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Somerset County to test transfer-station burn piles after compliance checks; disposal could be costly if contamination found
Summary
County officials authorized testing of burn-pile ash at a UT transfer station after DEP inspections flagged potential contamination; the cost estimate fell to about $13,000 if county equipment is used, but contaminated ash may require out-of-state disposal at high expense.
Somerset County officials said they have a testing contract to determine whether ash in the UT Robert Transfer Station burn pile is contaminated and requires specialized disposal.
"I have received a contract to go forward and have the testing done," said S6, who reported an initial contractor estimate of about $24,000 that was reduced to roughly $13,000 if the county supplies excavator equipment and operator. The testing will involve multiple samples and may require turning over the pile for full sampling, S6 said.
Commissioners noted that if lead or other contamination is found, disposal options in the state are limited and the county may have to ship material to facilities in Alabama or Michigan. S7 pointed to Madison’s prior experience, where removal cost the town about $220,000.
S6 said the county is not currently burning materials at the site and is storing incoming ash in a large dumpster for chipping and disposal pending test results. The commission discussed costs, possible budgeting for multi-year remediation, and next steps to schedule testing this fall if the contract is executed.
No vote was recorded to authorize remediation expenses; S6 said the testing contract would be signed and the results would determine whether the county needs to budget for long-term disposal costs.
