Granite County weighs options as Philipsburg transfer station nears used-oil capacity

Granite County commissioners on June 9 heard that used-oil storage at the Philipsburg transfer station is nearing capacity and that vendors are reluctant to service the site because of travel distance and cost, prompting discussion of short- and medium-term disposal options.

Solid Waste staff reported that the site's used-oil storage was approaching its limit and that vendors were reluctant to pick up oil at Philipsburg. Commissioners and staff discussed several responses: purchasing portable tanks (for example, a 500-gallon container) to consolidate oil for transport to the Drummond site, having Road Department crews assist with transport, or contracting with a vendor to professionally collect and dispose of the oil even if recycling revenue is lost. Commissioners acknowledged that discontinuing acceptance at Philipsburg would be a last resort because it could push improper disposal into the community but noted continued onsite accumulation increases spill and safety risks.

The Board instructed staff to continue researching feasible storage, transport and vendor options and to return the issue to a future agenda once options and cost estimates are available. The Solid Waste discussion also covered refrigerator and tire disposal options and delinquent account collection; staff reported about 31 delinquent accounts and proposed mailing notices and possibly deactivating access cards mid-July for nonpayment, while still allowing pay-at-gate access.

"If no viable disposal option could be identified, the County might ultimately be forced to discontinue accepting used oil at the transfer station," the meeting record states; staff will coordinate with Drummond personnel and vendors to seek a workable solution.