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Outline of Need:
Sanpete County began operating a landfill for its residents in a place that was in the center of the county, logistically desirable, and easily accessible. However, this site had potential environmental issues -- the water table in that area was high and there was concern that the landfill could be contaminating the ground water. The landfill site was not large enough to handle the future needs of the county or allow for continued growth. Because of the high water table and the potentially serious health and safety hazard of ground water contamination, the landfill was under Notices of Violation with the State of Utah.
Sanpete County began looking for alternative sites for a new landfill that would not have any potential for ground water contamination but would have adequate size to handle the future needs of the county. A suitable site was found in "White Hills" located in the southern half of the county. Land was purchased from private land owners and the Bureau of Land Management. The size of the land is sufficient to meet the needs of the county.
Sanpete County is classified as low income and is targeted for assistance. The entity is a cooperative of communities in the county. Therefore, this is a targeted project.
How Rural Development Helped:
The existing landfill was closed in accordance with best management practices, and a roadway to the new site was constructed that allows garbage trucks to reach the landfill safely and in all types of weather. The entire landfill area is fenced and enclosed. The first pit has been dug and the garbage is now being brought to the landfill. The scale to weigh trucks as they come into the landfill is being purchased and a metal storage shed to house the landfill equipment still needs to be constructed at the landfill site. The new landfill was built to meet current local and federal standards including Clean Air and Clean Water standards.
USDA Rural Development helped the county by providing $250,000 in Utilities Programs loan funds to construct the landfill and pay for landfill equipment. The county provided $142,000 in funds and performed construction work at the landfill.
The Result:
The State of Utah Department of Environmental Quality has supported this project and is satisfied with the work that has been completed.
The landfill will serve the solid waste disposal needs of the county as a disposal site for the next twenty years.
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