2026-08-11-minutes-solid-waste-and-maintenance

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KITTITAS COUNTY SOLID WASTE AND MAINTENANCE MINUTES BOCC CONFERENCE ROOM, 205 WEST 5TH ROOM 108 - ELLENSBURG Regular Meeting TUESDAY 2:00 PM Au ust 11, 2026 Board members present: Chairman Brett Wachsmith and Laura Osiadacz Vice -Chairman Others: Patti Stacey, Jesse Cox, Cody Cupp, Charlie Smith, Erica Luce and one member of the public Call to Order at 2:OOpm Citizen Comments (1 min. time limit): None Closed Ryegrass Baleiill Update: Jesse informed the Board he is currently working with engineers and waiting for their review of the site's condition. After the review is received, the department will have a better idea of how to monitor and manage the site to regulation standards in the most cost efficient way for the County. Discuss Ryegrass Liquid Waste Lagoons: Jesse informed the Board the permitting agency for the land application of biosolids has determined the County may lose ability to land apply within three years at the Ryegrass facility. Discussion was held on the significant cost and infrastructure required to keep up with the growing amount of septage the County receives and the issue of not having a guaranteed solution for sustainable disposal and keeping disposal fees feasible for septage pumpers. Further discussion included reaching out to the City of Ellensburg and the need to put a plan in place within the next six months. Septage Fee Update: Jesse presented a yearly revenue and cost tracking spreadsheet for the Ryegrass Liquid Waste Lagoon facility to the Board. Discussion was held on the recent state requirements for septic tanks to be pumped during property transfers and the projected increase of septage the County will receive. Further discussion was held on the history of the lagoons. Patti informed the Board the State has changed the terms of "beneficial use", rates and methods the County can land apply; approved application fields are smaller, making the task more labor intensive and expensive. Lower County Transfer Station Material Stockpile Removal Update: Jesse informed the Board the City is requiring the dirt stockpile from construction of the new Lower Valley Transfer Station to be moved. Jesse explained the cost to move the estimated 30,000 yds of dirt is approximately $700,000.00. The County plans to use the dirt as cover at the Ryegrass LPL. Discuss New Lower County Transfer Station Wind Impacts: Jesse informed the Board he is aware of the public feedback about wind issues at the new transfer station and is currently 2026-08-11 MINUTES 1