Board renews Ranch Creek transfer station special‑use permit, conditions set for fire‑safety improvements
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Summary
The Board of County Commissioners renewed a five‑year special‑use permit for the Ranch Creek transfer station on March 25, but attached conditions require the operator to work with East Grand Fire District to resolve fire‑suppression and accumulated-waste procedures within six months.
The Board of County Commissioners renewed the special‑use permit for Ranch Creek Transfer Station (Ranch Creek Waste LLC) for another five‑year term at its March 25 meeting, while placing conditions that respond to East Grand Fire District concerns about fire suppression and management of accumulated waste.
Background and staff recommendation: Hannah Zagon with Community Development reviewed the permit renewal request. The transfer station has operated at the Highway 125 site since 2019 and serves commercial and residential customers who drop off solid waste that is then hauled to Denver. Zagon said the operation has had few complaints during county oversight; the station holds a Colorado Department of Transportation access permit and other required approvals.
Fire‑safety conditions: Grand Fire notified the county of two outstanding concerns: (1) procedures to ensure tipping floors are cleared nightly in the event of significant work stoppage (C.R.S. reference in the file), and (2) the absence of a pressurized suppression water supply at the facility and related required fire flows. The county recommended a five‑year renewal with conditions that the operator address the fire district’s concerns within six months and provide documentation to the county.
Operator response: Rob Sparks, speaking for Ranch Creek Waste, said the operator is working with the fire district and expects to address their concerns promptly (he said a fire‑response trailer and hose capability are already in preparation and that a large pond on site provides water supply). Zagon and fire officials said a detailed plan for supply and access must be finalized and filed with the county.
Motion and outcome: A motion to approve the five‑year renewal with conditions carried; commissioners said they will monitor compliance and expect the fire‑safety items to be resolved within the six‑month timeframe. The permit renewal was recorded with the condition set that Grand Fire’s items be addressed and evidence provided to the county.
Ending: Commissioners said the transfer station provides an essential waste‑management service to Grand County and that the renewal balances continuity of service with immediate safety improvements the fire district identified.
