County staff reported Nov. 26 that a Kansas Department of Health and Environment site visit prompted a change in approach to hazardous household waste storage. KDHE staff told county representatives that a Connex shipping-container unit would be eligible for funding if the county resubmits the hazardous-household-waste grant, rather than the previously considered modular building.

"What they said we will pay for if you resubmit a grant is for a Connex," Unidentified Speaker 3 said, noting the sheriff’s department has two 20‑foot Conex units and one could be repurposed for hazardous-waste storage. "We went from $16,000 worth of modular building to we don't need to buy anything." The transcript records the $16,000 estimate as the earlier cost for a modular building.

Staff flagged a separate issue with a boxcar that has been used to store hazardous materials: because it previously contained hazardous waste, it cannot be sold or auctioned without decontamination. That cleanup would require removing contents, washing the interior and collecting/disposing of contaminated water — all of which carry additional expense.

Commissioners and staff discussed updating handling procedures and the interlocal agreement for the hazardous-waste satellite, noting the current agreement dates from the 1990s and requires revision to reflect increased volumes of items like computers and lithium batteries. Staff said KDHE representatives (Jeff Walker and Kevin Hite) and county personnel met to review regulations and recommended next steps.

The county did not finalize a disposal plan for the boxcar at this meeting. Staff were directed to follow up on grant resubmission options and to coordinate with the sheriff’s office about repurposing available Conex units.