The Box Elder County Commission has agreed to pay $78,000 for a 39-acre solid-waste transfer station site south of Bear River City, even though there is a possibility it may not be used.
The county will pay $39,000 now and another $39,000 after Jan. 1, 1994.This action came despite continued opposition from a large group of protesters representing Bear River City and Corinne, as well as from one of its own commissioners, Allen Jensen.
Although he intends to further investigate points brought up by protesters, Commissioner James White pointed out the need for haste since the purchase option was due to expire Dec. 8.
Protesters say they recognize the need for a transfer station but oppose the proposed site. Chief concerns are excessive litter, increased local traffic, environmental impact and wasteful spending. They propose the formation of a new advisory group to study other possible sites. The group also has initiated a referendum to allow county residents to vote on the issue.
According to Commission Chairman Lee Allen, the county has investigated various sites suggested by the opposition and found them unsuitable, particularly because of probable federal government wetland classification and the high cost of mitigating or replacing wetlands used.
Although suitability of the Bear River site is still officially undetermined, preliminary reports based on geotechnical drilling show no reason the site could not be used.