Materials Recovery Facility
The City of Santa Clarita has required its contracted waste hauler, Burrtec, to create a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The city is guiding the company through the process to ensure that all information is gathered for public review.
Unlike other city council candidates, I am not allowed to pass final judgment while this project is pending review. As a City Planning Commissioner, I have a legal and ethical obligation to keep an open mind about this or any project until all information has been presented and discussed in public hearings. Anything less would violate the applicant’s right to due process which could invite a lawsuit against the city. Otherwise, I would have to disqualify myself from participating in discussions and voting on the project.
The Burrtec proposal for a MRF will not be presented to the Planning Commission until the Environmental Impact Report is complete, at which time the other commissioners and I will have an opportunity to hear from the public and to evaluate the General Plan amendment, zone change and permit requests.
In the meantime, I have registered my concerns with city staff. I have also recommended to councilmembers and city staff that they work with Burrtec to organize community meetings and take interested members of the public on tours of similar facilities in nearby cities. Alternative locations should be a part of those discussions.
With the limited information I have received from area residents, I can say that I have serious reservations about the proposal. Having spoken with area residents, I am also extremely concerned about the effect of the truck traffic, not only on Sierra Highway, but also on local hillsides and homes.
The state requires the City of Santa Clarita to reduce its waste stream and increase recycling rates. If we don't, we face heavy financial penalties. It is important, therefore, that we support creation of some type of Materials Recovery Facility IN AN APPROPRIATE LOCATION.
In my work on the Planning Commission, I have demonstrated my commitment to protecting neighborhoods, and I will continue to do so as a City Council Member.
I hope this answers your question. If you would like to discuss this further, please call me at (661) 310-3654.
Diane Trautman
