June 1, 2011 Update
Waste Connections, Inc. plans to re-submit application for new dump.
In a May 16th letter to Douglas County Chief Planner Joe Fowler, withdrawing their application to build a 358 acre solid waste landfill near Sedalia, Waste Connections, Inc. indicated that they were doing so “with a view to re-submittal with modifications after further discussions with the County”.
Waste Connections and other interested parties were barred from speaking with county elected officials while their initial application was under review. By withdrawing their application, the way is now cleared for Waste Connections to directly lobby Douglas County Commissioners on the project.
Coalition to Preserve Douglas County spokesperson Gary Debus expressed pleasure that the application had been withdrawn for now, but cautioned that the application could be re-submitted at any time. “While it is certainly good news that the application is not moving forward at this time, we are under no illusions that this closes the issue. We fully expect Waste Connections to continue to pursue plans to construct this unnecessary, destructive and dangerous project.”
“The Coalition to Preserve Douglas County will continue to be vigilant and engaged in preventing a new municipal solid waste landfill at this inappropriate location,” Debus added. “We are developing a communication plan to keep members of the Coalition and the entire community informed about this threat to our community.”
As information becomes available we will post it here.
In a May 16th letter to Douglas County Chief Planner Joe Fowler, withdrawing their application to build a 358 acre solid waste landfill near Sedalia, Waste Connections, Inc. indicated that they were doing so “with a view to re-submittal with modifications after further discussions with the County”.
Waste Connections and other interested parties were barred from speaking with county elected officials while their initial application was under review. By withdrawing their application, the way is now cleared for Waste Connections to directly lobby Douglas County Commissioners on the project.
Coalition to Preserve Douglas County spokesperson Gary Debus expressed pleasure that the application had been withdrawn for now, but cautioned that the application could be re-submitted at any time. “While it is certainly good news that the application is not moving forward at this time, we are under no illusions that this closes the issue. We fully expect Waste Connections to continue to pursue plans to construct this unnecessary, destructive and dangerous project.”
“The Coalition to Preserve Douglas County will continue to be vigilant and engaged in preventing a new municipal solid waste landfill at this inappropriate location,” Debus added. “We are developing a communication plan to keep members of the Coalition and the entire community informed about this threat to our community.”
As information becomes available we will post it here.
Our Douglas County Quality of Life and the Beauty of Our Community ARE AT RISK
Sedalia Land Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Waste Connections Inc., is applying for a zoning change that would pave the way for a new 358-acre, 1,200 ton per day municipal solid waste landfill at the site of its existing commercial landfill just above Sedalia and east of U.S. 85. Not only would this be a major physical expansion, but the proposal would allow all kinds of waste, including putrid matter, to be brought into this site in the middle of our community.
The proposed dump is unnecessary and a threat to our quality of life in Douglas County. Here is why:
No need for this landfill
There is ample landfill capacity in the area already. One of the major landfills that services our community has at least 100 years of capacity and there are five other landfills within 45 miles. Sedalia Land Company is likely planning to import waste into our community.
Unsuitable location for a major landfill
Placing a dump at the proposed location would degrade quality of life and reduce property values for residents of the community.
The Douglas County Comprehensive Master Plan is designed to ensure that Douglas County residents are able “to live their desired lifestyles well into the future”. The plan specifically discourages a landfill in the Sedalia Rural Community.
Increased traffic and congestion
The new dump would mean a significant increase in heavy truck traffic on our already overburdened road system, including highway 85. It could also result in a new increase in rail traffic being used to import garbage.
Members of our community are coming together in a rapidly expanding coalition to oppose the dump and ensure that our Douglas County leaders make the right decision and deny the application.
The proposed dump is unnecessary and a threat to our quality of life in Douglas County. Here is why:
No need for this landfill
There is ample landfill capacity in the area already. One of the major landfills that services our community has at least 100 years of capacity and there are five other landfills within 45 miles. Sedalia Land Company is likely planning to import waste into our community.
Unsuitable location for a major landfill
Placing a dump at the proposed location would degrade quality of life and reduce property values for residents of the community.
- The proposed landfill site is close to and above a large population center. Putting a major new dump with putrid matter at this location would increase noise, blowing trash and odors. The dump would impair views and degrade the overall scenic beauty of the area.
- The proposed new dump site sits on major aquifers. The new dump could potentially result in contamination of surface and underground water.
- The landfill is also directly adjacent to thousands more acres of open space, including the Highlands Ranch Community Association's 7,500-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area and the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation’s 3,200 acres of open space.
- The taxpayers of Douglas County have already invested $2 million in a conservation easement for Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation’s open space.
- The new dump would adversely impact the natural environment and would impact important wildlife habitat and movement corridors.
The Douglas County Comprehensive Master Plan is designed to ensure that Douglas County residents are able “to live their desired lifestyles well into the future”. The plan specifically discourages a landfill in the Sedalia Rural Community.
Increased traffic and congestion
The new dump would mean a significant increase in heavy truck traffic on our already overburdened road system, including highway 85. It could also result in a new increase in rail traffic being used to import garbage.
Members of our community are coming together in a rapidly expanding coalition to oppose the dump and ensure that our Douglas County leaders make the right decision and deny the application.
What can I do to stop the new dump, and preserve Douglas County?
1. Stay in touch with PreserveDC.org.
2. Tell your friends about Preserve Douglas
County and PreserveDC.org.
3. Keep me informed via email (sign up):
2. Tell your friends about Preserve Douglas
County and PreserveDC.org.
3. Keep me informed via email (sign up):
Community Groups
Are you a member of a community association or other organization that can join the Coalition to Preserve Douglas County in opposing this new dump in our community? Please download this Statement of Opposition and take to your organization for consideration and adoption. Please email signed statements to contact@PreserveDC.org or mail to P.O. Box 705, Sedalia, CO 80135.
Click thumbnail to enlarge photo:
Dump Areas & Surrounding Neighbors
Current View - From Cherokee Ranch and Castle - balcony wide angle terrain
Current View - CO Rd 20-Terrain Model
Landfill Model - From Cherokee Ranch and Castle - balcony wide angle terrain
Landfill Model - CO Rd 20-Terrain
Email: Contact@PreserveDC.org
