies, and the public for uniform
' regulations across the state; and
WHEREAS, The City believes that one way to obtain this type of
uniform regulation is to work closely with other cities in such a
way to coordinate the environmental legislation passed in these
cities; and
' WHEREAS, the City also believes that this type of inter-city
cooperation may act to stimulate state environmental legislation
dealing with the topics addressed by the cities and in a form
' acceptable to the cities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of
' Chanhassen authorizes the City to join an environmental cities
group, to participate in its decision making processes, and to
share information with other group members; and
' BE, IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Council understands
that, although the decisions of the group are not binding to the
City, the City has a commitment to participate actively in the
' activities of the group to the fullest extent possible.
Passed and adopted by the Chanhassen City Council this
day of , 1991.
ATTEST:
1
rDon Ashworth, City Clerk/Manager Donald J. Chmiel, Mayor
I
,.. iviétroitate nevus ��� ,,,��„C
. . :
IA 1. av,
"tr : '. _ December 13/1990
:/ _ .. - Read then recycle
r
t 1 •
t Of
'4x f r h
o t environment
16-cities iii state form. . • Panel will ask state to cut I
'environmental coalition •;. . waste 25% . :
1
packaging
.8y De la Rebttffoal some of the ordinances;others tray pus them By Dean Rebaffoal resistance would threaten the proposal's an-
'Staff Writer in the form of resolutions. , Chill-
- Writer era of becoming law next year.
i
',Vowing to "think globally, act locally," 16 "We can do a lot to protect the environment in e 1991 Legislature will be asked to seta very•
Th The legislative request will 'come from
;Minnesota cities have banded together to push our own back yard without having to wait for ambitious goal: Reduce by 25 percent the Select Committee on Packaging and the En
:for municipal programs that they say could the federal or state governments to act first," amount of paper,plastic and other packaging ronment(SCOPE). it was appointed by
help ease major environmental problems. said Bob Long,the coalition's acting chairman material that Minnesotans discard annually by Rudy Perpich last year to develop a statewide
and a St.Paul City Council member. 1994. strategy for promoting environmentally sound
The cities,including Minneapolis,St.Paul and • packaging, The committee also is intended
;Duluth,announced Wednesday that they have bang said that,after the 16 member cities have That would be done through improved state- resolve differences between business gt
'formed the Environmental Cities Coalition. acted on the proposed ordinances,the coalition wide recycling programs and by reducing the and proponents of stringent restrictions
;They're asking other Minnesota cities to join will push for local programs to help minimize use of packaging by manufacturers. There packaging.
them, and they plan over the next several the threat of global warming by reducing emir- would be fewer toxic substances in packaging
onths to introduce four initiatives to deal sions of the pollutant carbon dioxide.Coalition material,and more packaging would be recy- Six cities,including Minneapolis and St.Paul,
with air-and water-quality problems and solid members also are discussing local regulation of ded. passed ordinances last year that banned
k abatement. door-to-door distribution of nonrecyclable pa- packaging that the cities found to be en
per products,including telephone directories. But there is strong opposition by business mentally unsound. Business lobbyists co
e initiatives are proposed local ordinances groups to a key component of the proposed plained to the Legislature,which then prohi
at the coalition said could serve as models for Three of the model ordinances proposed by the p —a fee on certain toxic substances in ed local governments from adopting or enforce
mmunities throughout Minnesota. Some of • pw n�i And, business and environmental
16 member cities already have adopted Eatiroattseat continued on 138 lobbyists cautioned Wednesday that continued Made continue on page 13B
1
Environment ___• A»�
cukl..as Eras,page 1D
militia: all for mandatory recy- lots certain 7 be I peeoent phoipbo- Plastic CL<tl.ai 6a. a 111 - _ committee Miriam Curtis Johnson
city procurement of recycled sous.The proposed erdinanee calls -s meeting this week with officals
•cowry ordinances.The tore he aced to lefp toad sew three nolab and companies—3M
and recyclable materials and a hen for a limit of 7.1 pest �a ttta
on the de and use of lawn fertil ms sow L waiting for a report nom the 'pmQams Ana t10 Eoo1+D sad H B.Fuller—that
that contain high levels of;bomb*. The Minnesota Pollution Control
committee, whose 29 members io- produce tSemials toed is toakiam
rout Agency and the Metropolitan Waste dude business representatives,son- The problem,a business PaebIIni materials
Control Commission recently begin =meat officials,environmentalists -yesterday,is that the packaging m. We have a for the Lapelatune
Phosphorous can be washed from a study to determine how much and the AFI Clo. dustry would have to bear the report
lawns into lakes and streams and can phosphorous enters the Mississippi abase of financing such lams. that one, the majority sentiment w
promote the growth of undesirable River in wastewater discharges from a The committee is putting the filial Business also emends that� APE, and Johnson sorb it.s I'm
aquatic plants.It also an be flushed the commission's big Metropolitan u touches on its kpslative report,and toxins are present in very small Ooperu that I an find an■000mmo-
into dry sewer systems and,if not term=plant at Pig's Eye Lake in �ment among its •amounts in packs ands wants •da that will make it possible for
removed by sewage treatment plants, Si,Paul 25 percent reduction t cunt those substances& te whether the business tepnaentatives to be a'
enters riven in wastewater die I
charges. - Mark Hanson,a Minneapolis attor-
ney of packaging that is Pose ay harry or part of the consensus.We'll find out
t mum discarded,maxi- environmental beiae the Sr over the next few des
The fourth nn"representing the Natural Soap recycling of pac tag and the be." nit!mere
proposed ordinate is a and Detergent Association,said in an ■ sups to ensure that ayyng
asks ban on dishwashing detergents interview yesterday that the trade that goes toL,'lfnsor garter Mho- '7f the SCOPE
that contain high levels of ph ho- up would oaten does not threaten the ens r to of rsubs that the egoaials and
rotas Minnesota law allows a� w prefer that the cities ronment Legislature butinre without the support of other substances is question are
phos- wait until after that study h cermet- the business community,it's groins to -among those )iced by the federal
Oaous level of I I percent by weight ad before they might consider sew be much harder to
dishwashing detergents,although restrictions on phosphorous m deter- There also is apeement on a Se that mendatio pass recoer, =non have been toxic. Thor sub-
for
most detergents now used m Mine matt would be imposed 013.0711i13 types of who serves on the committee for the 50 eve beo !Quad ip sae
packaging material that continued to Minnesota Business Partnership,the that teed into of the dgate waste
be disarded after 1994. The fee state's strongest business lobby. landfills surveyed into by pouthned in from
would act as a lever to persuade Pollution Cotrol A the Minnesota
manufacturers to reduce the case of She chemical man Agency,Johnson
and,in turn,reduce the enmity is objecting Ong 0D� aid He
amount that is discarded Ketitit because it hasn't subrunas ��'four toxic
aorta a fair and impartial baring on hall metals—messy,lad,ad-
- this issue,"mid Sawyer,who also is a mium and bexavatent chromium.
ch
The community is lobbyist for General Mills. And There t agreement among commit.
white would another be t proposed that's because some people (on tee members that the'ispdature
Posed on patine- SCOPE)want a'dreg orrevenua" should place strict baits on those'
that contains certain tome dxm- foot toxins in c� potentially hazardous Another committee member, Judy L
Bd Lin,a Sian sub lobbyist,aid The committee has urged the l.ptla-
yest rday,"It appears we don't have sure and local aovcnments to be
The idea it to restrict the amount of an agreement so the arm of toxic:. cautious in adopting ratrictiom on
such toxins is discarded packaging That could make or break the whole packaging materials until after it had
. that goes to landfills or inctaoaton dal^ - completed its study of the issue and
ac or ground water.Both fees would is an effort re maw tote dispute, recommend*a statewide strategy.•
-
I
I
I
1 GIT7 a)j,
Rte. 9 "
CITY OF SAINT PAUL
c iE tS'(tij a
OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Z8Y4 -
IIBOB LONG
Councilmember
Joanne Olson December 14, 1990
Senior Planner/Recycling Coordinator
690 Coulter
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Dear Ms. Olson,
' I was pleased to hear that Chanhassen is interested in the work the
Environmental Cities Coalition is doing. I have heard from five
' other cities since ECO announced its existence, and I believe that it
is very possible that ECO could grow from 16 to 25-30 cities in the
next two months. The level of interest in an organization for local
governments to work together on environmental initiatives is very
' exciting, and I hope we will be working with officials from
Chanhassen very soon.
' ECO is an informal coalition of cities that are interested in working
on environmental initiatives at the local level. As the government
closest to the citizens of Minnesota, many local elected officials
' are realizing that the desires and needs of their constituents are
not being met in a timely manner, if at all, by the federal and state
governments. By working together, cities can enact uniform policies
across the state that will meet these unmet needs and also serve as
' models for state legislation.
I have enclosed the ordinances that ECO members are currently
' considering along with some background information that has been
collected, a list of members, a sample membership resolution, and the
press release that was distributed at the press conference held at
the MWCC Waste Water Treatment Plant on December 12 . Although the
ECO cities have agreed that these are the first topics they want to
consider, each city is free to pick and choose which ordinances they
will work on and what form the ordinances will take in their own
' communities. Some cities may choose not to work on a particular
ordinance, but will continue to work with ECO in the future. I
believe that it is this flexibility that will help make ECO an
effective, successful coalition.
If you have any questions or comments about ECO and the work that is
going on, please give me a call at 298-4473 .
Than s lot, r; ,
E E Ek
Bob r DEC 1 7 1990
Policy Analyst C11
St. Paul Councilmember Long's Office
cc. Bob Long
CITY HALL SEVENTH FLOOR SAINT PAUL, MINNESOTA 55102 612/298-4473
Sa ,46
Printed on Recycled Paper
. 1
ENVIRONMENTAL CITIES COALiTION '
For additional information contact December 12, 1990 1
Bob Cudahy 298-4473
fax 298-5030 ;f
1
*****PRESS RELEASE***PRESS RELEASE***PRESS RELEASE*****
MINNESOTA CITIES FORM ENVIRONMENTAL CITIES COALITION, ANNOUNCE I
PLANS FOR LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES _
City officials representing 16 cities from around Minnesota 1
announced. -today .that they have joined together to form an
environmental group called the Environmental Cities Coalition
(ECO) . Acting Chair Bob Long, Councilmember from St. Paul-, said
that ECO has been meeting-together for the past several• months
and plans to introduce a package of environmental initiatives in
the next few weeks. The package consists of four. ordinances 11 concerning mandatory recycling, city procurement of recycled and
recyclable materials, a sales ban on dish washing detergents that
contain high levels of phosphorous, and a prohibition on the sale 11 and use of lawn fertilizers that contain high phosphorous levels.
•
The environmental package is the first step in what ECO members '
describe as a local effort to deal with three core areas of
environmental protection: water quality, solid waste abatement,
and air quality. Although some of the ECO cities have already
adopted some of these ordinances and others may pass them in the
form of resolutions, ECO plans to have its legislative
initiatives in place in member cities in the next several months.
Following passage of these proposals, ECO plans to begin work on
other local environmental initiatives including local plans to
improve air quality and minimize global warming by reducing
carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through various transportation and '
energy conservation policies. ECO is also discussing local -
regulations of door-to-door distribution of non-recyclable paper
products, including phone books. '
-
ECO is made up of cities from around the state including Arden
Hills, Coon Rapids, Cottage Grove, Duluth, Eagan, Falcon Heights,
Golden Valley, Inver Grove Heights, Mankato, Minneapolis,
Minnetonka, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Shoreview, St. Louis Park, and
St. Paul. These cities have passed resolutions supporting the
work ECO is doing, although no city is required to participate in
every action the group takes. In addition, elected officials
from Apple Valley, Bloomington, Hastings, Red Wing, Shakopee, and
Winona have expressed an interest in working with ECO. Members
meet monthly to exchange ideas and work to shape policy. In the II
future ECO plans to take its local initiatives to the capitol to
seek state wide environmental protection legislation based on the
cities ordinances.
*****PRESS RELEASE***PRESS RELEASE***PRESS RELEASE*****
1
I
SAMPLE RESOLUTION
•
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SAINT PAUL,
' TO JOIN AN ENVIRONMENTAL CITIES GROUP
' WHEREAS, the City of Saint Paul recognizes its leadership role
in protecting the environment of those people living and working
within the City; and
' WHEREAS, the City has become frustrated with the length of time
it takes the federal and state governments to act on many
pressing environxilental concerns; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that there is a need for _
governmental bodies to act quickly on many of the environmental -
' problems facing them; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes that local environmental
initiatives often have a more immediate impact on the environment
than those initiatives passed at higher levels of government; and
' WHEREAS, the City understands that there is a need by business,
other governmental bodies, and the public for uniform regulations
across the state; and
WHEREAS, the City believes that one way to obtain this type of
uniform regulation is to work closely with other cities in such a
way as to coordinate the environmental legislation passed in
' these cities; and
WHEREAS, the City also believes that this type of inter-city
' cooperation may act to stimulate state environmental legislation
dealing with the topics addressed by the cities and in a form
acceptable to the cities;
' NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Saint
Paul authorizes the City to join an environmental cities group,
to participate in its decision making processes, and to share
' information with other group members; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Council understands that,
although the decisions of the group are not binding to the City,
the City has a commitment to participate actively in the
activities of the group to the fullest extent possible.
1
I
II
II
ENVIRONMENTAL CITIES COALITION MEMBER STATUS II
i
v
II
CITIES THAT HAVE PASSED OR ARE PASSING RESOLUTIONS JOINING ECO •
Saint Paul Councilmember Bob Long*
Arden Hills Mayor Tom Sather
II
Coon Rapids Mayor Rick Reiter
Cottage Grove Mayor Dick Peterson _
Duluth Mayor John Fedo ,
Councilmember Frank Jewell
• Councilmember Yvonne Prettner
Eagan Mayor Tom Egan
Falcon Heights Mayor Tom Baldwin - II
Golden Valley Councilmember Larry Bakken _
Inver Grove Heights Councilmember Bob Pollock
Mankato Councilmember Mick Davis
II
Minneapolis Councilmember Joan Campbell
Minnetonka Councilmember Karen Anderson
Plymouth Councilmember Maria Vasiliou
Robbinsdale Councilmember Bill Blonigan II
St. Louis Park Councilmember Allen Friedman
Shoreview Mayor Dick Wedell
II
ELECTED OFFICIALS EXPRESSING INTEREST FROM CITIES THAT HAVE NOT
II
YET PASSED A RESOLUTION JOINING ECO
Apple Valley Councilmember Barbara Savanick
Bloomington Mayor Neil Peterson
Councilmember Mark Mahon
II
Hastings Mayor Lu Stoffel
Red Wing Councilmember Randy McLaughlin
Shakopee Mayor Gary Laurent
II
Councilmember Gloria Verling -
Winona Mayor Tom Slaggie
- 1
* Acting Chair
II
II
1
I
IFACT SHEET
FERTILIZER ORDINANCE _
IWHY DO FERTILIZERS POSE A WATER QUALITY PROBLEM?
Fertilizers, especially when used improperly, pose a threat
to water quality because of the ease with which tijey runoff lakes
II and rivers. Of special concern are fertilizers that contain high
levels of phosphorous because of the environmental impact and the
high cost of removing phosphorous from storm water runoff.
IIWHY IS THE PHOSPHOROUS LEVEL IN WATER SYSTEMS A CONCERN?
There are three primary nutrients found in water that are
necessary for algae growth: phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium.
II Because nitrogen and potassium tend to be available in levels
high enough to promote excessive algae growth, phosphorous
becomes the "limiting agent. " The natural level of phosphorous
I helps keep algae -growth in check. Unnaturally high levels of
phosphorous can result in alga blooms like those seen in Lake
Peppen in the past. High phosphorous levels aid in the
II acceleration of the eutrophication process. Removal of
phosphorous from water systems to reduce the problems caused by
alga blooms is very expensive. As cities are put under more state
and federal requirements to remove phosphorous, they will be
I forced to face the high costs of removal. Keeping phosphorous
out of the water systems is significantly less expensive than
phosphorous removal.
IWHAT IS EUTROPHICATION?
Eutrophication is a natural process in which high levels of
mineral and organic nutrients cause excessive plant and algae
growth in a water system. As the plants and algae die and
decompose, oxygen is removed from the water. As the level of
oxygen in the water drops, water ceases to be habitable for the
Iplant and animal live it once supported.
IF EUTROPHICATION IS A NATURAL PROCESS, WHY SHOULD WE BE
CONCERNED?
Eutrophication is a natural process that turns lakes and
ponds into swamps and bogs and eventually into solid land. Under-
natural circumstances, this process can take hundreds of years.
1 When eutrophication is acceleration by excessive phosphorous
levels, the time it takes to "kill" a lake is cut to a fraction
of the original time required.
IIHOW CAN EUTROPHICATION BE AVOIDED?
To avoid eutrophication, phosphorous levels must be too low
I for excessive levels of algae to grow. Low levels of phosphorous
can be achieved by either removing phosphorous from water systems
once it is present or by keeping the phosphorous out of the
systems altogether.
I
II
I/
MODEL ORDINANCE
An ordinance concerning fertilizers used for lawn care
requiring licensing of some users of these chemicals and '
placing restrictions on their use.
THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY ORDAIN:
Section 1 '
A new section of the City Legislative Code is hereby enacted -
to read as follows:
Chapter
LAWN CARE FERTILIZERS ,
Section . 01. Legislative purpose.
The misuse of fertilizers poses a serious environmental '
threat to people living and working in the City and contributes
to the rising costs to City taxpayers for storm water treatment. -
This ordinance will reduce that threat. Licensing requirements
will help ensure that personnel trained in proper application
methods will be applying the fertilizers. The licence
requirements will also help ensure that fertilizers are only used
when their use is appropriate. Limitations on the amount of
phosphorous allowed in fertilizers will help reduce the amount of
phosphorous runoff into the water systems. Other requirements
are designed to further reduce the threat of misuse and the
subsequent run-off and non-point source pollution that results
from misuse.
Section . 02 . Legislative findings.
The City Council finds that lawn care chemicals are used
throughout the City and is troubled by the environmental and
public health threats excessive use and misuse of these chemicals
may pose to those people living and working within the City. The
Council finds that excessive use of fertilizers increases the II
problems of runoff and non-point source pollution, polluting our -
water sources and increasing the costs to the City tax payers for
storm water treatment now required by federal law. The Council
finds that fertilizer application onto impervious surfaces such
as parking lots, side walks, or rock formations, or while the
,ground is frozen, results in increased run-off. Run-off is also
increased when fertilizers are applied too close to a body of
water. The Council further finds that one of the primary causes
of fertilizer misuse is a lack of knowledge of each property's
individual soil needs. The vast majority of lawns in the City
contain adequate levels of phosphorous, and adding additional
phosphorous only increases the potential for harmful runoff.
•
I
retail, or' apply within the City, any liquid fertilizer which -
contains more than .5% by weight of phosphate as expressed as
P2O5, or granular fertilizer which contains more than 5% by
weight of phosphate expressed as P2O5, unless a single
application is less than' or equal to .2 pounds of phosphate
expressed as P2O5 per 1000 square feet. Annual application
amounts shall not exceed 1 pound of phosphate expressed as P2O5
per 1000 square feet of lawn area.
Section .05. License required.
' No person, firm, corporation shall engage in the business of
commercial lawn fertilizer application within the City unless a
commercial lawn fertilizer applicator license has been obtained
from the City Council as provided herein.
(a) —License application procedure. Applications for a
commercial lawn fertilizer applicator license for a
calendar year shall be submitted to the City Council at
least 30• days prior to the initial lawn fertilizer_
application each year within the City. The application
shall consist of the following:
1) Application form. Application forms shall be
' provided by the City and shall include the following
information:
a. Name, address and telephone number of applicant
and any individuals authorized to represent the
applicant.
• b. Description of lawn fertilizer formula proposed to -
be applied on lawns within the City.
' c. A time schedule for application of lawn fertilizer
and identification of weather conditions
acceptable for lawn fertilizer application.
' 2) Fertilizer label. One label each from all lawn
fertilizers (1 per separate fertilizer) to be applied
by the commercial applicator shall be submitted to the
' City along with the initial application for a license,
and thereafter, at least 30 days before fertilizer
composition changes are implemented.
3) License fee. The license fee shall be as --
designated, from time to time, by City Council
' resolution to cover administrative costs of the
ordinance. The license fee shall not be prorated.
(b) Condition of license. Commercial lawn fertilizer
applicator licenses shall be issued subject to the
following conditions which shall be specified on the
license form:
' 1) Random sampling. Commercial lawn fertilizer
applicators shall permit the City to sample any
commercial lawn fertilizer application to be applied
I
FACT SHEET
AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING DETERGENT ORDINANCE
WHY DO AUTOMATIC DISHWASHING DETERGENTS POSE A PROBLEM TO WATER '
SYSTEMS?
Automatic dishwashing detergents are disposed of directly
into the sanitary sewer systems of most cities. Because of this, ,
cities have an interest in insuring that the detergents do not
contain any ingredients that would cause water quality problems.
Of special concern are detergents that contain high levels of
phosphorous because of the environmental impact of detergent use
and the high cost of removing phosphorous from water treated from --
the sanitary sewer systems.
WHY IS THE PHOSPHOROUS LEVEL IN WATER SYSTEMS A CONCERN?
There are three primary nutrients found in water that are
necessary for algae growth: phosphorous, nitrogen, and potassium.
Because nitrogen and potassium tend to be available in levels
high enough to promote excessive algae growth, phosphorous
becomes the "limiting agent. " The natural level of phosphorous
helps keep algae growth in check. Unnaturally high levels of
phosphorous can result in alga blooms like those seen in Lake
Peppen- in the past. High phosphorous levels aid in the
acceleration of the eutrophication process. Removal of MI
phosphorous from water systems to reduce the problems caused by
alga blooms is very expensive. As cities are put under more state
and federal requirements to remove phosphorous, they will be
forced to face the high costs of removal. Keeping phosphorous out
of the water systems is significantly less expensive than
phosphorous removal. _
WHAT IS EUTROPHICATION?
Eutrophication is a natural process in which high levels of
mineral and organic nutrients cause excessive plant and algae '
growth in a water system. As the plants and algae die and
decompose, oxygen is removed from the water. As the level of
oxygen in the water drops, water ceases to be habitable for the
plant and animal live it once supported.
IF EUTROPHICATION IS A NATURAL PROCESS, WHY SHOULD WE BE
CONCERNED? '
Eutrophication is a natural process that turns lakes and
ponds into swamps and bogs and eventually into solid land. Under
natural circumstances, this process can take hundreds of years.
When eutrophication is accelerated by excessive phosphorous
levels, the time it takes to "kill" a lake is cut to a fraction
of the original time required.
HOW CAN EUTROPHICATION BE AVOIDED?
To avoid eutrophication, phosphorous levels must be too low
for excessive levels of algae to grow. Low levels of phosphorous
can be achieved by either removing phosphorous from water systems
once it is present or by keeping the phosphorous out of the
I
MODEL ORDINANCE
An ordinance regarding the level of phosphate content in
automatic dishwashing detergents sold in the City.
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY DOES ORDAIN: if
' Section 1.
' The Legislative Code of the City is hereby amended so as to add
the following provision thereto:
. 01. Legislative Purpose
The City Council is concerned about the effects of phosphates in
the water systems that service the City's community. Phosphates,
such as phosphorous, when introduced into water systems, are a
' cause of unnaturally accelerated eutrophication. Eutrophication
is a process in which the organic and mineral nutrients in a_
water system become overly abundant, causing excessive algae
' growth. This algae growth, and the subsequent decomposition of
the algae, removes oxygen from the water, effectively killing all
other life forms in the water system. Although Minnesota
restricts the level of phosphorous allowed in automatic
dishwashing detergents available for sale at the retail level, a
number of other state and local governments, including Maine,
Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin,
place restrictions that are stronger than those in Minnesota.
The City Council also finds that detergent manufacturers are
already producing automatic dishwashing detergents, both solid
' and liquid, that contain lower level of phosphates. -Many of
these detergents are currently being distributed in the City.
Section . 01. Phosphorous restricted.
No person, firm or corporation shall offer for sale, sell, or
distribute in the City, any automatic dishwashing detergent
whether in the form of crystals, powder, flakes, bars, or any
' other non-liquid form intended for use in machine dishwashers
containing phosphorous expressed as elemental phosphorous at a
level greater than 7. 1% by weight.
tSection . 02 . Future review of phosphorous levels.
Two years after this ordinance and the provisions contained
' therein take effect and become enforceable the Director of Public
Health shall submit a report to the City Council analyzing
current trends in the automatic dishwashing detergent industry
and the ability of the industry to reduce further the level of
' phosphorous in automatic dishwashing detergents. It is the
intent of the City Council to continue to reduce the allowable
level of phosphorous in automatic dishwashing detergents until
all phosphorous is removed.
Section 2.
11 This ordinance and the provisions contained therein shall
take effect and be in force January 1, 1992.
I
MODEL ORDINANCE
An ordinance pertaining to the mandatory source separation of
recyclable materials.
Section .01 Mandatory Source Separation of Recyclable Materials.
(a) Mandatory Recycling Required. Effective July 1, 1991, it shall be the '
responsibility of every owner, lessee or occupant of residential property in the .
City to set recyclable materials out for collection in the manner approved by the-
City or deliver the recyclable materials to a recycling facility approved in •
accordance with Minnesota Statutes 115A.552, subd. 2. Effective January 1, 1992,
these same requirements shall apply to every owner, lessee, or occupant of
commercial and industrial property in the City. Every year following January 1,
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1992, the department of public works shall assess the need to enforce mandatory
source separation, taking into consideration which sectors, residential, commercial
and institutional, or industrial, are not meeting state of Minnesota and/or
Ramsey County mandated recycling goals. Ninety (90) days public notice shall be
given prior to enforcement.
(b) Containers for Recyclable Materials. Containers for recyclable materials
used by owners, lessees or occupants of any residential buildings consisting of four
or less dwelling units shall: i
(1) include kraft paper bags, corrugated cardboard boxes and other materials
substantial and adequate enough to contain the recyclable-materials, but '
may not include plastic bags;
(2) be located in such a manner so as to prevent the containers from being
overturned, obstructing pedestrian or motor vehicle traffic or being in
violation of any statute, ordinance, rule, or regulation;
(3) be kept in an enclosed area except on the evening prior to and the day of
regularly scheduled curbside collection; and
(4) be maintained in conditions in accordance with all pertinent health __ ,
statutes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
(c) Collection of Recyclable Materials. The residential curbside or alley ,
collection of recyclable materials shall be supervised by the City, and such
organizations appointed by the City, which shall have the power to establish the
time, method and routes of collection. Collection provisions shall include but not
be limited to the following:
(1) Notice of dates and times of collection will be published and otherwise '
made available to persons affected herein.
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(h) Penalties and charges. Penalties and charges that remain unpaid for more
than ninety (90) days on April 1 of any year may be certified to the County
Auditor along with real estate taxes as a special assessment. In addition, the City
shall have the right to bring a civil action or to take other legal remedies to
collect unpaid penalties and charges.
Section .02. Ownership of recyclable materials.
Ownership of recyclable materials set out of the purpose of participating in
curbside or alleyside recycling programs shall remain with the person who set out the
materials until removed by the authorized collector. Until the materials are removed by
the authorized collector, the person who set out the materials is totally responsible for -
' their proper preparation, handling and storage. Ownership and responsibility for the
proper handling of the recyclable materials shall vest in the authorized collector upon
removal thereof by-the-collector.
Section .03. Unauthorized collection. -
It shall be unlawful for any person who is not authorized by the City or County to
take or collect recyclable material set out for authorized collection programs within the
City. Any person violating this provision shall be subject to the penalties provided in
section 1.05 of this Code.
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An Ordinance Creating a City Policy Concerning the Procuring of Recycled, Recyclable
Materials.
THE CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY ORDAIN:
Section 1 if
A new section of the City Legislative Code is hereby enacted to read as follows:
Chapter '
CITY PROCUREMENT OF RECYCLED, RECYCLABLE MATERIALS ,
.01. Legislative-purpose.. The City of Saint Paul is facing a number of solid waste
reduction goals. These gals have been set by the State of Minnesota, Ramsey County,
and by the City itself. The City Council of the City of Saint Paul recognizes
responsibility in leading solid waste reduction efforts through its example, and would like
to encourage the use of recyclable materials whenever possible as a way,to reduce the
amount of solid waste it generates. Use of recyclable and recycled paper products and
other materials containing 50% (or higher as industry standards allow) recycled content
by the City's departments, offices and agencies in the preparation of all documents,
including reports would help attain this goal. To this end, the City Council passed a
Resolution, CF 88-1971, on December 13, 1988, requiring that the City "establish a
coordinated recycling program for the separation and collection of recyclable
materials ... in all City government buildings." The Resolution also states that "the City
of Saint Paul encourages the purchase and use of recyclable and reusable products and
products that contain recycled materials where feasible in City of Saint Paul offices."
The Council finds that the existence of this Resolution is not widely known by City '
administrators, and feels that creation of an ordinance is the best way by which to
achieve the desired results. The Council understands that the use of paper products
with 50% recycled content (or higher as industry standards allow) is not immediately '
possible for all City Departments. These departments will be required to begin using
recyclable products as soon as it becomes possible.
.02. Legislative findings. The City Council finds recycling is considered one of the most -
effective forms of solid waste reduction. It also reduces environmental strain in that the
use of recycled paper and the recycling of used paper products saves 60% of the water __ I
required to make virgin paper; reduces water pollution by 15% to 60%; reduces air
pollution by 60% to 70%; saves 20% to 70% of the energy needed to produce virgin
paper; and save 17 trees per ton of paper recycled. These are national figures,
comparing manufactured paper to virgin paper.
.03. Definitions.l As used in this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the
meanings as defined in this section:
(a) "Recycled product" means all materials, goods, and supplies, no less than 50
percent or higher as industry standards allow of the total weight of which
consists of secondary and post-consumer waste with not less than•10
percent of its total weight consisting of post-consumer waste. A
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2) A list of equipment used by the department that does not function
adequately using recycled materials. This list shall include a brief
explanation of why the equipment can not use recycled, recyclable
' materials, the life-expectancy of the equipment, and whether or not
replacement equipment exists that can use recycled, recyclable
materials.
3) A plan for separation and collection of recyclabl4 materials used by
' the department or all facilities operated by the department. This
should include a plans to separate and collect materials including,
but not limited to, office paper, aluminum cans, glass bottles, and
' newspapers. The plans should include separation and collection
programs for department workers as well as members of the public
using department facilities.
.09. Labeling.
When recycled products are used, reasonable efforts shall be undertaken to label
' the products to indicate that they contain recycled materials. City departments and
agencies shall use for their mast-head stationary and envelopes recycled paper that-
includes post-consumer recycled content and indicate on the paper and envelopes that
' they contain recycled material. Other recycled products used by the City shall also
indicate that they contain recycled material to the extent practicable.
' .10. Price preference.
A (10% or greater) price preference may be given to recycled products, reusable
products offered as alternatives to disposable products, and products designed to be
recycled when they are offered as alternatives to non-recyclable products. The
preference percentage shall be based on,the lowest bid or price quoted by the supplier
or suppliers offering non-recycled products.
' .11. Encourage Copier Industry.
City staff will work to encourage the copier industry to develop high-speed
copiers that will accept recycled paper. In addition, recycled paper shall be purchased
and used in copy machines that will accept it.
' .12. Legislative Cooperation.
The City will cooperate to the greatest extent feasible with neighboring city and
county governments in an effort to develop a comprehensive, consistent and effective
' procurement effort intended to stimulate the market for recycled products, reusable
products, and products designed to be recycled.
' .13. Distribution.
The City Clerk shall provide a copy of this ordinance to all city departments and
offices.
SECTION 2.
' This ordinance shall go into effect January 1, 1991, and shall be assigned an
appropriate chapter number at the next revision of the Saint Paul Legislative Code.
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. CITY 4
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A,4�
Xj; �4'j CHANHASSEN
:r''-'1---:, ::,,,-:,= ,.?7
` ' -�' 690 COULTER DRIVE • P.O. BOX 147 • CHANHASSEN,
MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937-1900 • FAX (612) 937-5739
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MEMORANDUM
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TO: Recycling Commission
FROM: Jo Ann Olsen, Senior Planner 2) II
DATE: January 3, 1991
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SUBJ: Newsletter
The City, in February/March, will be publishing a city newsletter II
which. will be sent to all residents on a quarterly basis. The
newsletter will be an ideal way for us to promote recycling and '
other environmental issues. We should discuss what we want in the
first issue. Obviously we will promote the collection of plastic
beginning in March, but we should have room for other articles. II The articles should be completed by the beginning of February.
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