Adams County Commissioners sign solid waste interlocal agreement

The Adams County Commissioners voted 2-0 to adopt an interlocal agreement for the county Solid Waste Comprehensive Management Plan at the Aug. 20 meeting. Commissioner Chairman John Marshall was absent from the meeting.

Public Works Director Todd O’Brien said the five municipalities in Adams County had signed the interlocal agreement, which is effective for 10 years and automatically renewed every five years.

O’Brien will send the document to the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) for a final review.

After he sends the solid waste plan to Ecology, O’Brien wants to meet with the agency and discuss future site layout and potential expansion for the Bruce Transfer Station.

In solid waste, O’Brien explained Public Works will continue to use private companies for transport for the remainder of the August, and possibly into September.

He noted the department’s two new solid waste tractors are currently in Spokane. The vehicles will undergo a final systems check before they are delivered to Ritzville.

After Public Works pays the first invoice for the vehicles, the company will release a manufacturer certificate of origin (MCO), which O’Brien said allows the department to license the vehicles.

Regarding the Aug. 5 fire at the Bruce Transfer Station, O’Brien spoke with insurance agents who are drafting a statement of loss. He is also working with an engineer to determine if the recycling center can be salvaged, and seeking quotes for forklift repairs.

O’Brien added a contractor is scheduled to work on the Adams County Sheriff’s Office building on Sept. 13 and Sept. 14. The contractor will begin sealing the stucco and painting the building on Sept. 17.

County Engineer Scott Yaeger explained a bridge guardrail, north of Booker Road, was damaged on Aug. 15 in a one-vehicle collision where the driver left the scene.

Yaeger said the department is working with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the incident.

O’Brien said Public Works is working with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) on a detour agreement for the Danekas Road bridge overpass. The overpass was damaged after a semi-truck, transporting an excavator, struck the bridge while traveling under it on July 10.

Yaeger explained the plan is to close westbound traffic access to the Danekas Road exit. He added WSDOT will place signs for alternate routes along I-90.

O’Brien said WSDOT is planning to close the overpass for three weeks in October.