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Lakeside Distillery asks Broadwater County to reconsider business solid-waste assessment; commissioners agree to case-by-case review
Summary
Jake Balliew, owner of Lakeside Distillery, asked the Broadwater County Board of Commissioners to remove a business solid-waste assessment, saying his operation produces only a small amount of landfill waste and is pursuing a UL zero-waste audit.
Jake Balliew, owner of Lakeside Distillery, spoke during public comment to request removal of a business solid-waste assessment. Balliew said his distillery produces very little landfill waste — he reported weighing waste over two months at 17 pounds — and that the operation is pursuing a UL (Underwriters Laboratories) audit for a zero-waste-to-landfill designation.
Balliew said most of his distillery’s organic byproducts (grain) are returned to a farmer and that the tasting room generates the small amount of waste. He said the distillery currently operates limited hours (weekends) and is not yet scheduled for the UL audit, which he estimated would occur in the spring and would take about 10 weeks to complete once initiated.
Board members and staff discussed the request and agreed the county should consider business appeals on a case-by-case basis. Staff and board members emphasized the need for verifiable proof — for example, certification from a recognized auditor — rather than only visual observation. Several participants suggested recycling options (Bozeman, a Four Corners facility) and recommended Balliew pursue local recycling partnerships to expedite meeting any zero-waste goals.
No formal vote to remove the assessment was recorded. The board asked staff to add the topic to next month’s agenda for further discussion and indicated the county may set stipulations (proof/certification, periodic re-review if a business expands hours or production) when evaluating future similar requests.
Balliew offered to arrange a site visit for the board to review operations. Staff indicated they will coordinate scheduling so commissioners can view the distillery as part of follow-up.
