BY SUSAN WARE
Town Administrator Troy Brown thought that residents would get fired up over changes to solid waste disposal, but only one resident turned up for a public hearing.
The Board of Selectmen are in the process of debating a fee and usage changes, and they are looking for public input. They held a public hearing on Wednesday, July 25, and one resident, who also owns a business in town, attended, said Brown.
While the cost of disposing a tire jumping from $2 to $5 may not spark interest in residents, the proposal to start charging fees and putting tight reins on the disposal of home construction materials is likely to cause a stir.
Currently Pembroke absorbs the $80,000 tab for disposing construction debris every year by adding it to the tax bill.
But the board is considering charging fees for dumping construction debris and making strict guidelines, such as allowing only two dump runs a day and prohibiting vehicles that weigh one ton or larger.
This, said Brown, is sure to get residents riled up.
“Right now, if you have a building permit you are allowed to dump construction debris, but that may all change,” said Brown.
The board hesitates to prohibit construction debris, because they figure it will just end up in the woods around town, if people don’t have a disposal outlet.
Non-burnable construction debris, like insulation, pressure-treated wood, sheet rock and roof shingles may be eliminated, leaving residents to find a private disposal company. Burnable materials will be restricted to a size of four feet.
“The board really wants public feedback on this. It is an important issue to the town, and once the decision has been made, it is done,” said Brown.
Other proposed changes include the acceptance of electronic equipment in order to come into state compliance. Monitors 18 inches or smaller will cost $10 each to dispose of, while those greater than 18 inches will cost $20, and a microwave will be $10.
Under the proposal, the town will no longer accept tires larger than 19 inches, commercial or any tire with a rim.
The board is also leaning toward eliminating all commercial construction debris.