Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
February 8, 2007 issue
Commissioners Consider Zero-Waste Resolution
Postpone Action Until After Discussion at Retreat
Story by Kathleen McFadden
Jasmine ShoShanna, representing the Zero Waste Task Force, appeared before the Watauga County Board of Commissioners on Monday, requesting that the board adopt a resolution supporting the creation of a zero waste plan. The Town of Boone adopted such a resolution in October 2006.
“This is all about the belief that good environmental policy is good economic policy,” ShoShanna said. She told the commissioners that every 47 days, North Carolinians fill enough dumpsters to stretch from Boone to Bald Head Island and pointed out that landfills statewide have an estimated average remaining useful life of 18 years.
As a solution, ShoShanna promoted small- and large-scale composting. “Composting is where we stand to make the biggest difference in trash,” she said, adding that 60 to 90 percent of trash can be safely composted. Returning trash to the soil, she said, creates a full circle that is good for the environment and will save the county money in garbage disposal fees. “Instead of a one-way road to the landfill,” ShoShanna said, “we can create a circle.”
Commissioner Mary Moretz thanked ShoShanna for bringing the resolution forward and for her “leadership and courage” in spearheading the zero waste initiative in the county but suggested that the commissioners first study the logistics of adopting such a resolution at their pre-budget retreat in March. ShoShanna pointed out that the resolution did not call for specific action, but for a commitment from the board that the county would work on the issue.
Discussion among the commissioners followed, with Commissioner Winston Kinsey bringing up the problem of overpackaging.
County Manager Rocky Nelson explained that the county recycles wood and yard waste and spends approximately $250,000 per year on recycling. “We don’t make money on recycling,” Nelson said. “We do it because it’s the right thing to do,” and he pointed out that any measures the commissioners choose to adopt could impact the county sanitation department’s budget.
“We are aware of the importance and have a good program in place, but we can always do more,” Nelson said.
“There’s a lot we can do that won’t cost the county money,” ShoShanna said, outlining a basic strategy for encouraging home and restaurant composting and using community events such as street fairs to educate citizens.
“I think conceptually we can tell you we support zero waste,” Chair Jim Deal said, “but how do we take it to the next level? I think that’s what Mary [Moretz] is talking about—adding implementation strategies and goals.”
Deal added that he would prefer to pass a resolution with specific strategies and tasked ShoShanna with providing information on composting and three or four strategies for the commissioners to consider at their pre-budget retreat.
The board took no action on the resolution.
Public Hearing on Junkyard/Auto Graveyard Ordinance
The Watauga County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the county’s Ordinance to Regulate Junkyards and Automobile Graveyards on Tuesday, February 20, at 6:00 p.m. in the commissioners’ boardroom. The proposed change would clarify the requirements for the type of fencing required around such an operation, give the county the power to approve the fencing material and, if good cause is shown, to waive the fence requirement entirely. For info, call 828-265-8000.