Divide evident over waste transfer expansion

A proposal for JB Salvage’s expansion for its west side facility is currently under scrutiny after the city of Bloomington further studied the proposal, withdrawing its initial support. The facility can still be built with the approval of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

The proposal includes the creation of two additional facilities: Indiana Recycling
Resource and the Vernal Pike Transfer and Recycling, said Bethany Stevens, applicant and co-owner for the proposed facility.  

The City of Bloomington Legal Department officially contacted IDEM on Feb. 22 to state the city’s opposition to the permit application.

“The Department of Public Works had been supportive of the application, because it felt the new business could help with recycling efforts, but as we studied the issue, it became clear there are greater reasons to be against the plan,” Mayor Mark Kruzan said in an email.

Stevens said the new facilities would allow JB Salvage to expand its recycling efforts, which is currently limited to scrap metal recycling. With the expansion, residents would be able to recycle things such as tires, old furniture and old
electronics.

Kruzan said in an email the proposal creates social injustice, heavy traffic, pollution, noise, odor and public safety problems.

Steve Volan, city council member and president of the Solid Waste Management District Board, said the opening of a second waste transfer station would also cause the current contract the city has with Republic Services for solid waste management to no longer be binding.

“The contract is the only way the Solid Waste Management District and, by extension, the county as a whole is able to regulate tipping fees,” Volan said. “That contract also says if a second waste transfer station was to be opened up in the county, the contract would no longer be binding. That’s why it’s not for the community’s advantage to have a second waste transfer station.”

JB Salvage is currently in the reapplication process after hearing IDEM’s
recommendations.

“There were a few technical things IDEM recommended we fix. They have been great to work with,” Stevens said.  

“We are waiting on additional information that demonstrates that this facility will be constructed and operate under solid waste regulations,” said Amy Harstock, public information officer for IDEM.

The most recent letter from IDEM to the applicant, issued on Feb. 27, requires a more accurate number reflecting the amount of daily waste the facility expects and additional zoning documentation, among other details.  

The letter states, “This review indicates that additional information and/or changes are still needed before further review may commence.”

IDEM has told the city government they have no official role to play in the issue, but they are interested in the local government’s and the public’s opinion about the situation and invited us to make an official comment, Kruzan said in an email.

“IDEM has been very responsive to our inquiries,” Kruzan said. “I can’t imagine any circumstances where the city would support this kind of business plan in a neighborhood setting. We’re working with the IDEM to stop the permit from being issued.”

Stevens said a few local residents have called with concerns, but after receiving an explanation, they have become more comfortable with the expansion.

“Of course, when trash is involved, people have a reason to be nervous,” Stevens said.

Stevens said the new facilities would follow strict regulations, and no piece of trash would be in the enclosed center for more than 24 hours, but in reality it would be much less time than that.

“The trash would be transferred directly from the enclosed building directly to a truck to be taken to a landfill, and we would keep everything clean with the concrete floors,” Stevens said.  

Stevens said the expansion is meant to be of service to the Bloomington
community.

“It will open up job opportunities and allow residents to get rid of more of their trash and recyclables,” Stevens said.

Volan said Solid Waste Management has been providing recycling services to the community through initiatives such as Bulky Item Day, which allows residents to get rid of bigger household items with more convenience.

Harstock said as long as the facility meets all the technical and legal requirements, by law, IDEM is obligated to issue the permit.

After receiving the issued letter Feb. 27, the applicant has 60 days to send a response. This deadline is meant to help move the process along, Harstock said.

“We will open the proposal up to the public after we have the complete application,” Harstock said. “Technical or legal comments are the most useful to us. We will address any issues that we have the authority to resolve.”

Volan said no one has any problem with the salvage yard or a recycling center, but the waste transfer station is a challenge for the community to accept.

“Simply put, don’t open up a waste transfer station, period,” Volan said.