Skagit Hill Recycling wants its day in court
2 Comments | Email | Print | 393 views Ralph Schwartz | Skagit Valley Herald
June 03, 2009 - 09:30 AM

In a bid to keep operating, Skagit Hill Recycling’s owner came before the Skagit County commissioners to challenge a county order to shut down.

Commissioners heard testimony Tuesday and will hand down their decision next week.

In November, the county planning department ordered Skagit Hill on Highway 9 north of Sedro-Woolley to shut down because it didn’t have a permit to operate a recycling center in a rural neighborhood.

The department threatened to fine Skagit Hill $100 a day if it didn’t come into compliance.

Skagit Hill appealed the notice to the county hearing examiner in December, but that appeal was rejected in March on the grounds that Skagit Hill missed the appeal deadline.

Seattle attorney James Tupper, representing Skagit Hill, argued Tuesday that recycling center owner Scott Waldal didn’t receive the county notice when it was originally sent and therefore shouldn’t have been held to the county’s deadline.

County prosecuting attorney Arne Denny argued that the clock starts ticking on the appeal after the notice is mailed, not after it is received.

Tupper wants to get past this technical argument and give Waldal a chance to defend his business against the planning department’s claim that it is operating without a permit.

“I would ask the commissioners to give my client his day in court, to have this hearing on the merits,” Tupper said.

The commissioners are scheduled to rule on the appeal over the deadline at 9:30 a.m. Monday.

Skagit Hill also is appealing a decision by the county Health Department to deny the recycling business a permit to store inert solid-waste. The Health Department had determined that the business was accepting non-inert types of waste in violation of that permit that could pose a threat to water quality.

In a third dispute, Skagit Hill received a warning letter from the state Department of Ecology regarding a large pile of ash that both sides agree is improperly stored at the site. The ash contains heavy metals that could degrade water quality, according to Ecology.

Waldal has said the ash pile will be moved within a couple of weeks.





Read all 2 comments / share your thoughts
Latest comments

What one person may have said should not by default reflect what the entire county thinks.  New businesses can be a great thing.  New development,…

Posted June 03, 2009 - 02:24 PM by *shrug*

Skagit county is on the record that it does not want any more business’s no matter what TYPE it is.

Just go to the county planning department…

Posted June 03, 2009 - 01:27 PM by The Oracle


Read all 2 comments / share your thoughts


More Local News

Top Jobs

Established medical office seeks Medical Records Clerk/Receptionist. Must be flex. Position also covers sick & vacation days. You must have computer, customer service and professional telephone skills. Applicant must be neat in appearance, pleasant, reliable, organized, energetic and able to multi-task. Previous medical exp. is helpful but not nec. Send resume to: bonniec-mvwc @verizon.net or File #676 c/o Skagit Valley Herald, PO Box 578, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.


REFINERY OPERATOR Tesoro is currently seeking to fill the position of Refinery Operator at its Anacortes facility. An Operator monitors and controls refinery process equipment while working a rotating 12-hour shift, often outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. This can be a physically/mentally challenging job requiring mechanical ability and a basic understanding of physical sciences and chemistry. In addition, candidates must possess a positive work ethic, good communications and teamworking skills and have the willingness to take personal responsibility for the safety of themselves and others. Along with a dynamic work environment, Tesoro offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. Starting wage will be $21.38 per hour that will initially increase to $25.59 after successful completion of training. Employment applications (one application per person) can be obtained at the Work Source Skagit, 2005 E. College Way, in Mount Vernon during the hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., on November 24, 25, and 30, 2009, or until a maximum of 300 applications has been distributed. No applications will be faxed or mailed. You must apply in person. All applicants will be tested on Saturday, December 5, 2009, for basic skills and aptitude. Additional information will be provided with the application. Telephone inquiries and mail-in applications will not be accepted. Successful candidates for employment will be required to pass a substance abuse screening (drug and alcohol), physical agility tests, and complete a physical exam. Tesoro Refining and Marketing Company 10200 W. March Point Rd. Anacortes, WA 98221 Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V


Youth Center Staff Supervisor The Swinomish Tribal Community Recreation/ Prevention Department is looking for a dynamic and competent individual who is experienced as a Youth Center Staff Supervisor. The Youth Center Supervisor plans, and does the total duties of a Prevention/Recreation Assistant. This position provides leadership to the other assistants when the Coordinator is out of the office. The Swinomish Tribal Community is a positive and friendly work environment. This is a full-time position with full health insurance benefits. Salary is DOQ. Request a Swinomish Tribal Community application and Job Description by calling 360-466-1216 or e-mail wbill@swinomish.nsn.us. Return cover letter, resume, and application to Wayne Bill, Human Resource Director as soon as possible. Send application packet to; Swinomish Tribal Community, Human Resource Office, 11404 Moorage Way, LaConner, WA. 98257


PROGRAM MANAGER developmentally disabled adults. Responsible for the overall day-to-day functioning of this supported living program. The Manager participates in hiring staff, training staff, scheduling of staff. BA or equiv plus 2 yrs working with the people we serve in a residential setting. At least 2-3 yrs. experience as a supervisor + direct service. Volunteers of America Western Washington is a private non-profit human service agency serving the disabled in Skagit County. Come be a part of what we do and make a difference every day. EEO/AA If you wish to apply for this position, send a resume to bdavis@voaww.org or come to 1934 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.


STYLIST for AVEDA SALON AND SPA. Commission. 1019 Cleveland St., MV 336-2985


FARMERS INSURANCE AGENT We are looking for career motivated people to join our team. Join our team full time or train while you keep your current job to ensure a comfortable transition into the industry. Take advantage of top notch training, unlimited income potential, and the flexibility our company offers. Call Michael Dame at (360) 714 8117 x204 or email resume to mdame@farmersagent.com


LIVE-IN CAREGIVER. Room and board furnished. Clean, cook, secretarial, farm management. Integrity required. 360-873-9600


Housekeeping/Laundry Experience preferred but will also train. Must be available days, weekends and holidays. $10.50 - $12.50 DOQ Join our team and enjoy a full complement of benefits including medical and life insurance at no charge to the employee, dental, paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays, and a 401K plan. Must be able to pass a background check and a 90 day drug screen. For more info., please contact Human Resources at 360-724-0265 or visit our website: www.theskagit.com Human Resources Hours: M-F, 8am to 5pm Directions: North or southbound - Take I-5 to Exit 236