Mower County officials assured those with the city of Austin that they are taking the cautious approach on reviewing options for a proposed landfill expansion just outside of the city limits on Austin's north side.

County Commissioner David Hillier informed those at Wednesday's city-county meeting that commissioners were comparing certain conditions Veit Companies would scrutinize on an environmental assessment worksheet (EAW), compared to an environmental review.

In short, Hillier said commissioners want to make sure such an environmental review would, at a minimum, cover the same stipulations that would be on the EAW.

"There's many things in the EAW that are in the environmental review. But there's probably a few things that aren't in the EAW that are in the environmental review," Hillier said. "That's why we wanted to take more time. The staff needs to cross-examine that and see if something critical is missing."

The Mower County Board's next scheduled meeting is June 10.

Austin City Engineer Jon Erichson expressed concern over the study, as Veit's proposed expansion comes close to the Austin Business Park.

Also known as the Cook Farm site, city officials are trying to lure businesses to the business park, which parallels U.S. 218 and is north of Kmart.

"We need to make sure the right environmental study is performed," Erichson said.

In other business:

n County Commissioner Garry Ellingson said door hangers would be placed in residences throughout the city of Austin, touting the county's recycling program. The paper hangers are printed in both English and Spanish.

Hillier noted that it's easier on the recycling center workers if people abide by the schedule in which their recycling is picked up curbside free of charge. Hillier said some residents drop off the recycling at the center on the weekends, which provides a backlog for workers when they come in Monday morning.

"We like it better on the curb than on the weekends," Hillier said.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at dan.fields@austindailyherald.com