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Wilson Pond dumpster removal spurs discussion

April 24, 2007 - The proposed removal of two dumpsters that serve the Wilson Pond area brought the most discussion at a sparsely attended town public hearing regarding changes in Greenville's solid waste disposal policies.

An ad hoc committee established by the town to review solid waste issues forwarded to selectmen earlier this year suggested policy changes, which the board agreed to pending a public hearing on April 18.

One of the committee's recommendations involve the removal of two town-controlled dumpsters near Wilson Pond, one at the end of the Scammon Road and another at the intersection of the East and Wilson Pond roads. The dumpsters, meant for the disposal of household rubbish by the residents of that area only, had been found stuffed with all manner of trash, including propane tanks, tires, microwave ovens and other items which usually require a disposal fee. The town also believes that others outside the area are using a dumpsters to get rid of their trash and avoid a trip to the landfill.

In place of the dumpster, residents in those areas will be allowed to leave trash in a pre-designated spot on the days of regular trash pickup in Greenville.

Ralph Johnson of the Wilson Pond Association, a property owners group in that neighborhood, said the dumpsters are a valuable service to those who live near Wilson Pond, many of whom are seasonal or weekend residents. He said there is a perception that the town is not considerate of the needs of part-time residents, and removal of the dumpsters would reinforce that concern, driving residents away who could be valuable members of the community.

Johnson also said that the town seems to be concentrating too closely on what he feels the relatively inconsequential shortcomings of the dumpsters while ignoring their value to residents. "The town is focusing on its problems," he said. "We've totally forgotten the 50 to 80 families and what their needs are." He suggested that the town better communicate the terms of dumpster use to area residents, or perhaps place the dumpster in another location.

Town manager John Simco said state regulations severely limit when the town can place the dumpster, and the and pointed out that the town's landfill is open 8 a.m. -- 4 p.m. on Sundays for use by a weekend visitors.

At their meeting following the hearing, selectmen voted to accept the committee's recommendations, including the removal of all the dumpsters. "It's not perfect," says Selectmen Carol Smith. "But something has to be done, and we are running out of time."

Other proposals include changes to the fee system for construction/demolition debris and household hazard waste. The town is also formulating a comprehensive solid waste ordinance that will appear on the June town meeting ballot.

The committee will also be established to help guide the towns to the construction of a transfer station, which is needed to help the town manage waste. "A lot of the problems brought up can be solved by a transfer station," Simco said, adding that such a building would be easy to access and easy to use.



This article appeared in its original form in the Moosehead Messenger April 24, 2007.


Lakes: Upper Wilson Pond
Regions: Moosehead


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