(KNZA)--Doniphan County Commission concerns regarding the County transfer station were addressed Monday, as representatives of the operating company appeared before the commission.

Jim Murray with Waste Management Inc. told commissioners a crew is in place that picks up trash along the U.S Highway 36, from the Pony Express Bridge to the transfer station, on St. Columbus Road, on the west edge of Wathena, once a week on Thursday. Although some trash may blow from the back of haulers trucks after dumping, Murray says it's too dangerous to put an employee in the back of the dump bed to clean out the truck.      

Regarding the dilapidated condition of the transfer station building and unkempt grounds around the property, Murray said bids are being obtained to repair the metal sheeting on the facility, with that work to be completed by the end of June.   In addition, temporary workers will be hired to pick up trash and litter around the transfer station property.

Murray also told the Commission  that Waste Management will haul and spread rock on the road leading to the transfer station building to allow better access during inclement weather.

Regarding long wait times,  Murray explained at certain times during the day that will happen due to the small size of the facility and the intake of 250 tons of trash.  In addition, he employee lunch breaks mean a lag in time in which trash is cleared in the building to allow people to dump.

The Commission was told a local telephone contact number is now established for the transfer station, which can be reached at 785-989-3666.