Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Source: ND Department of Health Guideline 16
Follow the rules and state regulations or the privileges can and will go away. That's the message that New Rockford City Commission and Public Works Superintendent Bruce Hirchert have for residents and contractors using the city's inert landfill and compost pile.
Last month the New Rockford Transcript reported on city commission discussions held about landfill operations after a recent state inspection identified issues. At the city commission's regular meeting on May 7, officials continued the discussion and directed Hirchert to set up a trial period where the landfill hours will be limited to times when a city employee is present.
Therefore, starting Monday, May 21, there will be no access to the landfill via key. The landfill will be open by appointment only with limited hours for both residents and contractors. To make an appointment contact City Auditor George Ritzke at 701-947-2461.
According to Hirchert, the new restrictions were put in place because locals were not following state regulations, which include failure to sort loads and dumping items in the landfill that are not to be accepted.
Per state regulations set forth in "Guideline 16- Operation of Inert Waste Landfills" issued by the North Dakota Department of Health - Division of Waste Management, residents and contractors who desire to dispose of waste in the inert landfill must follow several directives:
1) All loads brought to the landfill must be covered to prevent spills and windblown debris. Anyone who loses garbage on the way to the landfill needs to pick it up. The city is not responsible for cleaning up litter.
2) Loads must be sorted for disposal into the appropriate areas, i.e. wood, metal/appliances, and other items should not be mixed.
3) Pallets should be recycled or reused, not put in the burn pile. As per state regulations in Guideline 16, "The department may deny burn variances for woodpiles that have large amounts of trade waste" including pallets.
4) Metal items and major appliances must be stockpiled separately for recycling. All refrigerants must be removed and collected before dumping.
5) Inert wastes that cannot be recycled or burned can be disposed into a trench or hole. This includes concrete, bricks, mortar, plaster, asphalt shingles, tires and upholstered furniture.
6) Before hauling items out to the landfill, check to see if the load contains any prohibited materials. See the sidebar for a list of items not allowed to be disposed of in the landfill. Remove any such materials and dispose of them in a garbage tote or dumpster before hauling out to the landfill.
7) Yard waste, including grass clippings and leaves, should be disposed of at the city's compost pile south of the Eagles Club. Take care not to leave branches, wood or household garbage of any kind at the compost pile. Check before leaving to ensure that the pile is not littered.
The complete set of state regulations is available on the N.D. Department of Health's website at http://www.ndhealth.gov/wm/publications/guideline16operationofinertwastelandfills.pdf
All loads will be inspected upon arrival at the landfill to ensure they are sorted and do not contain any prohibited items. Residents and contractors should note that there will be additional charges imposed on anyone who doesn't follow the directives.
Those with large amounts of waste to dispose of who do not want to sort their loads are encouraged to rent a roll-off. Interested parties should inquire at City Hall.
Finally, the landfill is quickly nearing capacity, requiring that city officials identify more land to purchase. Landfill disposal rates will be going up in the near future to offset the costs of acquiring land.
After completing this trial period, Hirchert will report his findings to the city commission on Monday, June 4. Other action may be taken at that time, which may include permanent restrictions on access to the landfill.
