Digging for funds

When the DEQ inspected the Moorcroft landfill last year, the town was reprimanded for the condition of the facility and given the mandate to come up with a proposal for the landfill’s future, whether closing down completely or digging and lining another pit.

With a follow-up meeting with the DEQ set for May 3, at 10 a.m. the town is expected to arrive with a plan of action if they want another extension of the existing operation.

After exhausting the possibility of a countywide solid waste district, the town council asked HDR Engineering’s Heath Turbiville to explore funding to cover the anticipated $5 million-plus cost of keeping the landfill open for another 20 years (the anticipated lifespan of a five-acre pit with end of life expansions).

At a workshop before Monday night’s regular meeting, Turbiville reported his findings with current cost estimates. Closure of existing ten acre operation: $1 million ($100,000 per acre). A new five-acre cell (pit): $4 million.

With the tipping fees required to match these expected costs, the fee amount was broken down by ton: $35 for construction, $10 closure and $40 for daily operations, setting the tipping fees per ton at $85.

This fee is based on paying back a loan without the benefit of a grant.

Rural Development will fund up to 45% of a project with grant money and the remaining balance would be a low interest 30-40 year loan. This is the funding for the lagoon project currently in progress.

The State Revolving Fund (SRF) program can fund closures, but as of his report, Turbiville was waiting for the agency to affirm their ability to monetize digging a new cell. SRF loans have a current interest rate of 2.5% for a maximum 30-year term with the possibility of 25% principal forgiveness.

The Capital Construction Loan Program does not package their loans with any type of grant, but is low interest with an estimated cap of 2.5% based on length of term.

These three options are immediately available for application through the State Land and Investment Board (SLIB).

There are also the stimulus packages that are becoming available for quick dissemination for projects throughout the country. “But,” Turbiville spoke candidly, “they don’t have a good idea of how that’s going to happen yet.”

The council asked Turbiville and Clerk/Treasurer Cheryl Schneider to proceed with gathering needed information for application to any of these options.