When is a Landfill a Junkyard?

The Carthage Press, Thursday, June 1, 2006, reports that Jasper County Commissioners plan to classify the proposed Purcell landfill as a Junkyard. A Missouri State Statute gives Counties some regulatory control over junkyards, "in the public interest to regulate and restrict or prohibit the establishment, operation and maintenance of junkyards in areas adjacent to the interstate and primary systems of highways."

The Jasper County Commissioners originally sought help from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to force installment of a 200 foot setback and/or a screen fence around the entire landfill. MDNR Director Doyle Childers told the Jasper County Commissioners that the decision wasn't in his jurisdiction, and referred them to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MDOT). According to the regulation, junkyards within 200 feet of any state or county road are in violation and subject to fine. Junkyards must have a 200 foot setback or be screened from the road by a tight board or screen fence not less than 10 feet high.

According to the article, Jasper County Attorney, Dean Dankelson, planned to send Craig Post, President of Enviro-Site Management, LLC, a letter, dated June 2, 2006, advising him of the County's plan to designate the site as a Junkyard.