Sawtooth National Recreation Area officials propose to construct an underground solid waste collection station, or roll-off station, about 35 miles north of Ketchum on state Highway 75. The site would serve the Smiley Creek community and would replace six above-ground garbage dumpsters now in use.
"The roll-off station would provide a convenient location to dispose of garbage and would visually blend into the natural landscape," said SNRA project leader Stacey Clark.
The proposed roll-off station would consist of three solid waste containers that measure approximately 8 feet wide, 22 feet long and 7 feet tall, a news release from the U.S. Forest Service states. Each station would be set in a 6-foot-high concrete bay. Garbage collection trucks would access the containers by way of a short access road into a circular-shaped staging area on one side of the containers.
Under the proposal, perimeter fencing would enclose the site. The road that accesses the state-owned airport at Smiley Creek would be relocated directly across from Smiley Creek Lodge off the large parking area and the existing location of the garbage dumpsters.
Pull-in sites would be built at ground level where vehicles could back into three sites to drop off garbage.
Some heavy equipment access would be necessary for excavation and slope recontouring. However, no equipment would be allowed in the Salmon River, the SNRA news release states.
A comprehensive landscape plan that identifies slope recontouring and indigenous plantings designed to screen the facility from Highway 75 is also a component of the proposed project. The project is expected to take about four months to complete.
Prior to making any decisions regarding this proposal, the Forest Service will complete an analysis of the project area. The agency is seeking public comment on the proposal by May 30.
Maps of the project area and other information can be obtained by contacting Stacey Clark at 727-5000.
Comments on the proposal can be sent by mail to the SNRA, attn: Smiley Creek Solid Waste Collection Station, 5 North Fork Canyon Rd., Ketchum, ID 83340. Comments can also be sent by e-mail to staceyclark@fs.fed.us or comments-intermtn-sawtooth-nra@fs.fed.us.
