12/30/2008: "A New SJI Dump At A New Location: SWAC"

The SWAC (Solid Waste Advisory Committee) plans to formally approve a recommendion to the County Council on January 12 that a new solid waste transfer station be constructed on property already purchased for that purpose next to Beaverton Valley Road on San Juan Island.

The citizens committee passed around a draft recommendation (pdf 678\k file) -no copies were made available at the meeting for the public- that will serve as the starting point for a final recommendation to the County Council; and also as a starting point for at least two minority reports that will take issue with the full committee recommendation.

Committee members Jack Yelverton & Mike MacDonald repeatedly attempted to have the committee pay more attention to the cost and safety issues with each site, but Chairman George Post said the full committee had decided not to consider these as relevant issues. Post said their job was to make a policy decision as to which site was the best -not all things considered- for a transfer station.

Both MacDonald and Yelverton quoted language from the county Comprehensive Plan that stated required criteria for a transfer station, one of which included costs.

Post responded that “the Comprehensive Plan has nothing to do with solving the sold waste issue of the county.” Post and committee member Carrie Lacher said the full County Council makes the final decision, and they will address all of the issues at that time, including costs and safety.

The issue of conflict of interest was raised by committee member Bob Freeauf, and Chairman Post stated “our bias are well in action.” Post then spoke at length on the issue, and said some were attempting to slow down the process because they do want the site in their neighborhood..

This seemed to be directed to both Yelverton and MacDonald, both of whom own property near the committees’ first choice site next to Beaverton Valley road; but just as clearly could have been directed to some of the more vocal advocates that live near the existing site that hope the dump will find a new home away from their neighborhood.

The committee will now email in their suggested changes to the draft to Chairman Post. Both MacDonald and Yelverton will also forward their minority reports to Post, who will have them posted on the County website, along with additional current material.

Once the draft becomes a final recommendation it, and the minority report(s), will be presented to the County Council, and then full public involvement will begin.