Oswego Community Meets With Refuse District

Members of Valley County Refuse District No.1 met with members of the Oswego Community Organization Sunday, Sept. 20, to discuss problems with the nearby landfill.

The meeting was held in the parking lot of Oswego Hall. Refuse district chairman John Rogenes spoke with OCO chairwoman Clover Anaquod. Also attending were district administrative assistant Darcia Schindler, Oswego landfill manager Brian Austin and board member Jon Kliewer. OCO secretary Cicely Raining Bird was also in attendance. The meeting began shortly after 6 p.m.

Anaquod told the Northern Plains Independent that the landfill site needs video monitoring and protection from the wind.

“Oswego community members expressed concern at a previous OCO meeting regarding the condition of the landfill and the fact that it is not monitored, making it essentially a free place for anyone to dump trash,” said Anaquod. “Oswego residents expressed concerns about people dumpster diving, construction companies from other communities unloading pickup loads of trash and possible illegal activities happening at the dumps.”

Rogenes said that a fence could possibly be provided, which would help keep the north wind from spreading trash across the community. “We could do something like that,” said Rogenes. He suggested making a formal request to the board.

Rogenes also said that approval from the Tribal Executive Board would be needed, as the site is tribal land. Anaquod said area residents have been attempting to deal with the problems on their own.

“Oswego residents have been attempting to clean the area and the field adjacent to the dumps, said Anaquod. “Without any monitoring, it seems anyone can dump anything without consequence.”

The next meeting of the Oswego Community Organization is set for Sunday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. For more information, contact Anaquod via Facebook.