Action needed on Lakeside solid waste site

The Lakeside and Bigfork green box sites were scheduled by the County Solid Waste Board for closure and consolidation with the Somers green box site on Hwy 82.  Residents of the two communities responded immediately in favor of keeping their local green box sites.  Bigfork pursued acquisition of a new site to replace its inadequate one.  Lakeside's site is on leased land owned by the MT Dept of Transportation (MDT), but is otherwise suitable for additional green boxes and expansion.  The Solid Waste Board has requested MDT to lease additional adjacent land for enlarging Lakeside's site.

 The County Solid Waste Board made it clear that retention of the Lakeside and Bigfork sites will bring a new management model.  Like the Somers site, the sites will be manned and have defined hours of operation.  Recycling capacity will be enlarged; but non-metal oversize items, oil, hazmat, and yard waste over 40 inches long will not be accepted.  The Solid Waste Board will not support unmanned sites with unlimited access in Lakeside and Bigfork.  The alternative to accepting the Board's operational plan will most likely be the loss of the Lakeside green box site.

 The main points in the county proposal applying to the Lakeside and Bigfork green box sites:

1. County pays for land purchase or all lease payments and build/expansion/improvement costs.

2. Features of the expanded Lakeside site as proposed by Solid Waste Board:

a. 20 to 30 additional green boxes

b. 1 or 2 blue boxes for recycling; cardboard/paper and aluminum/plastic

c. An overflow bin for cardboard

d. Electrified, bear-proof, chain-link fence, with green slats 

e. Improved pad, storm drainage, access road

f. One or more flood lights

g. Possible cardboard compactor

3. Proposed operations at the expanded Lakeside site:

a. Site staffed by county employees during open hours

b. Restricted hours/days open (to be determined) and closed on federal holidays

c. Permitted and restricted drop off items

i. Acceptable:

1. Household trash

2. Cardboard, aluminum, and plastic recyclables

3. Metal oversize items and car batteries

4. Branches up to 40" & in moderation (no filling multiple bins)

ii. Not allowed (county landfill will take):

1. Waste oil or hazmat 

2. Commercial/business trash

3. Tires

4. Non-metal oversize items 

5. Excessive quantities of branches and yard waste

d. No "picking" or retrieving of items disposed of at the site

4. PAYMENT:  Community residents will pay for staffing of both the Bigfork and Lakeside sites through creation of special tax districts for each location. Lakeside district boundaries are from Spring Creek Road to Lake County border and from Flathead Lake west to USFS lands.  The special district tax will be assessed on all developed parcels in this area (currently estimated at 1,688 parcels).  Preliminary estimates project an added Lakeside tax of $55-$75 per year per developed parcel.

 A short survey could help shape some of the details of Lakeside green box site management.  The public can submit responses and comments to the County Solid Waste Board.   

Residents and citizens may take the survey at surveymonkey.com/s/GreenBox

 Surveys are due Oct. 26 so results can be discussed at the Oct. 28 Lakeside Council meeting.