A geographic information system (GIS) web map that unlocks data about development potential on closed landfills in Minnesota was made available to the public on Wednesday. Barr developed the tool in coordination with the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board (MEQB). It can be used to better understand the opportunities and barriers to development on Minnesota’s Closed Landfill Program sites.
Using GIS, each site was evaluated on several characteristics including proximity to transmission lines and substations, topography, wetlands, and generation capacity. Large amounts of GIS data was generated as part of this process. Much of the data is difficult to view or share in standard report. In order to make the data available to the public, the GIS-based web map was developed.
This tool can be a key aid to developers considering any of Minnesota’s 110 Closed Landfill Program sites for potential solar projects. To access the tool, visit the EQB's Solar on Closed Landfills webpage.
Barr also provided stakeholder engagement and technical support for the EQB’s December 2020 Closed Landfill Program report.