Green Notes March 2016

Green Notes

MARCH 2016


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GreenNotes covers environmental news, programs and events from Hennepin County.

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Sign up to volunteer to monitor water quality

Volunteer to monitor wetlands

WHEP

Hennepin County is looking for volunteers to help assess water quality and the health our ecosystems through the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP). Adult volunteers with an interest in wetlands, bugs, plants and protecting water quality are needed. Partnering cities and watersheds use the data collected to determine the health of water resources and assist with natural resource management.

Volunteers do not need to have a science background or previous experience; Hennepin County provides all of the training, equipment, and leadership. Teams will be formed in the Bloomington, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Corcoran, Eden Prairie, Medina, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and Plymouth areas.

Join now! Volunteer applications will be accepted through June 15, 2016. 

Get your youth group involved

river

Get your hands dirty and feet wet this spring with River Watch, a stream monitoring program for school classes and youth groups. The program provides a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about assessing water quality and how our actions influence the health of local lakes, rivers and streams.

For more information about getting involved in WHEP or River Watch, contact Mary Karius at mary.karius@hennepin.us or 612-596-9129.


Reuse businesses can sign up to be featured in Choose to Reuse coupon book

ctr

Hennepin County is looking to partner with reuse businesses and organizations to offer discounts in the 15th annual Choose to Reuse coupon book. Coupons are intended to promote reuse and attract new customers to your business. Coupons will be valid held August 1 through October 31, 2016. Businesses and organizations that sell used goods and offer repair, rental, and trade-in services are eligible to participate. 

In the past several years, Hennepin County has partnered with up to 80 retailers that offered discounts with about 40,000 coupons redeemed each year. Most retailers reported attracting new customers and increasing sales during the Choose to Reuse campaign. 

Businesses must request to participate by April 6, 2016. For more information and to sign up, contact Kristin Pierskalla at kristin.pierskalla@hennepin.us or 612-348-4787.


Grant funding available to clean up contaminated land

Grants are available for the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites through the Environmental Response Fund. The grants are used for a variety of activities that provide community benefit, including assessment and cleanup of groundwater and contaminated soil, and evaluation and abatement of asbestos and lead-based paint. Priority is placed on locations that establish affordable and moderately priced housing, are intended as public or green spaces, and promote economic development.

Applications are due May 2. Learn more and apply.

For more information, contact John Evans at john.evans@hennepin.us or 612-348-4046.


Improvements at HERC reduce water vapor plume and conserve water

Hennepin County recently completed improvements to the cooling tower of the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC) to reduce the plume of water vapor that is released from the tower.

HERC plume before
HERC plume after

As part of continuing efforts to be a good neighbor, the cooling tower improvements were done to reduce the visually unattractive plume and eliminate potential safety concerns as the water vapor emitted from the tower could occasionally cause ice to form on sidewalks near the facility in the winter. The improvements also reduce the amount of water that is lost to evaporation, reducing the amount of water used by the facility.

How does it work?

At HERC, garbage is burned in furnaces lined with water-filled tubes. The heat turns the water into steam that powers a turbine to generate electricity. A portion of the steam produced is extracted from the turbine and sent to the downtown Minneapolis district energy system and Target Field. The rest of the steam from the turbine goes to a condenser to be turned back into water.

In the condenser, a heat exchanger removes heat from the steam and transfers it to a separate supply of cold water. This cold water is warmed in the condenser and has to be cooled down before circulating back through the condenser. In the cooling tower, the water falls through a fill material and is cooled by evaporation.

The main improvement to the cooling tower involves pumping the warm water through radiator coils in the top section of the tower. This increases the air temperature in the upper tower and cools the condenser water before it falls through the fill material in the lower section. Because the water is cooled in the coils before it gets to the fill material, the amount of evaporation is decreased and the visible plume of water vapor is reduced.

For more information, contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@hennepin.us or call 612-348-5906.


Minneapolis to start delivering of organics recycling carts this week

mpls

The City of Minneapolis will begin delivering organics recycling carts to residents who have signed up for residential organics recycling program this week. Residents can find out when their organics recycling cart will arrive by checking the organics cart delivery map

If you are a Minneapolis resident interested in participating in residential organics recycling, it’s not too late to sign up!

Need to know more? Attend an organics recycling info session 

Not exactly sure what organics recycling is, why you should participate or how to set it up in your home? Attend an upcoming info session to get your organics recycling questions answered. You can also learn about opportunities to become a recycling leader in your neighborhood through the City of Minneapolis's new Recycling Block Leader program. Attendees will receive a free organics recycling kitchen collection container, yard sign promoting organics recycling and light refreshments. 

Info sessions will be held:

  • Saturday, April 9 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
  • Saturday, April 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Folwell Park 

RSVP is encouraged but not required. For more information and to RSVP, contact Kellie Kish at kellie.kish@minneapolismn.gov or 612-673-3536.


MPCA offers small business grants to reduce air emissions

Improve the air at your business by reducing the use of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with a grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The familiar smells from coatings, inks, solvents, gasoline and other everyday products are VOCs, which are emitted from many industrial and commercial processes. VOCs can be harmful to human health and can contribute to air pollution when released outside.

The MPCA has grants of up to $50,000 for projects to reduce the use of VOC-containing chemicals or to install lower-emitting equipment. Grant applicants must be small businesses with less than 100 employees with painting, degreasing or cleaning operations. A variety of other projects to reduce VOCs cost-effectively may also be eligible. 

Grant applications will be accepted through May 11, 2016. Contact Eric David at eric.david@state.mn.us or 651-757-2218 with questions.


Businesses receive grants and get recognized for recycling

enviro

The Minnesota Health Nurse Practitioners Clinic in Minneapolis will be improving their recycling programs with the help of a Hennepin County business recycling grants.

Business recycling grants awarded

Hennepin County recently awarded grants to 22 businesses and organizations to start or improve recycling and organics recycling programs. A variety of businesses and organizations received grants, including an airline, apartment building, college, several congregations, a grocery store, a hospital and several clinics, various non-profit organizations, several commercial properties, and a few restaurants. 

Applications for the next funding round are due by June 15, 2016. Learn more.

For more information, contact Andre Xiong andre.x.xiong@hennepin.us or 612-543-1316.

Business recognized for their recycling efforts

Hennepin County recently recognized 15 businesses for their successful recycling programs. The newest members of the Hennepin County Environmental Partners program all recycle materials like paper, metal, plastics and glass and several divert organic materials for composting. 

The additional businesses represent a variety of industries:

  • Restaurants and food retailers: May Day Café, Pow Wow Grounds, Uncle Franky’s
  • Congregations: Plymouth Congregational Church
  • Health and beauty services: Jodi Baglien Wellbeing and Wisdom, Osseo Chiropractic Clinic, Twin Cities Natural Care Center, Stormy Lee Salon
  • Retailers: Antique Alley, Osseo Savitt Paint, Sue’s Country Cottage
  • Other businesses, non-profits and services: Celia Studios, Dante Computer Revolution, North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce, Second Harvest Heartland

See all of the participating businesses on the Environmental Partners map. If you know of a business that deserves recognition for their recycling, waste reduction or organics recycling efforts, encourage them to become an Environmental Partner.

For more information, contact Nancy Lo at nancy.lo@hennepin.us or 612-348-9195.


New signage on Lake Sarah encourages boaters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

As part of the ongoing effort to encourage boaters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, Hennepin County recently installed signage at the public boat access on Lake Sarah. The signage includes clear instructions about the actions boaters need to take to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species

AIS Lake Sarah signage
  • Clean all visible aquatic plans and organisms from boats and equipment.
  • Drain the livewell, bilge, tanks, portable bait containers and other water-containing equipment and keep drain plugs out.
  • Dry the livewell, baitwell, boat and other equipment.

To ensure consistent messaging, these signs are the same as those installed at Spring Park on Lake Minnetonka and several other public accesses throughout the Twin Cities. For more information, contact Tony Brough at tony.brough@hennepin.us or 612-348-4378.


Trees available to property owners in Bloomington, Plymouth and St. Louis Park

Spring is a great time to add a tree to your landscape and help grow the urban forest. Several cities in Hennepin County are offering tree sales this spring to increase the number of trees on private properties. All trees are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Bloomington property owners can order a maximum of five trees for $59 each. Trees must be picked up at the Bloomington Civic Plaza on Saturday, May 7 between 9 and 11 a.m. 300 trees are available for purchase. Learn more and order.
  • Plymouth property owners can order trees and shrubs ranging from $3 to $37. Orders must be picked up Friday, May 13 from noon to 6 p.m. or Saturday, May 14 from 8 a.m. to noon. Learn more and order
  • St. Louis Park property owners can order a maximum of three trees for $35 each through Tree Trust. Trees must be picked up on Saturday, May 7 from 8 a.m. to noon or Monday, May 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. Learn more and order

Contact your city for more information about tree sales and programs.


In the News

Deconstruction of homes increases recycling and reduces waste going to landfills

Deconstruction

In an effort the minimize waste going to landfills, Hennepin County is working with Better Future Minnesota to relocate or deconstruct 18 houses that are being removed along 66th Street in Richfield as part of a road construction project.

Several single-story houses are being relocated by a house mover, allowing for the main part of the house to be reused while the concrete foundation is recycled. Most of the houses are being deconstructed, which means carefully dismantling the house to maximize the recovery of materials for reuse and recycling. Materials such as doors, windows, trim, cabinets, lighting, plumbing fixtures, landscape materials and lumber are being removed and sold for reuse.

By deconstructing homes, more than 70 percent of the materials can be diverted from landfills. The deconstruction efforts along 66th Street have diverted nearly 78 tons of materials to reuse and 1,300 tons to recycling. Learn more in the Sun Current.


Events

Hazardous waste collection events

hhw

Hennepin County organizes collection events to give residents more convenient local options for disposing of household hazardous wastes. Materials accepted include unwanted automotive wastes, household, lawn and garden products, batteries, mercury-containing items and more.

Collection events are held Thursday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Upcoming hazardous waste collection events are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

  • May 12 – 14 at the Public Works Department in Minnetonka
  • June 2 – 4 at the Public Works Garage in Minneapolis 
  • June 16 – 18 at St. Louis Park Middle School in St. Louis Park

Get more details including directions to each event and a full schedule of events for 2016.

 

Natural Resources Partnership meeting

Tuesday, April 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Ridgedale Library 

Learn about Minnesota's new buffer law at the next Hennepin Natural Resources Partnership meeting. Staff from the Board of Water and Soil Resources, Minnesota Department of Agriculture and Wright Soil and Water Conservation District will provide an overview of the buffer initiative and benefits of the new Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program.

The Hennepin Natural Resources Partnership provides a forum for a more holistic and collaborative approach to managing and protecting our land and water. Everyone is welcome to attend, especially those from cities, watersheds, agencies and organizations involved with or interested in natural resources management and protection.

RSVP to Stacey Lijewski at stacey.lijewski@hennepin.us or 612-348-9938.

 

Earth Day is April 22: Attend an event or clean-up and get resources

Earth Day clean-up events

Celebrate Earth Day by cleaning up litter in your neighborhood and help protect the health of local lakes and streams. 

Community resource fairs and workshops

Hennepin County Environment and Energy staff and volunteers will be at the following events to answer your questions on waste reduction and recycling, composting, land and water, household hazardous waste and more.

Green event resources

pru

Event planners and coordinators seeking to go green and achieve low-waste events can receive free, customized assistance from Hennepin County. Staff can help you create waste reduction plans, educate vendors, train volunteers and provide collection options for your event. Access the following free event planning resources:

  • Portable recycling containers that can be borrowed for free to add recycling and organics recycling to events. 
  • Event recycling and waste reduction guide with steps to take before, during and after the event to make your waste reduction and recycling efforts a success.
  • Green event resources including signage and sample letters to send to your vendors and presenters.

For more information, contact Carolyn Collopy at carolyn.collopy@hennepin.us or 612-596-0993.

Do it Green Earth Day event kits

Do It Green! Minnesota is offering free handout kits featuring a Food Print Guide, Home Water Audit Checklist, and Seed Saving Guide, as well as handouts on energy, pesticides and reducing trash. Some handouts are also available in Spanish. Past issues of the Do It Green! Magazine are available for free distribution as well. 

If you are interested in a Do It Green! Minnesota Earth Day Kit or distributing guidebooks at an upcoming event, please contact Kristine Kvamme at kristine@doitgreen.org.

 

Fix-It Clinics

fixit

Come see what the Fix-It Clinic hype is all about at the next clinic on Saturday, April 23. Hennepin County’s Fix-it Clinics have gotten some attention in the news recently, with Fix-It Clinic coordinator Nancy Lo being named one of “five awesome women who fix stuff” by iFixit and with the Star Tribune focusing how the clinics can empower residents to try repairing household items instead of trashing them. A recent feature on Hennepin County’s new storytelling website highlights valuable insights from the Fix-it Clinic volunteers. 

Fix-It Clinics are held monthly; see the full schedule.

Volunteer fixers who have skills in electrical, mechanical or electronics repair, wood working, sewing or general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful. For more information or to volunteer, contact Nancy Lo at nancy.lo@hennepin.us or 612-348-9195.

 

Get a bin to start composting in your backyard

compost

Interested in backyard composting but don’t have a compost bin? Now is the time to get one! Hennepin County is selling compost bins to help you start composting your fruit and vegetable scraps and yard waste in your backyard. Bins are 3’ x 3’ x 3’, made of cedar and wire mesh, and cost $45.

Pre-order a compost bin for pick up at a distribution event scheduled for: 

  • Saturday, May 14 at the Minneapolis Tool Library in NE Minneapolis 
  • Saturday, May 21 at the Midtown Farmer’s Market in Minneapolis

Compost bins are also for sale at the Hennepin County Drop-off Facility in Brooklyn Park during regular facility hours; no pre-order needed.

For more information, contact Kira Berglund at kira.berglund@hennepin.us or 612-596-1498.

 

Capture and reuse rain water by purchasing a rain barrel

By installing a rain barrel, you can capture rain water to reuse on your lawn or garden and protect our lakes and streams by reducing stormwater runoff that can carry pollutants. Order a rain barrel at a discounted rate through the Recycling Association of Minnesota for pick-up at a distribution event in April or May in Minneapolis, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and other metro area locations. Learn more

 

Rain garden and green yard workshops

Learn simple changes you can make on your property that helps protect clean water and create healthy habitats at an upcoming Metro Bloom workshop. The low-cost workshops include the latest information in healthy yard care practices, a do-it-yourself approach to rain garden design and installation, and an opportunity to receive assistance from landscape designers and Master Gardeners about issues specific to your property. Workshops are scheduled throughout April and May in Brooklyn Center, Champlin, Edina, Minneapolis and Plymouth. Learn more and RSVP.

 

2016 Urban Water Forum: Taking Action to Protect Our Lakes and Streams

Learn about the active role you can take in protecting water resources and engaged in discussions about citizen-based science at the 2016 Urban Water Forum: Taking Action to Protect Our Lakes and Streams.

The forum will be held Saturday, April 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Residents living on or near lakes or streams, lake and neighborhood association members, local decision-makers, educators, and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend.


Green Tip

Give your unwanted items a second life

donations

Donating usable items to charitable organizations is a great way to help your community. You’ll also save money and reduce waste. Find donation opportunities in the new Donation Opportunities Brochure (PDF). Use the following tips to get started.

Check with organizations before donating

Each organization has a specific list of items they accept, so check their website or call before bringing your items. Also check what days and hour they are open to take donations. Never leave items outside organizations after hours. Some organizations offer pick-up services. Check for availability and fees. 

Donate items in good condition

Items should be safe to use. No recalled items. Check safety issues listed by the Consumers’ Product Safety Commission

Do not donate household hazardous waste

Check the Green Disposal Guide for proper disposal options.