Overview

In 2017, regional waste hauler TAM hired MSK to provide site development services for a planned recycling facility at its transfer station in Pownal, VT.

Challenge

TAM needed to work through ambiguity in local zoning bylaws to move this project forward. Town bylaws contained language regulating recycling facilities; however, no land in the town limits was designated for such a use.

Solution

MSK worked closely with town officials to clarify and resolve this ambiguity. We proceeded with permit applications strategically to protect the client from financial risk prior to the development of a zoning bylaw interpretation that confirmed that a recycling facility was an intended use. This interpretation ultimately won the approval of the design review board.

Following project approval, we sited the new recycling facility as well as the recovery machinery inside the building. We continue to renew the stormwater operational permit and solid waste permit for the site.

At a Glance

• Project Dates: 2017–18
• Services: Site Civil, Survey, Regulatory Assistance
• Markets: Waste Management
• State: Vermont