As secretary of the Sanpete Sanitary Landfill Co-op, I am writing this to try clarify some misconceptions that are out there about the waste water that is being taken to the White Hills Landfill from the oil drilling west of Mt. Pleasant.

Garry Bringhurst, landfill manager, has been on top of this situation. He was approached by the oil drilling company about bringing some of the waste water to the landfill. 

Bringhurst immediately called Rob Powers with the state division of solid and hazardous waste to see if it was even a possibility for the waste water to come to the landfill.

Powers was familiar with the company and the testing that was previously done at the drilling site. He said the solid contaminated waste needs to be taken to the Vernal landfill but the waste water that complied with the testing was okay to come to the White Hills Landfill.

The waste water is tested before coming to the landfill. Several loads were taken to the White Hills Landfill, placed in a separate site and spread out to dry, then covered per landfill regulations.

Bringhurst received notification of a non-compliant test on the water waste and immediately notified the landfill operator that the waste water from the drilling was not to be accepted at the landfill. Since that time, no additional waste water has been accepted.

I appreciate the dedication and many hours of service Bringhurst gives to the landfills to ensure the proper waste is taken at the landfill. He also helps ensure the Chester and White Hills Landfills are in compliance with all EPA and state division of solid and hazardous waste testing requirements.

These efforts are protecting the landfill now and for future generations that live in the Sanpete Valley.

Sheila Bringhurst

Sanpete Landfill Co-op secretary