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Bonner County weighs removing or securing Lakeview transfer site amid bear and dumping complaints
Summary
County staff described recurring illegal dumping and bear activity at the Lakeview transfer site and were directed to present options — including fencing, different containers, managed cleanup contracts, signage, and the distance to the nearest alternative site — at a future Tuesday meeting.
Bonner County solid-waste staff told county leaders the Lakeview transfer site is attracting bears and illegal dumping that spreads trash onto neighboring property, and commissioners asked staff to return with options ranging from improved containment and fencing to full site closure.
Why it matters: The Lakeview site’s condition raises public-safety and nuisance concerns for nearby residents, and any decision to close or modify a transfer site affects how far residents must travel to dispose of waste.
During discussion, a staff member (Speaker 2) said the site’s trash had spread onto a neighbor’s property and that bears, people and birds were contributing to the problem. "Bears, people, and birds," Speaker 2 said when asked about the sources of the waste. Staff said some containers had missing tops and that bears can access the contents.
Commissioners asked for an options paper for a Tuesday business meeting that should include: estimates and recommendations for fencing or secured gates; the cost and availability of true bear-resistant containers with a top/chute; whether Waste Connections or another vendor supplies different containers; the distance in miles from Lakeview to the nearest alternative transfer site; and proposals for year-round or contracted cleanup. Speaker 1 requested, "If we were going to leave it, would that be something available?" when discussing bear-resistant cans.
Staff said a local contractor has offered to clean the site year-round for a fee; commissioners asked staff to check past contracting experience and any insurance or liability implications, including whether the site could create an "attractive nuisance" for neighbors. Speaker 1 specifically asked staff to consult "Christian" about insurance and liability questions.
The board did not vote at this meeting. Commissioners directed staff to return with a comprehensive set of options, cost estimates, and a proximity analysis of alternative sites so the board can weigh keeping, securing, or removing the Lakeview site.
