Future Facility with Labels
Project Overview
As local composting efforts capture more and more organic material, the SMSC Organics Recycling Facility is nearing capacity.
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is considering relocating our Organics Recycling Facility to an industrial location near the intersection of highways 169 and 41 in Louisville Township. The tribe has begun the permitting process with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
This new facility is several steps away from moving forward. If the relocation plan proceeds, the new facility would incorporate the latest modern technology and processes to control odors and increase efficiency.
Project Gallery
Project FAQ
- Why does the SMSC want to relocate its Organics Recycling Facility?
The SMSC Organics Recycling Facility is currently operating at capacity. Building a new facility with state-of-the art technology will allow the tribe to process more organics in a location better suited for industrial activity.
- What permitting steps are required?
The SMSC is required to seek permits from several other government entities before it would relocate the facility to this site. These permits include a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Preliminary Plat with Scott County, a Source Separated Organic Material Permit (SSOM) with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and a Voluntary Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
- How long will it take to get through the permitting process? When would you start building, if approved?
The permitting process may take up to a year. If approved, we anticipate starting construction in summer of 2023 with the goal of being fully operational by the end of 2024.
- What would the new facility look like? How would it be different than what is on the current site?
After several years of research and site visits across the country, the new facility would include the latest, state-of-the-art technology and processes to control odors and increase efficiency. The new facility would collect and recycle commercial organics, as well as sell industry and commercial wholesale products like the existing facility in Shakopee.
- How much more food waste will the new facility be able to compost?
The new facility will have the capacity to compost up to three times as much food waste as the previous facility. This will help contribute to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) goal of recycling 75% of Minnesota’s waste by 2030.
- Will the project affect traffic near the site?
If we move forward with the relocation, we plan to make improvements to the Highway 41 intersection. These improvements will include the addition of turn lanes on Highway 41.
- What would you use the existing facility for?
After the new facility is operational, the Shakopee site will be used to sell residential and commercial products like colored mulch and compost. There will no longer be active composting on the site and the facility will only sell finished products.
- Would local residents still be able to bring yard waste to the existing facility?
The existing site in Shakopee will not accept residential yard waste drop off - with the exception of select drop off events - with our City and County partners.
- Are there any benefits for Carver County residents? Can they drop off yard waste at the new facility?
Carver County residents will be welcome to use the facility to drop off yard waste (for a fee) and to purchase landscaping products, such as compost, soil blends, and mulch.
- Who will regulate the facility since it’s owned by the tribe?
The new facility will be regulated by the MPCA, the entity that regulates all composting facilities in Minnesota.
- What if residents have questions or complaints about the new facility?
Online comment forms are available on smscorf.com.
- Will people be able to purchase mulch and compost at the new site?
The new site will be open to the public for all product sales.
