Siting Process
Overview - Evaluation Criteria - Evaluation Methodology - Schedule
Overview
The site selection process consists of three distinct phases: (1) identification of potential sites, (2) selection of candidate sites, and (3) the evaluation and final ranking of the candidate sites. Properties within the County will be initially screened with respect to a set of exclusionary criteria to establish a listing of potential transfer station sites. At least ten potential sites will be evaluated with respect to an adopted set of technical criteria and weighting factors. Based upon this evaluation, the four highest ranking candidate sites will be chosen and evaluated with respect to community-specific criteria and weighting factors that have also been previously adopted by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). A recommended site will then be selected based upon the final ranking of candidate sites.
Proposed screening and evaluation criteria including criteria weighting factors will be presented for public input and comment prior to finalization and adoption by the BOCC.
Public participation, input, and comment will be encouraged throughout this process during BOCC Works Sessions and Regular Meetings, and through special public information meetings, mailings and project updates, web site, presentations to neighborhood groups, community workshops, etc.Meeting Timeline and Flow Chart
Evaluation Criteria
As noted in the Siting Process Overview, three (3) categories or sets of criteria will be used in the evaluation of possible transfer station sites during the siting process. These categories include exclusionary criteria, technical criteria, and community specific criteria.
Exclusionary criteria include the stipulation of areas where development is prohibited by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. Exclusionary criteria also include consideration of transportation distance, land use, zoning requirements, watershed protection, and other factors that may significantly impact the environment, facility costs, or project implementation.
Technical criteria include specific engineering, operation, and transportation parameters that should be considered to assure that sites are feasible from a technical design, environmental, and economic prospective.
Community-specific criteria consider the impacts that the facility will have on the surrounding community.
Exclusionary Criteria
Technical Criteria
Community Specific Criteria
Evaluation Methodology
Evaluation of the potential sites with respect to proposed technical and community-specific criteria will be accomplished using a weighted algorithm approach. A numerical weighting factor will be assigned to each criterion to account for relative importance. The larger the weighting factor, the greater the importance given to the specific criterion.
The individual ranking of sites by specific criterion will be determined by assignment of order from the most favorable to least favorable. Assuming that ten potential sites are identified through the exclusionary screening process, the most favorable site with respect to a given technical criterion will be assigned the number 10 and the least favorable the number 1. This ranking order will then be multiplied by the weighting factor to obtain a total point value for each criterion. Criterion point totals will then be added for each site alternative to determine a total point value and technical ranking. Refer to the example for additional detail as to how the process will be employed. The sites with the largest number of points would be the most favorable. Final site rankings will be determined after input and comment from the public.
The four highest ranking sites from the technical screening process will be designated as candidate sites and then evaluated with respect to each community-specific criterion in the same manner as described above for the technical evaluation process. At the end of the community-specific screening process, the site with the largest number of points would be ranked as the most favorable candidate site. Final site selection will be determined after input and comment from the public.
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) encourages public input and comment regarding the selection of specific criterion, weighting factors, and ranking of sites. Refer to the process of the Meeting Timeline and Flow Chart.
Schedule
Transfer Station Siting Schedule