The president of a West Fargo waste handler admits to serious permit violations but says the company should be allowed to continue operating.
North Dakota Health Department officials, who accuse Sheyenne Disposal of numerous operating permit violations during the last two years, want to fine the company and revoke its operating permit.
Administrative Law Judge Allen Hoberg on Wednesday heard the first of two days of testimony in the dispute.
Sheyenne Disposal President Mark Thelen said his transfer station on West Main Avenue has had continued litter problems and that the building needs repairs.
But under questioning from his attorney and Health Department attorney Dean Haas, Thelen said his company is working on the problems.
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He found a second company to transport trash from his building to a landfill to prevent garbage from piling up and assigned a worker to pick up trash daily. He also said he plans to repair the building.
He told his attorney, Bill Delmore, that he would be willing to accept a suspended penalty while he continues to address the issue.
Steve Tillotson, acting director of the Health Department's Waste Management Division, said the landfill situation has improved recently but more work needs to be done.
He told Haas the company continued with business as usual for months despite two notices of violations and a proposed settlement.
The Health Department hasn't had continued troubles with other transfer stations, and Sheyenne Disposal's neighbors complain, Tillotson said.
"This isn't what we envisioned when this facility was permitted," Tillotson said.
The hearing is expected to conclude today. Hoberg may issue a recommendation to the state Health Department in about a month.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Andrea Domaskin at (701) 241-5556
