Angry Loon Lake residents burned an image of the TNRD’s new Solid Waste Management plan earlier this month to emphasize their frustration with new changes being imposed on the Loon Lake Transfer Station.
As of May 1, residents will no longer be able to dispose of yard trimmings or corrugated cardboard at the site, leaving them with the options of driving to either Clinton or Cache Creek with it.
“That’s a big concern,” said spokesperson Barbara Hendricks, “but the bigger issue is the lack of consultation.”
A TNRD statement said the changes have been made based on community feedback (survey) and site usage information.
Hendricks said the TNRD is supposed to be finding alternatives ways for communities to dispose of these items, and there are about 30 items that aren’t supposed to be put into the garbage.
“This is not a plan made for recognizing there are about 50 small rural and First Nations communities who need a place to put their garbage.”
She said Loon Lake residents are trying to get the attention of the TNRD so they can discuss alternatives for the items that will no longer be accepted at the Loon Lake Transfer Station.