By Shannon Lukens.

 

D&D Metal Recycle, along Hwy 40 west of Steamboat Springs, could reopen Dec. 20. The free recycling center was issued a Cease and Desist order by Routt County on Aug. 2.

Alan Goldich with the Routt County Planning Department writes, “The County was not getting the response that was required so were forced to take action.”

In a memorandum, Goldich added, “This site has been used as a scrap metal recycle yard since 2006, however the proper permits and approvals were never obtained for the use. In the summer of 2022, the owners applied for, and received, a Special Use Permit for a Recycling Station.”

 

The county had requirements for D&D that had to be met, with deadlines. That included things like a septic and office trailer permitting, stormwater controls, a Floodplain Development Permit, and more. There were 29 Conditions of Approval total. When all weren’t met, the county revoked the Special Use Permit to operate.

 

Now, Goldich says much progress has been made and, “the rocky part is behind us.” He says here is a summary of where they currently stand in regards to the required work.

• Stormwater controls – The design of the pond has been approved and the Grading and Excavating permit has been issued.
• Septic permitting – The permit has been issued and the work has been done.  The only thing needed to close out this permit is the final report and as built plans from the designing engineer.
• Office trailer permitting – The permit has been issued and they are able to perform the work that is required by the building code.
• Reclamation bond – We are in agreement on the amount of the bond.  A reclamation agreement still needs to be entered into.
• Screening plan – The plan has been approved and it needs to implemented.  The Duksas told me the posts for the fence are in and they just need to add the fencing.
• Floodplain Development Permit – A path forward on this permit has been agreed to.  Their engineer needs to submit the required documentation to get this permit in place.

 

Goldich says a final decision will be made on Dec. 15 and then there is a five-day appeal period. After that, D&D would be able to be in operation again.

 

He added, “D&D provides a valuable service that this community needs.”

 

D&D takes anything from aluminum ski poles to household appliances, cars, and miscellaneous scrap metal. Emily Duksa with D&D has more on their annual impact.

– diverts 1.9 million pounds/2300 cu yards of metal from the landfill
– saves 37.5 thousand kilowatt hours energy
– saves 5.31 metric tons of carbon emissions
– takes emissions of 474 cars off the road each year.

 

D&D has also set up a GoFundMe page, with the heading #SaveSteamboat’sMetalRecycle. It’s on their website at DDMetalRecycle.com

 

Even though D&D clearly has signage that says No Dumping and they are closed, people are continuing to leave old appliances and other large items on the property. That’s illegal. Please don’t anything there until they are able to reopen.