Madison County planning panel backs permit for private transfer station amid neighborhood objections

The Madison County Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3–1 on Sept. 15 to recommend that the Board of Commissioners approve a conditional-use permit for a proposed municipal solid-waste transfer station operated by Triple H Sanitation on Business Drive in Danielsville.

Matthew DePalma, owner of Triple H Sanitation, told the commission the facility would be a three-sided, 150-by-150-foot building where municipal solid waste would be consolidated from local collection trucks into tractor-trailers for final disposal. "This is not a landfill by any means," DePalma said, adding that the site would have fencing, screening, and a cistern-based system for truck washwater. He said staffing would range from two to six employees and the planned hours were Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Supporters told the commission the county needs additional options for hauling trash. "Small business in the county brings in tax dollars, brings in revenue and have a service like that here in the county," said Byron Beam, who said he regularly hauls construction waste.

Residents and nearby business owners opposed the permit during a lengthy public comment period. Felicia Allen, who owns property adjacent to Business Drive, said the road cannot safely handle large trucks and that residents are already coping with potholes and excessive traffic. "It's just become aggravating and a problem," Allen said. Other speakers cited noise, property-value loss, potential odors and health concerns, the risk of fires from mixed waste, and train blockages that could delay tractor-trailers entering or leaving the site.

Forrest Monroe, who owns apartments next to the site, said tenants "don't need the smell, they don't need bugs" and warned of lost rent and lower property values. Classic Metal Works owner Mickey Fulch asked the commission to postpone action to allow more time for neighbors to review the site plan; the commission declined, noting it is a recommending body and that neighbors will have an opportunity to speak at the Board of Commissioners hearing.

DePalma said operational controls would reduce public-health and safety risks: incoming trucks would be weighed on two-way scales, refuse would be handled inside the enclosed bays and thermal cameras would monitor for heat to reduce fire risk. He said trailers could be held on site if trains blocked the spur, and that trailers would not be left unloaded on the ground.

Commissioners said they acknowledged neighbors' concerns about road conditions and traffic but emphasized the parcel is in an industrial area in the county's comprehensive plan. After discussion, the commission moved and seconded a recommendation to approve the conditional-use request and forwarded it to the Board of Commissioners with a 3–1 recommendation.

The commission's recommendation is advisory; the Board of Commissioners will hold the final public hearing and decision on Oct. 6. Planning staff urged both proponents and opponents to appear at the commissioners' hearing to make their cases directly to the final decision-makers.