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Sedalia recycling center looks to expand size; increase services

This photo, taken from the rooftop of Cherokee Ranch & Castle looking west, visually demonstrates the location of the existing Sedalia Recycling Center and Depository, as well as the site of the proposed Sedalia Sustainability Center. Both the existing
site and the proposed relocation site are east of U.S. Highway 85, contiguous to the Cherokeee Ranch & Castle property as well as the Highlands Ranch Community Association open space.



By Elizabeth Wood West with photos by Tim Gamble

The Sedalia Recycling Center and Depository (SRCD) is considering expanding its current 124-acre facility into a 358 acre-Planned Development District (PD) project called the “Sedalia Sustainability Center (SSC).”

The current facility, owned by Sedalia Land Company (a Waste Connections Inc. company) (SLC), is located approximately one-half mile north of Sedalia along U.S. Highway 85, and has been in operation since 2006. It is zoned A-1 with Use by Special Review, and includes a 67-acre solid waste disposal site for non-hazardous, non-rotting waste, along with a limited citizen’s recycling drop-off area.


Proposed changes

Golder Associates, Inc. submitted an application in 2009 on behalf of SLC, stating “This expanded and improved facility is envisioned to function as the ‘Sedalia Sustainability Center,’ which will assist Douglas County in achieving long-term sustainability goals by providing much-needed solid waste and recycling infrastructure to serve anticipated future growth in the County.”

The application further states, “The proposed PD will include a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Recycling Center building, a change in waste types accepted to include all types of solid waste allowed by state law, and additional landfill capacity to enable the facility to provide secure waste disposal for Douglas County residents and businesses for many years to come.

Other benefits of the enhanced facility will include: greater access to, and benefits from, recycling through a partnership with RecycleBank®; a “host fee” earmarked for the Sedalia Property Owners Coalition; the assumption of liability for, and clean-up of, an existing waste fill on the expansion property; a “convenience center” drop-off area for local residents; and overall reduction in miles traveled by waste trucks.”

The PD will include the rezoning of a total of 358 acres (in two non-contiguous land areas) by incorporating the existing 124-acre landfill property, adding four A-1 residential parcels (totaling 17.7 acres) adjacent to the existing landfill to be used for the recycling facility, and adding 215 acres of A-1 land north of existing landfill for the future waste disposal area.


Opposing views and concerns

Both the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA) and the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation are opposed to the project. HRCA’s Development Review Committee submitted a letter to Douglas County, citing negative impacts upon 12,000 acres of combined contiguous open space, residents of Sedalia and the future Sterling Ranch development, wildlife, noise, the migration of trash, and increased traffic on U.S. Highway 85.

The Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation (Foundation) stated in its letter to Douglas County that the project is inconsistent with the intent of land uses described in Douglas County Comprehensive Master Plan and Zoning Regulation on a variety of points. Cherokee Ranch owner (the late) Tweet Kimball granted a conservation easement to Douglas County in 1996 for which Douglas County paid $2 million of taxpayer open space funds.

Kimball also established a private foundation, which holds the deed to the property and is responsible for all aspects of its operations. The Foundation hosts a wide variety of cultural, educational, community, and special events. Cherokee Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Foundation concluded that, “. . . the landfill expansion would severely affect its values and mission, its essential current and future revenue base, and
essential fundraising opportunities.”


Project’s current and future status

According to Douglas County Planner Joe Fowler, the application is in the post-referral review phase of the PD process – addressing comments and/or concerns raised by referral agencies. Jeff Burrier, District Manager for Waste Connections, Inc., said that SLC has finalized a host agreement with the Sedalia Property Owners Coalition and secured an easement with an adjacent property owner.

Burrier anticipates that SLC will be able to present its application before the Douglas County Planning Commission by the end of the year. No hearings are scheduled at this time.

For further information, please contact Douglas County Planning Services Division at 303-660-7460.

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