Highland Supervisors get project updates

Monterey, Va. – The Highland County Board of Supervisors heard the latest news on the new McDowell Solid Waste Disposal Facility at their meeting last week. The new site is located on Route 250, just east of the Virginia Department of Transportation property. County Administrator Roberta Lambert provides details of the installation.

“We are moving forward with the (solid waste) compactor site at McDowell,” said Ms. Lambert. “The compactor came in, Allied Waste brought it in today and they are in the process of installing it. They will build the hopper that goes around it. We are working on the electric service and if the weather holds, they will be doing some paving tomorrow. So it is moving forward and we anticipate, should the weather hold and everything move forward as it is, in a couple of weeks, we hope to have everything installed and ready to go,” she said.

Board of Supervisors Chairman David Blanchard and Ms. Lambert continue with some comments on the McDowell facility.

“I think we are very fortunate with as complicated as the compactor relocation was, that we really found a window,” said Mr. Blanchard. “We have found a window in the weather, because it would be a lot different than it has been and they have had a wonderful opportunity to get that installation done,” said Ms. Lambert. Mr. Blanchard added, “well, to think that we are talking about potentially paving in December (is remarkable).” Ms. Lambert interjecte d, “and pouring concrete which is already done.”

In other business, Ms. Lambert gives the latest update on the status of the McDowell water system.

“I did receive an email from Brad Craig and Mattern and Craig, that he and some of his staff including his geologist had been up today to look at some potential well sites for the McDowell water,” said Ms. Lambert. “He said he would probably be getting in touch with me by phone tomorrow to discuss what they had determined,” she said.

It is likely that the Virginia Department of Health will be coming to McDowell to look at potential well sites as early as this week. Supervisor Blanchard goes on to describe contact he has had with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation with regard to property they own on the east side of McDowell that is within the search area for a new well site.

“I did speak with Jack Ackerly with the (Shenandoah Valley Battlefields) Foundation, and let him know that we are going to be stomping around up on that property” said Mr. Blanchard. “He didn’t see a problem with that and he’s going to send us a letter saying it’s OK. He seems to think that the foundation will be open to discussions if they find a well site on them,” he said.

Board of Supervisors Chairman David Blanchard had some comments about the upcoming end his term as Chairman.

“I have enjoyed being the chair this past year and I’m looking forward to handing the gavel over to you, Mr. Blagg,” said Mr. Blanchard. “It is something isn’t it. It picks up speed somewhere along the line,” he said.

The first Tuesday in January is New Year’s Day, so the Supervisors have moved their next regular meeting to Thursday, January 3 at 7:30 PM. There will also be a joint meeting of the Supervisors, Planning Commission and Town Council on Wednesday, December 19 in the Modular Conference Center in Monterey.