A plan to build a recycling center and landfill in Clark County, Wash., is running into stiff opposition from residents who are protesting the facility’s location in an area near schools and homes.
The plan to build the recycling facility, geared to handling construction and demolition waste, was first proposed more than ten years ago. According to local press reports, the location, in a mined out gravel pit, was in a remote area. However, since the project was first floated the area has become much more populated.
Despite the opposition, the Clark County Department of Community Development has given the facility approval the building of the East County Reclamation Center at the proposed site, subject to conditions of approval.
The proposed recycling center/limited purpose landfill would cover 98 acres. The facility would take in construction, demolition and land clearing debris, and inert waste. Acceptable non-recyclable material received at the recycling facility would be landfilled.
While the staff has given the project conditional approval, the project will have a public hearing Nov. 8 in Vancouver, Wash. At the hearing the applicant, proponents of the project as well as opponents will be allowed to comment. A hearing examiner, upon hearing both sides, will then make a decision within several weeks.
Several conditions that the Community Development staff have stipulated that must be met for approval and continued operation include: construction of a right of way and sidewalk, landscaping, a storm water plan that meets requirements of the state of Washington; and landfill construction that adheres to state codes.