The Shadow
Pending clearance from the state Department of Environmental Quality, Covington City Council will allow the Virginia Department of Transportation to dispose of construction waste in the Peters Mountain Landfill.
During council’s January work session Tuesday night, council gave preliminary approval to allow VDOT to dispose of approximately 125 cubic yards of construction waste from the Route 696 bridge project in Selma.
The excavated soil and shale is considered “petroleum impacted” but is not hazardous, said George Bezold, VDOT construction manager from Lexington.
In a letter to council, Bezold said results of soil analysis performed on the waste indicate that it is suitable for disposal in the landfill.
Covington City Manager John Doane said the city must assure that the waste meets DEQ standards before it can be accepted.
“I don’t think this will have a significant impact on the lifespan of the landfill,” Doane said, responding to a question by Councilman Buddy Brown who asked how much space the waste would occupy in the landfill.
Doane said he estimated that the waste would be the equivalent of one week of household waste collected by the city.
The city has a longstanding policy that reserves the use of the landfill for the city’s waste only. Any request by an outside entity for use of the landfill must be approved by city council.
Covington Vice Mayor Rob Bennett told Bezold of the recent consolidation talks where Alleghany County officials insisted on utilizing their solid waste transfer station while Covington officials wanted to continue use of the landfill.
Bennett asked if a transfer station could be used for waste.
Bezold said regulations do not allow the use of a transfer station to dispose of the waste.
Although saying the bridge project will benefit all residents of the Highlands, Bennett indicated that the city’s landfill will be used to accomodate a county project.
“It’s a little ironic,” Bennett said.
“It’s nice we have a landfill that we can help you out,” Bennett said.
“So, you’re happy we have a landfill?” Bennett asked Bezold.
“Absolutely,” he replied.
The city will charge the normal $65 per ton for disposal.
Doane again said approval of VDOT’s request will depend on the DEQ.
“That would be a requirement for us as well,” said Brett Waller, regional hazardous materials manager for VDOT.
Covington Parks and Recreation Director Allen Dressler gave council a report on potential grant applications for capital improvement projects at the city’s parks.
“It’s important to continue grant writing,” Dressler said. The city frequently seeks funding from The Alleghany Foundation for parks and recreation projects.
Dressler said the city’s parks are heavily used, well maintained, and benefit the quality of life for all residents of the Highlands.
The next grant cycle is March 1.
Council also placed on next Tuesday’s agenda a request by Doane for the city to recodify the city code.
The code has not been recodified for over 20 years and due to changes in city ordinances, policies, court decisions and the like, the current document is cumbersome and difficult to utilize, Doane said.
The cost of recodification will be approximately $15,000.
In other items, council:
– will consider adoption of the VML 2010 Legislative Program, which gives the city an opportunity for representation in state meetings and conferences with legislators.
