A Butler County trash transfer site has received construction approval from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, a process officials said in July could take up to two years.
The solid waste processing facility will next need to apply for city construction permits, said city planner Matt Winters. This is a short process to approve construction drawings, he said.
Poplar Bluff City Council members approved a zoning change over the summer to allow the site to operate at 15 Industrial Park Road, near Cravens Road.
Owners Chad and Sara Henson of Piedmont plan to construct a transfer point to receive local trash and move it to long-haul carriers for transport to disposal facilities.
DNR announced Thursday that a state construction permit had been issued.
DNR reviews all applications submitted by cities, counties and private owners to ensure that solid waste disposal areas are properly designed and constructed, according to a press release. Other technical factors that protect Missouri's environment are also examined. Prior to accepting waste at the facility, a state operating permit must also be issued.
The city construction permitting process should take a matter of days, once it is started, said Winters.
"I think it's going to be a benefit for the community to have him out there," said Winters.
This could reduce city expenses for its bulk trash program, he said. The city currently rents a dumpster for items picked up from residents, but would be able to take the bulk trash directly to the transfer station.
The location will be open to the public, as well as trash haulers and contractors, Chad Henson told the council at a June meeting. Members of the public could drop off items based on a minimum weight, while loads from area trash haulers could be consolidated at the location before going on to a landfill.
A request Wednesday to Henson for additional information about construction plans was not returned as of press time.
The city will require an 8-foot perimeter fence around the facility.
DNR requires trash to be stored at the location for no more than 24 hours. The storage areas must be entirely enclosed by a building.
The Hensons will also be required to get a bond that would pay for future clean up of the property, if that were to be necessary.
The facility will initially take up approximately 1 1/2 to 2 acres of the 8.6-acre property. It will be similar to stations in surrounding communities, including, Cape Girardeau, Sikeston and Kennett.
DNR will require drains be placed in the floor of the facility that capture any water it uses, according to the June discussion. The water is then held in tanks until it can be transferred to a water treatment facility.
The transfer station will also be required to keep recycling containers on site.