IRONWOOD, MI - Thursday, May 08, 2008 - Ironwood's unsupervised compost site is quickly becoming a city dump. Open dumpsites are illegal in the State of Michigan. Last year, the City of Ironwood was investigated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for allowing garbage and waste to be dumped at the Penokee overlook. The City was emptying its vactor on open City land, and the DEQ was called to investigate. The City was warned that sewage could not be dumped at the site, and that accurate records needed to be kept showing that the waste was being properly disposed of.

The Penokee dumpsite was burmed off and "No Dumping" signs were erected. Problems were also cited at the City Compost site. Soiled diapers, old appliances, refrigerators, televisions, furniture, plastics, painted lumber, petrochemicals and other toxic trash were reported to be dumped at the compost site.

The compost site is meant to be used only for Ironwood residents, however, vehicles with out-of-state license plates are commonly seen entering and leaving the site. Although the site is clearly marked for compost only, violations continue on a daily basis. Why would anybody wait in line to pay to dump their garbage at the Transfer Station when they can drive to the compost site and dump their garbage for free?

"The City needs to address this problem, because it is getting way out of hand!" said a responsible user of the compost site who wished not to be identified, "It's nice to have a free place to dump branches and grass clippings. What kind of animals would abuse something like this? I can't tell you how many times I've seen Wisconsin trucks driving up here dumping truckloads of trash bags and other junk!"

Last year the City publically denied any wrong-doing even though they admitted during City Commission meetings to dumping and allowing dumping on open City land.

"Having an open, unsupervised site like this is inviting violation! The City would be better off to hire someone to keep an eye on the site. That person could properly manage the compost; he could make sure only plant material is being dumped here; he could sell the compost; and he could charge out-of-town users to dump here." said a man as he emptied his pickup.

Jim Albert