Residents, haulers press county on waste fees and alleged creek contamination

Multiple residents and local business owners addressed the Grant County Board of Commissioners during the public-comment period on Sept. 10, focusing on two linked concerns: potential environmental contamination and the affordability of proposed solid-waste fees.

Lewis Mitchell of Buckhorn told commissioners he observed county construction activities that, he said, left concrete and asphalt debris in Turkey Creek and introduced petroleum-contaminated soil into the Hula River watershed. “They've gone in there and torn up concrete, they've torn up asphalt, and they've pushed that off into Turkey Creek,” Mitchell said, adding he had contacted state and federal agencies about filing environmental complaints. The board did not immediately respond with a factual rebuttal but acknowledged the concern as part of public input.

Several speakers pressed fiscal impacts. Hauler-owner Michael Jade Ford thanked the board for considering additional public input and said he represents about 700 customers who could be affected. Former landfill operator Dale Dods provided local operational context and population-based estimates, saying large increases could drive people to dump illegally. “If the haulers have to start paying tonnage instead of having that pass through, then I’m probably gonna be paying closer to $90 a month,” Katie Nolasco said, describing her current out-of-pocket hauling costs and worry about future affordability.

Commenters asked the board to clarify how existing hauler contracts would interact with county waivers and whether homeowner associations that already pay a hauler’s tipping fee would face double charging. Commissioners responded in the ordinance discussion by noting the authority, not the ordinance, sets rates and by exploring waiver language to avoid unfair cost shifts.