A new composting facility less than one mile from the Oregon and California border is under review by the State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The deadline for comments to the DEQ regarding the facility’s request for a solid waste permit is June 10.
 
The proposed facility, Stateline Compost, is located on the east side of Highway 97 about three miles south of the Worden area. The facility anticipates processing up to 30,000 tons of feedstock per year on a 40,000 square foot asphalt pad.
 
Examples of anticipated feedstock at the facility include yard and garden wastes, vegetative food wastes, manure and butcher waste.
The DEQ staff have evaluated the property for potential environmental and human health risks. It has found that the facility poses potential risks for surface water and odors, and a low risk for groundwater.
 
The owner of Stateline Compost, Grant Haigh, who also owns a livestock transportation company, said the facility is located 200 to 300 yards from Highway 97 and that it is visible from the highway for now, but will be hidden by trees in the future. The facility plans to start composting in August if it is approved.
Haigh applied for a solid waste permit on Dec. 16, 2015. The last day to submit comments regarding the permit is June 10 at 5 p.m. Comments can be sent to the DEQ Eastern Region at harris-dunning.shari@deq.state.or.us or by phone at 541-633-2010.
A copy of the Stateline Compost solid waste permit proposal can be found at www.oregon.gov/deq/pub/061016stateline.pdf