Citizens for Responsible Solid Waste Management is a political action committee formed to educate Teton County voters about the environmental, economic and human health theats posed by the leaking landfill in Horse Thief Canyon. We believe SPET is the best funding mechanism for the required capping of this landfill because (1) it makes sense to share the cost burden with tourists, who contribute s
ubstantially to our waste stream, and (2) without SPET funding, Teton County residents may very potentially be looking at property tax increase to cover this expense. This $14.5M ballot measure calls for the proper capping of Teton County’s old landfill, which hasn’t been in use since 1989 (our trash now goes to Bonneville County, Idaho). The landfill was capped in 1989 based on the environmental standards of that time, but they were sorely inadequate, resulting in the groundwater contamination we have today. COST BREAKDOWN OF $14.5m PRICETAG
$14M = proper capping of the old landfill and continued environmental monitoring
$400K for the planning and design of enhanced solid waste facilities at the Trash Transfer Station. Better facilities and site design will make the TTS: safer, more space-efficient, more cost-effective, allow for more waste diversion programs such as improved recycling and composting
THE PROBLEM
WHY SHOULD WE CAP THE OLD LANDFILL? This project is mandated by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. Teton County is required to properly cap the landfill in compliance with today’s environmental standards. This project MUST happen; the question is how it will be funded. WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE LEAKING LANDFILL? Area groundwater contains amounts of the compound methylene chloride 10x in excess of Wyoming DEQ Groundwater Protection Standards.
“There is statistically significant evidence of an impact from the landfill.” - -Groundwater specialist Brian Remlinger with Alder Environmental, Inc. Methylene chloride is a known precursor to other environmental contaminants. WHAT ARE THE HUMAN HEALTH RISKS?
“Methylene chloride is considered a probable human carcinogen. Chronic, industrial exposure to it has been associated with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, and liver and biliary cancer. High level exposures may also be associated with liver toxicity, neurotoxicity, and increased rate of spontaneous abortion. Effects at lower levels, such as at the Horsethief landfill, are poorly understood.” - Travis Riddell, MD, MPH; Teton County Health Officer
THE SOLUTION
WHY SHOULD I VOTE FOR SPET #3? Proper capping of the old landfill is required by the state and MUST happen. Responding proactively through this ballot measure will allow us to:
Improve groundwater conditions and mitigate future problems
Reduce our environmental and human health liabilities
Spend some money now to save a lot of money later
WHY IS SPET THE BEST FUNDING MECHANISM FOR THIS PROJECT? We are already paying it. It is 1 penny spent on each dollar for most goods and services in Teton County, WY. Since this project is not optional, funding must be identified if SPET #3 is not passed, and property taxes could increase in order to pay for this required project. It makes sense to share this cost burden with tourists, who produce trash along with locals.
