Progress continues on the Idaho-Wyoming Solid Waste District (IDAWY) as transfer-station and landfill projects move forward in Lincoln County. Lincoln County Commissioner Mel Shumway said the Thayne transfer station is next in line for its transfer building and that “steel should be swinging this week in Thayne.”

He explained that Thayne waste is being routed to Caribou and Soda Springs for now instead of Kemmerer while construction continues. Shumway added that district leaders shifted traffic because “Kemmerer has a little more than anticipated increase in waste,” and they want to avoid overloading the landfill before Georgetown is ready.

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The Georgetown pit is on schedule, and the liner contract has been awarded. “The liner should be going down probably next month,” Shumway stated, noting that the district could start sending refuse there this summer. He added that the new system should not affect most residents much, because landfill access and recycling options will remain the same.

Earlier discussions about the Thayne transfer facility also pointed to major savings for Lincoln County. Commissioners pointed out the project could save more than $600,000 per year by shortening haul distances and improving efficiency, with no reduction in staff. They also noted that the Thayne site was expected to be about 14,000 square feet, with separate bays to keep commercial haulers and residential customers moving smoothly. “They’re going to separate it,” one commissioner said. “When a commercial hauler comes in, they will be separated from you and I when we bring our trash in perhaps to the facility.”

Shumway also addressed the failed Lincoln Star Improvement Service District vote, saying the county still wants to attract industry. “We do see the need and the value of bringing mid-level companies to Lincoln County,” he said.