Abstract |
Teller County exhibits solid waste management problems similar to many rural mountainous areas in the western United States. The County experiences relatively rapid population growth, a large seasonal influx of summer residents and tourists, and a severe winter climate. The County requested an analysis of alternative solid waste management systems, including the use of one or more sanitary landfills in the County, hauling waste out of the County in collection vehicles, and transferring waste out of the County after compaction in a transfer station. Cost estimates were developed for the various waste collection, transfer, and disposal alternatives. Potential landfill sites were located and rated using a quantative review methodology. Such siting factors as soil depth and type, ground and surface water impacts, haul distance, access, size of the site, slope, visibility, and adjacent land use were incorporated into the evaluation system. The report recommends upgrading of a present County disposal site (Cripple Creek) for use as a sanitary landfill, and closure of the second County disposal site (Victor). It is also recommended that the most suitable of the potential landfill sites be purchased for future development. Continued transfer of some waste out of the County remains a viable alternative contingent upon the continued availability of landfill sites in a neighboring county to the east. |