Say NO to the WestWing Waste Transfer Station!!!
Say NO to the WestWing Waste Transfer Station!!!
The Issue
Case Number: Z2021090
PURPOSE
There are great concerns from Corte Bella, and many residents from the surrounding communities who have signed this petition, regarding the proposed location of Republic Services’ Waste Transfer Station located at N El Mirage Road & RT 303. These concerns range from the reduced quality of life the waste transfer station imposes to the inconsistency of information from Republic Servcies regarding the WestWing Waste Transfer Station.
QUALITY OF LIFE
The proposed location poses a risk to the quality of life for our Corte Bella community. Waste management has been closely associated with biological hazards. The decomposition of waste materials in the waste transfer station; vehicle exhaust fumes and favorable weather conditions can lead to the formation of bioaerosols and biological agents such as fungi, bacteria and volatile compounds (like endotoxins, β(1-3)-glucans and mycotoxins). The fact this Waste Transfer Station will at times handle hazardous materials (either brought to the facility intentionally or unintentionally), could pose a risk of contamination of surface and groundwater. If the surface and groundwater have been contaminated, the pollutants can pose health and safety hazards to the public.
Republic Services said their newly proposed location will be on 10-acres of a 75-acre parcel of land that is currently an I-2 Light Industrial Zoning District. Republic Services will ask the county to rezone their 10 acres to an I-3 Heavy Industrial Zoning District. Republic Services said the owners of the 75-acre parcel of land will be selling the remaining lots to other industrial use companies. The land is already an I-2 Light Industrial Zoning District, permitting use for truck terminals, warehousing, and manufacturing. What's to stop other companies from submitting rezoning applications to I-3 Heavy Industrial use? The quality of life for Corte Bella will be impacted by additional truck traffic noise, odors and rodents from the WTS, increased fire risks, and diesel exhaust fumes.
Having up to 80 diesel trucks trips six days a week, 10 hours a day, coming and going from the WestWing location poses a health risk for residents in nearby neighborhoods. According to the EPA, “exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and can worsen existing heart and lung disease, especially in children and the elderly. These conditions can result in increased numbers of emergency room visits, hospital admissions, absences from work and school, and premature deaths.”
ENVIRONMENT
The fact this Waste Transfer Station will at times handle hazardous materials (either brought to the facility intentionally or unintentionally), could pose a risk of contamination of surface and groundwater. The nearby Agua Fria Recharge Project, which recharges 32.6 Billion gallons of drinking water per year into the aquifer below, will be less than a few miles away from the proposed Waste Transfer Station. Part of the Agua Fria Recharge Project’s mission was to support water resources management by providing recharge for future population growth. The recharging process involves systematically watering a site and allowing water to percolate down through the soil, replenishing underground aquifers. This “recharged” water may then be pumped out and used at a later date. If the surface and groundwater have been contaminated, the pollutants can pose health and safety hazards to the public.
According to the EPA, “emissions from diesel engines contribute to the production of ground-level ozone which damages crops, trees and other vegetation. Also produced is acid rain, which affects soil, lakes and streams and enters the human food chain via water, produce, meat and fish. These emissions also contribute to property damage and reduced visibility.”
INCONSISTENT TRUCK COUNT
The February 23, 2021 email from Stephen Herring, Republic Services Manager states, “our best estimate is 3-5 total vehicles per operating hour”. Republic Services February 9, 2021 email says “We listened. We Reconsidered. We Acted,” and “six truck trips an hour to and from the facility”. The Republic Services WestWing Website FAQ page (https://westwingtransfer.com/faq/) says, “Traffic impact should be insignificant, with fewer than 10 truck trips per hour, and fewer than 80 total truck trips each day.” What is the real truck count per day?
NOISE
During Corte Bella’s Tele Town Hall on February 16, 2021, someone asked about the noise from the dump truck’s Jake braking (compression braking), since truck noise is already a problem for Corte Bella. Republic Services said to help reduce the noise they’ll prohibit “Jake braking” at this location. With up to 80 dump trucks trips daily can "Jake braking" really be stopped? Also, their smaller hauling trucks have backup alarms. During the Tele Town Hall on March 3, 2021, Republic Services said there're 30,000 vehicles on RT 303 daily, and additional truck noise (up to 80 trucks daily) will be insignificant, claiming the already heavy traffic on RT 303 will buffer any additional noise. Republic Services will prohibit their drivers from Jake-braking (compression braking) to help reduce noise and take disciplinary action if their drivers use Jake-braking as they exit RT 303. However, they did not say how they plan to monitor their drivers.
If Republic Services gets rezoning approved for I-3 Heavy Industrial use for their 10 acres, then other companies may also submit rezoning applications for I-3 Heavy Industrial use on the remaining 65 acres. This will mean more and more heavy truck traffic noise and more and more diesel exhaust fumes in nearby residential areas. There goes the neighborhood!
POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD
Corte Bella’s Tele Town Hall on March 3, 2021, Republic Services stated Maricopa County requires all waste transfer stations to have fire suppression equipment on site. Newspapers and cardboard will not be stored at the WestWing Waste Transfer Station. Republic Services says this reduces the chance of a fire. Republic Services acknowledged there are often fires at waste transfer stations. They have not answered any questions about additional fire hazards since the location is next to a power substation.
RODENTS
Republic Services has not given a satisfactory answer regarding an increase in the rodent population in the surrounding area. Rodents and birds can be a nuisance and a potential health concern at waste transfer stations, but few basic design and operational elements can control them. The WestWing Waste Transfer Station will also inevitably attract more wild animals. The only mention of animals in the Republic Services February 9, 2021, "We Listened. We Reconsidered. We Acted.” email is, “netting for bird migration”. The email does not mention an increase in the rodent population. During Corte Bella’s Tele Town Hall on March 3rd, Republic Services claimed they do not have a rodent problem at any of the waste transfer stations they operate.
LOCATION
The waste transfer station will be a 17,000 square foot building on a 10-acre parcel in WestWing's industrial park. Republic Services will have an additional 3000 square feet available to build if future expansion is needed. Republic Services said their newly proposed location will be on 10-acres of a 75-acre parcel of land that is currently zoned for I-2 Light Industrial use. Republic Services plans to ask the county to rezone their 10 acres for I-3 Heavy Industrial use. Republic Services said the owners of the 75-acre parcel of land will be selling lots to other industrial use companies since the land is already an I-2 Light Industrial Zoning District, permitting use for truck terminals, warehousing, manufacturing, etc. The additional truck traffic noise and diesel exhaust fumes will make matters worse for the surrounding community and negatively impact the quality of life in the nearby Corte Bella community. Republic Services estimates the WestWing location will be approximately 3/4-mile from Corte Bella.
HOME VALUES
Republic Services admitted they haven’t done a study on the impact on home values. However, Republic Services' "We Listened. We Reconsidered. We Acted.” email states, “No impact on property values”. Is Republic Services being truthful to the public? Many of us in Corte Bella would not buy a home in close proximity to a landfill or waste transfer station. Republic Services believe it won’t impact home values. How can it not? Republic Services says they’re not aware of EPA or any other studies showing solid waste or recyclable waste transfer stations impacting property values.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The future developments located at the northeast corner of N El Mirage & W Williams will surely be affected by the proposed location of the WestWing Waste Transfer Station at N El Mirage Road & RT 303 located less than one mile away (Republic Services estimates the WestWing location will be approximately 3/4-mile from Corte Bella).
PR EVENTS
Saturday, February 13, 2021, Republic Services Open House on-site event:
The consensus from the people who attended the on-site open house event was the open house was a ‘PR event’ with Republic Services trying to sell the transfer station/landfill to the community. One individual described the event as, "The CEO of a company shows up and you clean up everything before he gets there. No dump trucks, no odors, everything is quiet, etc.” This will be quite the opposite if this location gets approval.
Saturday, March 6, 2021, Republic Services Open House on-site event:
A resident attending Republic Services’ Open House asked the Republic Services representative if they’d consider undeveloped areas further north away from neighborhoods since RT 303 is being widened to 3 lanes in each direction from Happy Valley Parkway to Lake Pleasant Parkway. The Republic Services representative replied that area wasn’t feasible because it’d require rezoning to I-3 Heavy Industrial use. The resident then asked how that was different from rezoning the WestWing location to I-3 Heavy Industrial use and the Republic Services representative did not respond. The WestWing industrial park developer will be responsible for putting in an access road and all utilities. Hence, it will be less costly for Republic Services to build at the WestWing location than further north away from neighborhoods. The WestWing location benefits Republic Services NOT the public.
TELE TOWN HALL
Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Republic Services/Corte Bella Tele Town Hall:
During the Tele Town Hall, Republic Services admitted Corte Bella’s trash collector, Parks & Sons, will NOT be using this Waste Transfer Station and added the newly proposed location also isn’t under contract to service Peoria. Since Republic Services doesn’t serve any of the nearby communities, what communities will the WestWing location be servicing? People who attended the Tele Town Hall felt Republic Services screened and cherry-picked the questions asked.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021, Republic Services Tele Town Hall:
Republic Services stated they looked at 50 properties before deciding on the WestWing location. Previously, they stated having looked at 40 properties and the WestWing location was the ONLY available industrial zoned property available. They did not answer questions about available properties north of the Lake Pleasant Parkway, which is about 15 mins north of the WestWing location. RT 303 is being widened to 3 lanes in each direction from Happy Valley Parkway to Lake Pleasant Parkway. Available properties north of The Lake Pleasant Parkway are in a more remote location and farther from densely populated subdivisions. The WestWing industrial park developer will be responsible for putting in an access road and all utilities. Hence, it'll be less costly for Republic Services to build at WestWing than further north away from neighborhoods. The WestWing location benefits Republic Services NOT Corte Bella.
NO ADDED BENEFIT
During Corte Bella’s Tele Town Hall, Republic Services argued they’re providing a needed service for the community, but the trash isn’t even coming from nearby communities! Hence, this location does not add any benefit to the surrounding communities. Republic Services says they’re NOT in contract with the City of Peoria or Parks & Sons (which services Corte Bella) for trash and recycling services. They don’t know if the City of Peoria or Parks & Sons will negotiate contracts to use the WestWing facility. Even if they negotiate contracts Republic Services can't say travel costs and fuel savings will be passed on to residents because they can’t speak for other trash companies. The WestWing location benefits Republic Services NOT Corte Bella.
PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY
Republic Service appears to be moving quickly on the required engagement with the Corte Bella community. Republic Services is conveniently going through the approval process at a time where Corte Bella residents cannot gather or have limited public gatherings, because of COVID. In this scenario, Republic Services may be hoping for fewer public ramifications. And by the sound of everything, this is part of Republic Services' agenda. We must show strong opposition to the new proposed location of the WestWing Waste Transfer Station located at N El Mirage Road & RT 303 to protect our Corte Bella community!
TIMELINE
According to Republic Services, there are 32 WTS in Maricopa County. Republic Services operates 6 of the WTS (they previously said they operated 4). They estimate it will require about 9 months to process the application for this newly proposed location (end of 2021). Republic Services estimates construction will be completed and the facility operational by Q3 or Q4 of 2022 (Previously, they stated the facility would be operational near the end of 2023). We must say NO to the approval of the WestWing Waste Transfer Station!
SAY NO
Republic Services February 9, 2021, email states, "We Listened. We Reconsidered. We Acted." They acted but did not listen or reconsider. Therefore, we must counteract, let our voices be heard and sign the petition to SAY NO to the WestWing Waste Transfer Station!
LATEST NEWS & UPDATES
Republic Services submitted a rezoning application for a Recycling and Waste Transfer Facility at N El Mirage Rd & RT 303. We are opposed to the proposed rezoning for a Waste Transfer Station at WestWing Industrial Park. Corte Bella residents are the stewards of this petition. Our petition benefits nearby residential neighborhoods also impacted by the proposed WestWing Waste Transfer Station location. All neighborhoods are welcome to sign this petition to support our efforts to stop I-3 Heavy Industrial use rezoning at the WestWing Industrial Park. All signatures will be entered into public record during a public hearing. Household members over 18 may sign the petition using different email addresses. We thank everyone who has supported Corte Bella's efforts to prevent rezoning at WestWing Industrial Park.
The Issue
Case Number: Z2021090
PURPOSE
There are great concerns from Corte Bella, and many residents from the surrounding communities who have signed this petition, regarding the proposed location of Republic Services’ Waste Transfer Station located at N El Mirage Road & RT 303. These concerns range from the reduced quality of life the waste transfer station imposes to the inconsistency of information from Republic Servcies regarding the WestWing Waste Transfer Station.
QUALITY OF LIFE
The proposed location poses a risk to the quality of life for our Corte Bella community. Waste management has been closely associated with biological hazards. The decomposition of waste materials in the waste transfer station; vehicle exhaust fumes and favorable weather conditions can lead to the formation of bioaerosols and biological agents such as fungi, bacteria and volatile compounds (like endotoxins, β(1-3)-glucans and mycotoxins). The fact this Waste Transfer Station will at times handle hazardous materials (either brought to the facility intentionally or unintentionally), could pose a risk of contamination of surface and groundwater. If the surface and groundwater have been contaminated, the pollutants can pose health and safety hazards to the public.
Republic Services said their newly proposed location will be on 10-acres of a 75-acre parcel of land that is currently an I-2 Light Industrial Zoning District. Republic Services will ask the county to rezone their 10 acres to an I-3 Heavy Industrial Zoning District. Republic Services said the owners of the 75-acre parcel of land will be selling the remaining lots to other industrial use companies. The land is already an I-2 Light Industrial Zoning District, permitting use for truck terminals, warehousing, and manufacturing. What's to stop other companies from submitting rezoning applications to I-3 Heavy Industrial use? The quality of life for Corte Bella will be impacted by additional truck traffic noise, odors and rodents from the WTS, increased fire risks, and diesel exhaust fumes.
Having up to 80 diesel trucks trips six days a week, 10 hours a day, coming and going from the WestWing location poses a health risk for residents in nearby neighborhoods. According to the EPA, “exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses and can worsen existing heart and lung disease, especially in children and the elderly. These conditions can result in increased numbers of emergency room visits, hospital admissions, absences from work and school, and premature deaths.”
ENVIRONMENT
The fact this Waste Transfer Station will at times handle hazardous materials (either brought to the facility intentionally or unintentionally), could pose a risk of contamination of surface and groundwater. The nearby Agua Fria Recharge Project, which recharges 32.6 Billion gallons of drinking water per year into the aquifer below, will be less than a few miles away from the proposed Waste Transfer Station. Part of the Agua Fria Recharge Project’s mission was to support water resources management by providing recharge for future population growth. The recharging process involves systematically watering a site and allowing water to percolate down through the soil, replenishing underground aquifers. This “recharged” water may then be pumped out and used at a later date. If the surface and groundwater have been contaminated, the pollutants can pose health and safety hazards to the public.
According to the EPA, “emissions from diesel engines contribute to the production of ground-level ozone which damages crops, trees and other vegetation. Also produced is acid rain, which affects soil, lakes and streams and enters the human food chain via water, produce, meat and fish. These emissions also contribute to property damage and reduced visibility.”
INCONSISTENT TRUCK COUNT
The February 23, 2021 email from Stephen Herring, Republic Services Manager states, “our best estimate is 3-5 total vehicles per operating hour”. Republic Services February 9, 2021 email says “We listened. We Reconsidered. We Acted,” and “six truck trips an hour to and from the facility”. The Republic Services WestWing Website FAQ page (https://westwingtransfer.com/faq/) says, “Traffic impact should be insignificant, with fewer than 10 truck trips per hour, and fewer than 80 total truck trips each day.” What is the real truck count per day?
NOISE
During Corte Bella’s Tele Town Hall on February 16, 2021, someone asked about the noise from the dump truck’s Jake braking (compression braking), since truck noise is already a problem for Corte Bella. Republic Services said to help reduce the noise they’ll prohibit “Jake braking” at this location. With up to 80 dump trucks trips daily can "Jake braking" really be stopped? Also, their smaller hauling trucks have backup alarms. During the Tele Town Hall on March 3, 2021, Republic Services said there're 30,000 vehicles on RT 303 daily, and additional truck noise (up to 80 trucks daily) will be insignificant, claiming the already heavy traffic on RT 303 will buffer any additional noise. Republic Services will prohibit their drivers from Jake-braking (compression braking) to help reduce noise and take disciplinary action if their drivers use Jake-braking as they exit RT 303. However, they did not say how they plan to monitor their drivers.
If Republic Services gets rezoning approved for I-3 Heavy Industrial use for their 10 acres, then other companies may also submit rezoning applications for I-3 Heavy Industrial use on the remaining 65 acres. This will mean more and more heavy truck traffic noise and more and more diesel exhaust fumes in nearby residential areas. There goes the neighborhood!
POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD
Corte Bella’s Tele Town Hall on March 3, 2021, Republic Services stated Maricopa County requires all waste transfer stations to have fire suppression equipment on site. Newspapers and cardboard will not be stored at the WestWing Waste Transfer Station. Republic Services says this reduces the chance of a fire. Republic Services acknowledged there are often fires at waste transfer stations. They have not answered any questions about additional fire hazards since the location is next to a power substation.
RODENTS
Republic Services has not given a satisfactory answer regarding an increase in the rodent population in the surrounding area. Rodents and birds can be a nuisance and a potential health concern at waste transfer stations, but few basic design and operational elements can control them. The WestWing Waste Transfer Station will also inevitably attract more wild animals. The only mention of animals in the Republic Services February 9, 2021, "We Listened. We Reconsidered. We Acted.” email is, “netting for bird migration”. The email does not mention an increase in the rodent population. During Corte Bella’s Tele Town Hall on March 3rd, Republic Services claimed they do not have a rodent problem at any of the waste transfer stations they operate.
LOCATION
The waste transfer station will be a 17,000 square foot building on a 10-acre parcel in WestWing's industrial park. Republic Services will have an additional 3000 square feet available to build if future expansion is needed. Republic Services said their newly proposed location will be on 10-acres of a 75-acre parcel of land that is currently zoned for I-2 Light Industrial use. Republic Services plans to ask the county to rezone their 10 acres for I-3 Heavy Industrial use. Republic Services said the owners of the 75-acre parcel of land will be selling lots to other industrial use companies since the land is already an I-2 Light Industrial Zoning District, permitting use for truck terminals, warehousing, manufacturing, etc. The additional truck traffic noise and diesel exhaust fumes will make matters worse for the surrounding community and negatively impact the quality of life in the nearby Corte Bella community. Republic Services estimates the WestWing location will be approximately 3/4-mile from Corte Bella.
HOME VALUES
Republic Services admitted they haven’t done a study on the impact on home values. However, Republic Services' "We Listened. We Reconsidered. We Acted.” email states, “No impact on property values”. Is Republic Services being truthful to the public? Many of us in Corte Bella would not buy a home in close proximity to a landfill or waste transfer station. Republic Services believe it won’t impact home values. How can it not? Republic Services says they’re not aware of EPA or any other studies showing solid waste or recyclable waste transfer stations impacting property values.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The future developments located at the northeast corner of N El Mirage & W Williams will surely be affected by the proposed location of the WestWing Waste Transfer Station at N El Mirage Road & RT 303 located less than one mile away (Republic Services estimates the WestWing location will be approximately 3/4-mile from Corte Bella).
PR EVENTS
Saturday, February 13, 2021, Republic Services Open House on-site event:
The consensus from the people who attended the on-site open house event was the open house was a ‘PR event’ with Republic Services trying to sell the transfer station/landfill to the community. One individual described the event as, "The CEO of a company shows up and you clean up everything before he gets there. No dump trucks, no odors, everything is quiet, etc.” This will be quite the opposite if this location gets approval.
Saturday, March 6, 2021, Republic Services Open House on-site event:
A resident attending Republic Services’ Open House asked the Republic Services representative if they’d consider undeveloped areas further north away from neighborhoods since RT 303 is being widened to 3 lanes in each direction from Happy Valley Parkway to Lake Pleasant Parkway. The Republic Services representative replied that area wasn’t feasible because it’d require rezoning to I-3 Heavy Industrial use. The resident then asked how that was different from rezoning the WestWing location to I-3 Heavy Industrial use and the Republic Services representative did not respond. The WestWing industrial park developer will be responsible for putting in an access road and all utilities. Hence, it will be less costly for Republic Services to build at the WestWing location than further north away from neighborhoods. The WestWing location benefits Republic Services NOT the public.
TELE TOWN HALL
Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Republic Services/Corte Bella Tele Town Hall:
During the Tele Town Hall, Republic Services admitted Corte Bella’s trash collector, Parks & Sons, will NOT be using this Waste Transfer Station and added the newly proposed location also isn’t under contract to service Peoria. Since Republic Services doesn’t serve any of the nearby communities, what communities will the WestWing location be servicing? People who attended the Tele Town Hall felt Republic Services screened and cherry-picked the questions asked.
Wednesday, March 3, 2021, Republic Services Tele Town Hall:
Republic Services stated they looked at 50 properties before deciding on the WestWing location. Previously, they stated having looked at 40 properties and the WestWing location was the ONLY available industrial zoned property available. They did not answer questions about available properties north of the Lake Pleasant Parkway, which is about 15 mins north of the WestWing location. RT 303 is being widened to 3 lanes in each direction from Happy Valley Parkway to Lake Pleasant Parkway. Available properties north of The Lake Pleasant Parkway are in a more remote location and farther from densely populated subdivisions. The WestWing industrial park developer will be responsible for putting in an access road and all utilities. Hence, it'll be less costly for Republic Services to build at WestWing than further north away from neighborhoods. The WestWing location benefits Republic Services NOT Corte Bella.
NO ADDED BENEFIT
During Corte Bella’s Tele Town Hall, Republic Services argued they’re providing a needed service for the community, but the trash isn’t even coming from nearby communities! Hence, this location does not add any benefit to the surrounding communities. Republic Services says they’re NOT in contract with the City of Peoria or Parks & Sons (which services Corte Bella) for trash and recycling services. They don’t know if the City of Peoria or Parks & Sons will negotiate contracts to use the WestWing facility. Even if they negotiate contracts Republic Services can't say travel costs and fuel savings will be passed on to residents because they can’t speak for other trash companies. The WestWing location benefits Republic Services NOT Corte Bella.
PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY
Republic Service appears to be moving quickly on the required engagement with the Corte Bella community. Republic Services is conveniently going through the approval process at a time where Corte Bella residents cannot gather or have limited public gatherings, because of COVID. In this scenario, Republic Services may be hoping for fewer public ramifications. And by the sound of everything, this is part of Republic Services' agenda. We must show strong opposition to the new proposed location of the WestWing Waste Transfer Station located at N El Mirage Road & RT 303 to protect our Corte Bella community!
TIMELINE
According to Republic Services, there are 32 WTS in Maricopa County. Republic Services operates 6 of the WTS (they previously said they operated 4). They estimate it will require about 9 months to process the application for this newly proposed location (end of 2021). Republic Services estimates construction will be completed and the facility operational by Q3 or Q4 of 2022 (Previously, they stated the facility would be operational near the end of 2023). We must say NO to the approval of the WestWing Waste Transfer Station!
SAY NO
Republic Services February 9, 2021, email states, "We Listened. We Reconsidered. We Acted." They acted but did not listen or reconsider. Therefore, we must counteract, let our voices be heard and sign the petition to SAY NO to the WestWing Waste Transfer Station!
LATEST NEWS & UPDATES
Republic Services submitted a rezoning application for a Recycling and Waste Transfer Facility at N El Mirage Rd & RT 303. We are opposed to the proposed rezoning for a Waste Transfer Station at WestWing Industrial Park. Corte Bella residents are the stewards of this petition. Our petition benefits nearby residential neighborhoods also impacted by the proposed WestWing Waste Transfer Station location. All neighborhoods are welcome to sign this petition to support our efforts to stop I-3 Heavy Industrial use rezoning at the WestWing Industrial Park. All signatures will be entered into public record during a public hearing. Household members over 18 may sign the petition using different email addresses. We thank everyone who has supported Corte Bella's efforts to prevent rezoning at WestWing Industrial Park.
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Petition created on February 17, 2021