There has been a lot of conversation in the Lower Yakima Valley about the possible closure of the Lower Valley Transfer station. These are the concerns we have had regarding the transfer station:
- The LVTS loses $500,000 to $600,000 each year
- The current transfer station is built on the location of the old landfill: therefore, the road and scale are built on or right next to the landfill itself. This creates an unstable foundation.
- Due to the unstable foundation, the water pipe has broken and been replaced twice so far.
- Also due to the unstable foundation, the scale is in its last stages of life and will cease to operate soon from what we can tell.
- The price on scale and scalehouse replacement is closer to $2.5 million.
- The tipping fees at Yakima County landfills are the lowest in the state.
Although this was a difficult decision to arrive at, especially as I am one who has used this transfer station for decades, we have decided we need to close the LVTS at the end of 2022.
However, there is more to say. First, rates will be kept the same at the Cheyne Road Landfill-there is no scheduled rate increase. Second, some of you may find that using a commercial garbage hauler will be a good option. I have recently switched to this option, which costs me $12.31 per month for a weekly pickup, without having to pay for the gas to drive to the landfill.
I do know that this is not a viable option for everyone, particularly for some businesses who rely on the current transfer station for their specific needs. I know the cities of Sunnyside and Grandview are concerned about potential increases to their hauling costs. This is why I am working with the cities of Sunnyside and Grandview to explore options. It is to our mutual benefit to find a cost-effective option to place a new transfer station somewhere in the Sunnyside area. I can’t promise anything at this point, but I am hopeful we can come up with a solution. Of course, it will have to meet regulatory requirements, and it can’t lose $500,000 a year, as the current location does.
None of the current employees at Lower Valley Transfer station will lose their jobs. Their work will be transferred to the Cheyne Road Landfill location.
Thanks for your time and understanding. It is my goal to provide needed services to the people of our county in a cost-effective manner.
LaDon Linde is Yakima County Commissioner, District 3. He can be reached at 509-574-1500 or ladon.linde@co.yakima.wa.us
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