Interested in what’s next?

Now that the North Auburn site is off the table for a potential transfer station, what happens now? If you’d like to be part of that conversation, the King County Solid Waste Division invites you to attend an informational open house to learn about the South County Recycling and Transfer Station project. County staff and project consultants will be on hand to explain the project and to answer questions. Attendees can also submit comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).

The open houses will be held:

February 22, 2016 from 6 – 8 p.m. (arrive/leave any time)
The Commons at Auburn High School
711 E. Main Street, Auburn

March 3, 2016 from 6 – 8 p.m. (arrive/leave any time)
The American Filipino Hall
103 6th Avenue N, Algona

The King County Solid Waste Division released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project on February 4. Comments on the DEIS must be received by March 9. These comments will then be evaluated and considered to inform the final EIS, which should be completed by October of this year.

The purpose of the DEIS is to evaluate potential impacts that siting, constructing, and operating a new recycling and transfer station would have on both the built and natural environments, including earth, air, and water quality; and land use, transportation, public services, and utilities.

The DEIS evaluated these impacts for three different alternatives:

• Taking no action and keeping the existing Algona station;
• Constructing a replacement facility at 901 C St. S.W. in Auburn; or
• Constructing a replacement facility adjacent to the existing transfer station at 35101 W. Valley Hwy. S. in Algona.

More information about the project is also available on the division’s website, or by contacting Tom Creegan, project manager, at 206-477-5218, tom.creegan@kingcounty.gov.

No North Auburn Garbage Site thanks those who made the process work

The No North Auburn Garbage Site citizens’ group would like to thank the following public officials for always being open and helpful while doing a difficult job planning King County’s solid-waste future. Thanks to:

• King County Council member Pete Von Reichbauer and Council staff for actively listening to our concerns.
• Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus for your support. It was key to getting the North Auburn site eliminated from the list.
• Auburn City Council member Bill Peloza, chair of the Metropolitan Solid Waste Management Advisory Committee, who always helped us find good answers.
• Peloza’s colleagues on the Auburn City Council — John Holman, Claude DaCorsi, Wayne Osborne, Yolanda Trout, Rich Wagner and Largo Wales.
• Former Auburn City Council member John Partridge.
• Pat McLaughlin, Polly Young, Diane Yates, Eric Richardt and others at King County Solid Waste for your openness and willingness to keep us informed.

Our sincere thanks also to the Federal Way United Methodist Church for offering space to hold our meetings, and to the Auburn West Hill neighborhood and all the concerned citizens who spoke convincingly at public meetings, signed petitions, and wrote letters to officials.

No North Auburn Garbage Site
Cindy Flanagan, Marie-Anne Harkness, Jon Lindenauer, John Brekke, Eleanor Brekke, Bill Boyd

North Auburn site removed from consideration

The King County Solid Waste Division has ended its consideration of the North Auburn site as a potential location for a new transfer station.

A statement from Division Director Pat D. McLaughlin says, in part:

“Subsequent environmental review has determined that the . . . potential site, located at 28721 West Valley Highway S., Auburn, WA 98001 and including the two parcels immediately adjacent to the west, is not a reasonable alternative, cannot feasibly attain the proposal’s objectives, and will be eliminated as an alternative for the location of a new transfer station.”

The county will prepare an environmental impact statement that evaluates two properties at:

• 901 C Street Southwest, Auburn
• 35101 West Valley Highway South, Algona

The county could also retain the current Algona Transfer Station at 35315 West Valley Hwy. S. in Algona until the end of its useful life.

Read the entire statement and a story in the Auburn Reporter.

No North Auburn Garbage Site leaders ask King County to conclude negotiations with Algona before adopting Solid Waste Transfer Plan Review

Several leaders of the No North Auburn Garbage Site group have submitted comments urging King County to conclude negotiations with the City of Algona before adopting of its new Draft Solid Waste Transfer Plan Review Report.

The two governments are discussing how to replace the existing Algona transfer station on nearby land already owned by King County. No North Auburn Garbage Site maintains that the transfer plan leaves unanswered a number of vital questions relating to South King County.

“The answers will be much clearer when a plan for Algona is finalized,’ says co-chair Marie-Anne Harkness. “That’s why we’re encouraging King County to conclude the negotiations with Algona as soon as possible. We need to have a clear picture of the future there before the county commits to a broader — and very expensive — plan that affects us all.”

Read a digest of comments from No North Auburn Garbage Site leaders here.

Construction pauses on warehouse project

Construction has been placed on hold at 28721 West Valley Highway South (the potential site of a garbage transfer station) on a warehouse being funded by Panattoni Development and built by Poe Construction Co. (See earlier post).

As we understand it, the issue that put the project on hold is related to storm water. The City of Auburn’s Planning Department is requiring the developer to meet certain permitting requirements. We’ve been told the developer is working with consultants to meet the requirements, although we’ve not been given a timeline.

We will bring you updates as we receive them.

Warehouse construction under way on North Auburn site, Algona is now leading choice for new South King County transfer station

Warehouse construction under way on North Auburn site, Algona is now leading choice for new South King County transfer station Construction of a warehouse distribution center has begun at the potential North Auburn transfer station site at 28721 West Valley Highway South. The property was recently sold to Panattoni Development Co. of Newport Beach, Calif., one of the Puget Sound region’s most active developers of industrial space. Panattoni is building 12 industrial projects totaling 2.5 million square feet between Sumner and Everett. Construction work at the Auburn site is being done by Poe Construction, based in Auburn. The King County Solid Waste Division (KCSWD) says the construction project has nothing to do with a new transfer station, and Poe confirms that a warehouse distribution center is being built on the site. Meanwhile, KCSWD has shifted the focus of its planning for a new South King County transfer station to Algona. The division has posted the following at its web page about the project:

“The environmental review process undertaken by King County examines the probable significant adverse environmental impacts of this project for each site. This effort revealed issues at the two sites located in Auburn that would significantly affect the project cost and schedule. Such issues do not exist for the site located in Algona, next to the current facility.

“The King County Solid Waste Division is in the process of discussing mitigation strategies with the City of Algona that would address the minor potential environmental impacts anticipated, and would allow the County to site the new station next to the existing station. These discussions are productive and ongoing.”

An email from KCSWD says those discussions are “positive and going well.” KCSWD expects to release a new timeline for the project in September. We will share details at this website. “It is clear that the efforts of the No North Auburn Garbage Site citizen’s group has paid big dividends,” says spokesman Jon Lindenauer. “We will continue to communicate with Auburn and King County and keep you updated.”

Feedback to Mayor Nancy Backus unanimously opposes Auburn transfer station

Earlier this month, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus asked area residents to provide feedback on this question: Should there be a solid waste transfer station in Auburn? On April 11, she posted 27 responses on the “Mayor’s Feedback Requests” page of the City of Auburn’s website. All 27 were opposed to a transfer station in Auburn. A large majority addressed the proposed North Auburn site at 28721 West Valley Highway. Here’s a sampling of responses:

Marilyn N.: This facility would be noisy, unattractive, and a real detriment to our neighborhood. We would have never bought a new or existing home in this area had we known a landfill would be placed right below or in close proximity to where we live. We don’t want to hear it all night long and don’t need the traffic in the area that a facility like this would bring.

Julie M.: This will destroy my property value, put excessive traffic on West Valley, bring noxious birds to the area, destroy owl habitat and basically ruin North Auburn.

Kathleen C.: Last year I learned that the current Algona site services 2,700 vehicles each week. I can’t imagine the impact this would have on Auburn if the 28721 West Valley site is chosen. . . It is once again time for Auburn to give an emphatic “NO” to King County. The Algona site is a viable option and the location appears to have worked well for the past 50 years. I support continued opposition to any Auburn siting.

Cathy B.: I am writing to express my strong opposition to siting a transfer station at 28721 West Valley Highway in North Auburn.  I cannot overstate what a bad idea I think this is, and I am mystified as to why King County Solid Waste would even be considering this as a transfer station site. . . Please consider what a negative impact this could have on the businesses, homes, and wildlife in this area.

Susanne M.: Thank you for asking for feedback on the proposed dump in Auburn. My family, my neighbors and I STRONGLY OPPOSE this site. We ask that you do all in your power to stop it from ruining the precious land and habitat on the site.

Diane C.: I am very concerned that this site is even being considered. I trust you will ensure the transfer station is situated in a more appropriate place.

Deidre D.: This is absolutely the wrong location in this fertile historic valley. This would have a huge negative effect on business, residential and roads in this area.

Susan W.: I live up the hill from the proposed site at 28721 West Valley. It does not make sense to me to put a new dump site there when they can just put it near the existing site. The proposed site is too near neighborhoods and schools.

Doreen D.: Thank you for asking for input from those that you serve. It gives people a voice and a sense of involvement in their community as well as a belief that our elected officials are listening. With that being said, I would like to once again state my opposition to placing a transfer station in my backyard and in your backyard that you serve as well. . . Let’s reduce, reuse and remodel the current site in Algona.

Michael D.: Why are we still considering putting the transfer station at the North Auburn proposed site?  This option was not even on the table on the first round of “best locations.” Putting it here will impact the homeowners, wetland, and traffic in an already busy location.  The road cannot handle this, nor can the residents of northern Auburn.  It defies logic, so let’s be sensible and expand the Algona site.

Jeaninne W.:  We already have more traffic on West Valley Highway than it can handle in this area. Try driving this road the from 3-6 PM, the transfer station would add approximately 385 additional cars per day to the this road that is already congested. If you add an accident on 167 then  traffic detours to West Valley Highway. It will take hours for people to get through the congestion.

Cyndie K.: Please support the initiative to oppose this location.  I am a resident of Auburn and this area is close to many neighborhoods and will decrease the quality of life for many families. This area is obviously wetlands and the roads cannot support the kind of traffic associated with a DUMP. In addition, the cost is outrageous!!!

Myron L.: We should be conserving tax dollars, not spending them on this new project. There is sufficient land to expand the existing station [in Algona and it] would be a third as expensive.

Cindy F.: Building another supersized transfer station in Auburn is not the answer. A remodel of Algona and redirecting some of the hauled garbage is the responsible answer. Some garbage, such as Federal Way’s garbage, could be rerouted to Bow Lake. The current Algona site could be remodeled, and if needed, expansion could occur on the adjacent multi-acre property which King County Solid Waste already owns! King County Solid Waste estimated an Algona remodel would be approximately $10 Million. Remodeling Algona and redirecting garbage traffic so the system is balanced could mean building a transfer system that is functionally, environmentally and economically friendly. And King County could save over $100 million in capital costs!

John B.: A garbage transfer station is a harmful addition to the City of Auburn, for its citizens, business and property owners. We ask for the City of Auburn’s continued leadership opposing and protecting the City from the siting a garbage transfer station in North Auburn.

You can read the responses to Mayor Backus in their entirety here.

Send an email to Mayor Nancy Backus opposing a transfer station in North Auburn

“What would you do?” asks Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus on the City of Auburn’s blog, More Than You Imagined.

“King County Solid Waste has stated that south King County is in need of a new solid waste transfer station,” she wrote. “Three possible sites are still on the list — two in Auburn, and one in Algona next to the current site.  What are your thoughts about a new station being located in Auburn? Let me know what you think!”

No North Auburn Garbage Site hopes to generate more than 100 responses to the question posed by Mayor Backus. To us, building a transfer station at 28721 West Valley Highway in North Auburn is far more than a “Not In My Back Yard” issue. There are many reasons why it’s simply wrong for that part of the valley.

If you’d like some talking points to use in your email to Mayor Backus, these are the reasons we oppose a transfer station in North Auburn:

The Neighborhood:  A residential community is located right next to the proposed site.  Some of the homes are just across the street — just a basketball toss away.  Residents are justifiably concerned about noise, odor, traffic and water issues . . . not to mention the likely decline in property values.  A transfer station here would likely destroy this established neighborhood.

Local Businesses:  Many small businesses are located within a five-minute walk of the site.  They would be hurt by the traffic disruption that dozens of additional trucks per day would create on West Valley Highway, as well as the noise and potential odor. Property owners would likely suffer from increased vacancy rates as tenants move elsewhere — reducing the business community’s vitality.

Agriculture:  A substantial amount of agriculture takes place within a half-mile radius. We are concerned about the transfer station’s impact on nearby farms, flower businesses, horses and llamas, nurseries and landscaping businesses.

Traffic:  West Valley Highway is already severely tied up at certain times of day, and the roadway is showing serious signs of wear.  The addition of dozens of commercial trucks and a steady stream of self-haul vehicles will worsen the congestion and further deteriorate the roadway.  It has the potential to back up traffic onto S. 277th Street during rush hour, and will likely increase the trash-truck traffic through nearby neighborhoods.

Historical Importance:  The area is rich in history.  Japanese-Americans farmed this land before it was seized when they were interned during World War II.  Ito Brothers Strawberry Farm on West Valley Highway, founded in 1908, was one of the first to introduce strawberries as a crop in the area.

Equity:  With Bow Lake already the largest transfer station in the system, building another a few miles away would make South King County the “dumping ground” for the majority of the county’s waste.

Please send your comments to Mayor Backus this week!

City of Auburn asks for further review of King County Solid Waste Transfer and Waste Management Plan, says neither proposed transfer station site in Auburn is appropriate

The City of Auburn has asked King County to conduct another assessment of its transfer system plan. The plan was recently reviewed by the county’s Solid Waste Division, which concluded that a transfer station in South King County should proceed as originally planned in 2006.

“The City urges King County to conduct further evaluation of the Solid Waste Management Plan before spending tens to hundreds of millions of dollars . . . [on a plan] that plugs a state of the art facility into an outdated solid waste handling system and strategy,” Auburn officials said in a letter to the Solid Waste Division.

The letter — signed by Mayor Nancy Backus, Assistant Director of Community Development Jeff Tate, City Attorney Daniel Held, and Director of Finance Shelley Coleman — said the county approached its recent review “with a foregone conclusion that a new solid waste handling facility is required, since the choices are limited to build or not to build, that the only solution is a one size fits all approach to transfer station, and . . . it fails to incorporate any innovative approaches. A more genuine approach would have been to allow an outside audit of the report.”

Among the deficiencies in the report highlighted in the letter:

• “Of the various alternatives described there is no reference to an option of retaining, renovating or expanding the Algona facility to serve as something more than a self-haul facility.”
• “The report does not address the need for 24 of the other 37 cities in King County to embrace mandatory garbage and recycling services.”
• “The guiding principles of the report fail to include the need to incorporate social and environmental justice when deciding in which community to locate a facility.”

The letter also stated that neither of the two proposed sites within the city limits are acceptable to the City. “Both sites proposed in Auburn present significant potential harm to the City of Auburn, its residents and businesses, the community’s quality of life, the natural environment, utilities, roads, traffic, the local economy, property values, and flood detention. . . . [A]dditional consideration should be given to other properties within the region that are far more appropriate.”

Read the complete letter here (beginning on page 6).

King County Solid Waste Division completes review of transfer station plan

On March 3, the King County Solid Waste Division (KCSWD) sent its review of the county’s transfer station plan to the county council and county executive. Here are the 117-page report’s conclusions:

The analysis revealed that any system configuration which does not build a new South County Recycling and Transfer Station to replace Algona would not adequately serve the area and would result in significantly increased collection costs for residents and businesses in the south county, raising collection costs in the county’s lowest income area. These alternatives would also overload the Bow Lake Recycling and Transfer Station, which was not designed to handle such a high proportion of the system’s customers. . . .

Based on analysis of the alternatives and stakeholder feedback, the division recommends the following:

• Proceed this year with a new Factoria Recycling and Transfer Station using current design and permits (with minor modifications to retain flexibility).
• Continue siting evaluations for a  South County Recycling and Transfer Station.
• In collaboration with stakeholders, continue to evaluate implementation of operational approaches that would provide service for the northeast county without building an additional transfer station and compare benefits and tradeoffs to the Base Alternative.

KCSWD is proceeding with an environmental impact statement concerning the three potential transfer station sites (of which the North Auburn sites is the “preferred alternative”). Here’s what the agency says in the report about that process:

The Transfer Plan review was not intended to replace the ongoing siting process for a recycling and transfer facility in the south county area currently served by the Algona Transfer Station. An environmental review prepared under the State Environmental Policy Act will evaluate probable significant adverse effects on wetlands, wildlife, traffic, noise, odor, utilities, aesthetics, groundwater, and other elements of the natural and built environment, along with mitigation measures that avoid or minimize adverse environmental impacts, for three potential sites and a ‘No Action’ Alternative, which would retain the current Algona Transfer Station until the end of its useful life.The estimated capital cost to build a new South County RTS (at any location) to replace Algona is about $74 million dollars (in 2013$). The current Algona Transfer Station is 60 years old, and is built on wood pilings that will fail unless replaced within the decade. Retention and repair of Algona Transfer Station (estimated at $8.9 million in 2013 dollars) would simply allow the current building to continue operation. The repaired facility would not have sufficient capacity to efficiently provide service to both commercial and self-haul customers past about 2018, and would not be able to compact waste or accept materials for recycling.

You can download the report here and read the comments received by the county here. No North Auburn Garbage Site will post a response on this website in the next several days.