Four counties in search of landfill location
Clearwater County Commissioner, Don Ebert.
By Alannah Allbrett
Four counties, Nez Perce, Idaho, Lewis, and Clearwater signed an agreement, September 18, with Idaho Waste System (IWS) to operate a landfill to serve all four counties. Due to existing contract obligations, Latah County, was not able to join the proposed plan, a plan which Clearwater County Commissioner Don Ebert says, “is a good one.”
Currently, solid waste is transported along Hwy. 12, through scenic lands to Missoula, MT, for waste disposal. Ebert stated that practice is “expensive and a huge liability to transport it that far.” It is a potential hazard to the environment as that road is treacherous in the winter, and a long one at best, winding narrowly along the Lochsa River, which was included in 1968, as part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
The NIMBY (not in my backyard) syndrome often flourishes, where no one wants an active landfill built close to their community. But a positive, long-term solution is necessary and solutions must be found. Most people would agree it is a thankless task which commissioners must undertake.
“Having a landfill closer will be more cost effective and good for us,” said Ebert. It has taken two years for the Solid Waste Advisory Board (SWAP) to reach this point. Completion of the plan hinges on Idaho Waste System not only finding suitable land, but obtaining a Subtitle-D Landfill license and meeting stringent requirements for EPA and DEQ permits. It is a difficult challenge, but one the company has successfully met before. “If there has to be a landfill, and alternatives are limited, I am confident that IWS are the most responsible people to do it,” Ebert said. Commissioners have had to look at “innovative ways to deal with contracting for clean, efficient with waste disposal,” Ebert stated. When asked about the timeframe for completion, if all the legalities are met, Ebert said, “I would be surprised if it happened in less than two years.”
A tentative meeting, to update and report any progress by IWS, is proposed for 1 p.m., October 30, at the Idaho County offices in Grangeville. It will be attended by one commissioner from each of the four counties and representatives of Idaho Waste Systems. The meeting, when permanently scheduled, will be open to the public.