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Negaunee changes compost site rules due to facility misuse

NEGAUNEE — Negaunee’s compost site hours of operation have been reduced due to misuse of the facility, city officials say.

The site will now only be open four day per week, according to a press release from City Manager Nate Heffron.

“Several individuals have illegally dumped trash, furniture and other debris at the compost site, forcing us to take a more hands-on approach in managing this facility,” Heffron said.

The site, which is on Marquette County Road 480 across from the former wastewater treatment plant, will be open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, excluding holidays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning on the first Saturday of April and ending on the first Saturday in November, the release states.

Material such as leaves, grass clippings, sod, garden waste and brush, including tree limbs 6 inches in diameter or less is permitted.

Additional measures will be taken to help manage the compost site, according to the release, such as annually disposing of accumulated brush piles, providing more signage to inform what’s allowed to be disposed of at the site and more surveillance of the area to prevent illegal dumping.

“It’s unfortunate that we cannot allow complete access of this site to the public for the convenience of our residents,” Heffron said. “But it it’s our responsibility to manage this site for its intended purpose.”

According to city ordinance, dumping illegally is punishable by a fine of up to $500.

There were also problems with illegal dumping of household and construction trash at the site in June 2016, according to past reports.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.

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