Questions and Answers:
Damascus Beauty Spot Closure
- Is it possible to keep the Damascus Beauty Spot from closing if the shed is removed?
- Can additional dumpsters be added and let residents simply deposit materials over a rail?
- Was cost a factor in the decision to close the Damascus Beauty Spot?
- Is it possible to keep the Damascus Beauty Spot open on Saturdays only or even once per month?
- With the closing of the Damascus Beauty Spot illegal dumping on Barnes Road may occur. How will the County address this and how will the clean up be handled?
- Illegally discarded debris may flow into storm drains because of the Damascus closure. How will the County prevent this from happening?
- Can the County Regulations be changed to permit the Damascus Beauty spot to remain open?
- Can additional staffing or overtime for existing workers be added to the Damascus Beauty Spot to keep it open?
- Is it possible to add a cover to the Damascus Beauty Spot so that it can remain open?
- What factor did cost play in the decision to close the Damascus Beauty Spot?
- If a viable solution is found prior to the October 1, 2009 closure date, will the beauty spot still close?
- Once the Damascus Beauty Spot is closed, will it remain closed forever, or only until an alternative can be found?
- Will the Damascus Beauty Spot be open to County residents after a major storm for debris management?
- I am very concerned about the closure of the Damascus Beauty spot. All the people who will now have to travel great distances to Shady Grove will be adding additional toxins to the environment from the car/truck exhausts emitted driving there. Isn’t there any other solution to keeping this important service open?
- I am unclear as to why this well used spot is closing, given its popular use in this busy up-county corner. Recycling is critical in this day & age. Please reconsider!
- What are the environmental concerns, and who is behind the complaint concerning compliance?
- Will the site continue to be a fueling station for county vehicles and a salt public works facility?
- One of my favorite things about Damascus is the local beauty spot. I predict that human nature combined with the vast number of back roads in the area will result in illegal dumping and thus a greater environmental impact than the beauty spot could ever make. I would like to know more about the complaint, and how the citizens of Damascus can advocate to keeping the site open.
- Once again, those of us in the north end of the county get ignored and ill-treated - how would those of you in Somerset like it if you had to come to Damascus to dispose of the things we can take to the beauty spot.
- Please do not close Damascus. The Shady Grove Transfer Station is a nightmare with mind numbing traffic, noise and stench. Damascus is simple. If you aren't getting enough use out of it, add back yard waste and the line will be back around the block.
- I am afraid that by closing this facility to the up-county residents, it will create spots on the back roads where people will just dump their trash! We need this transfer spot. It will keep the area clean.
- Are you CRAZY???? Closing this site will start dumping on the sides of the road in upper Montgomery County again. This was tried several years ago and the dumping was outrageous. You MUST reconsider your decision. If you need funds to build a bigger facility, start charging a fee to deposit items at the Beauty Spot instead of closing it!!! I'm sure residents would rather pay a fee than lose this facility. I'm very disappointed at this decision.
1. Is it possible to keep the Damascus Beauty Spot from closing if the shed is removed?
Removing the existing shed will not change the conditions and the environmental compliance issues that the site faces. It is also important to note that the site will remain active as a County location for Highway Services operations and the referenced shed is part of these operations. Therefore, removal of the shed, though not possible, would not keep the Beauty Spot open. Back to top
2. Can additional dumpsters be added and let residents simply deposit materials over a rail?
The County carefully examined many options to closing the facility including adding additional dumpsters and collection containers.
Unfortunately, we found that there is not enough room at the site to provide more than two dumpsters, which would not be sufficient for the amount of bulky waste that is dropped off.
We also found that if we rearranged operations for direct dumping into containers, the height differential for dropping discarded items over a railing would present safety issues for County residents using the site. Back to top
3. Was cost a factor in the decision to close the Damascus Beauty Spot?
When exploring possible options to keep the beauty spot open, cost was not a factor in the County’s decision to close this location.
After exploring many options for keeping the facility open, we found that that the site is simply too small to accommodate the improvements required to keep waste contained, stormwater runoff controlled and the facility otherwise in compliance with environmental regulations. Back to top
4. Is it possible to keep the Damascus Beauty Spot open on Saturdays only or even once per month?
Unfortunately, it is not possible to keep the site open by limiting the hours or days of use and doing so would likely increase the problem of too much waste on too small a site.
There are no satisfactory mitigation measures that provide adequate waste containment and control of stormwater runoff for the volume of material that would arrive at the site. Back to top
5. With the closing of the Damascus Beauty Spot illegal dumping on Barnes Road may occur. How will the County address this and how will the clean up be handled?
The County's Department of Environmental Protection has an active investigative unit that works to identify and prosecute individuals who commit this crime.
Many areas of the County do not have the equivalent of a Beauty Spot, and while illegal dumping exists on some level, it is not excessive and the County spends more than $100,000 for clean-up and enforcement. Back to top
6. Illegally discarded debris may flow into storm drains because of the Damascus closure. How will the County prevent this from happening?
Consistent with the previous answer, the County will make take every reasonable precaution to prevent any such occurrences.
Citizens are encouraged to report incidences of illegal dumping through any of these options:
- Illegal Dumping Hotline: 240-777–DUMP (3867)
- Department of Environmental Protection: 240-777-7700
- Division of Solid Waste Services: 240-777-6400
- File a report online
7. Can the County Regulations be changed to permit the Damascus Beauty spot to remain open?
Both County and State solid waste management and stormwater management regulations apply to the Damascus Beauty Spot. Even if an exception could be made in County regulations, the County must still comply with applicable State regulations. Back to top
8. Can additional staffing or overtime for existing workers be added to the Damascus Beauty Spot to keep it open?
The closure of the Damascus Beauty Spot is not related to staffing or overtime related issues. Therefore, additional staffing or overtime for existing workers would not enable the site to remain open. Back to top
9. Is it possible to add a cover to the Damascus Beauty Spot so that it can remain open?
Due to the limited space and operational necessities of the site, covering the waste management area is not feasible without interference with the Highway Services operations. Back to top
10. What factor did cost play in the decision to close the Damascus Beauty Spot?
See previous response to this question. Back to top
11. If a viable solution is found prior to the October 1, 2009 closure date, will the Beauty Spot still close?
No, if a viable solution that addresses the environmental compliance issues is found the decision to close the site would be reconsidered.
It should be stressed again, however, that the Department of Environmental Protection has spent long hours exploring options and has been unable to identify an option that will allow the site to remain open. Back to top
12. Once the Damascus Beauty Spot is closed, will it remain closed forever, or only until an alternative can be found?
Once closed, the Damascus Beauty Spot location will permanently close to the discarding of unwanted materials but will remain open for Highway Services operations only.
Current plans are to try to upgrade operations and facilities at the Poolesville Beauty Spot where there is more room available to address environmental compliance issues. Back to top
13. Will the Damascus Beauty Spot be open to County residents after a major storm for debris management?
The County has an emergency debris management program to handle debris left behind after a storm. Depending upon the severity of the situation, a number of temporary debris disposal sites may be set up in the County.
The very limited space at the Damascus depot makes it an unlikely candidate, although all geographic areas of the County may need to be served by some temporary debris disposal locations. Back to top
14. I am very concerned about the closure of the Damascus Beauty spot. All the people who will now have to travel great distances to Shady Grove will be adding additional toxins to the environment from the car/truck exhausts emitted driving there. Isn’t there any other solution to keeping this important service open?
While we understand your concern, the residents may either
- contact their current solid waste provider for collection
- contact the County for scrap metal collection
- utilize the Shady Grove Transfer Station
- utilize the Poolesville Beauty Spot location.
People could reduce unnecessary driving by combining their trip to the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station (which is open seven days a week for loads less than 500 lbs., including weekday evenings until 8:00 p.m.) with other errands. Neither public drop-off facility was ever intended to replace regular trash service. People who have large volumes of material to dispose of on a regular basis should be doing this through a waste collection service. Back to top
15. I am unclear as to why this well used spot is closing, given its popular use in this busy up-county corner. Recycling is critical in this day & age. Please reconsider!
As stated in previous answers, the Damascus Beauty Spot is closing due to environmental compliance reasons. All single family residences in the County have curbside recycling collection for commingled plastic and metal containers, mixed paper, yard trim (weekly) and scrap metal (by request).
Additionally, the County understands the need for increased recycling and our staff is constantly working to educate residents and businesses with respect to the recycling opportunities that are available.
If your recycling needs are not being met, please contact our Customer Service staff online or at 240-777-6410, so we can assist you. Back to top
16. What are the environmental concerns, and who is behind the complaint concerning compliance?
While there is not a single individual behind the complaint, the environmental concerns relate to solid waste management and storm water management, as stated in previous answers.
All County operations are required to meet all County and State regulations and no modifications will address the inability to comply with environmental standards at this site. Back to top
17. Will the site continue to be a fueling station for county vehicles and a salt public works facility?
Yes – This location will remain under the operational control of the Division of Highway Services and will continue with its intended operational usage. Back to top
18. One of my favorite things about Damascus is the local beauty spot. I predict that human nature combined with the vast number of back roads in the area will result in illegal dumping and thus a greater environmental impact than the beauty spot could ever make. I would like to know more about the complaint, and how the citizens of Damascus can advocate to keeping the site open.
See previous responses related to these issues. Back to top
19. Once again, those of us in the north end of the county get ignored and ill-treated - how would those of you in Somerset like it if you had to come to Damascus to dispose of the things we can take to the beauty spot.
As stated in previous answers, the decision to close the Damascus Beauty Spot was based on its inability to comply with State and County environmental regulations. The decision was not prompted by County Council’s action.
The Department of Environmental Protection fully understands and appreciates the service that the Beauty Spot provided and conducted an exhaustive review of options before determining that the site is too small to accommodate necessary modifications.
The Damascus Beauty Spot was provided as a convenience. The same service can be provided, however, by one’s current solid waste provider for collection. Additionally, the County can be contacted for scrap metal collection, or the Shady Grove Transfer Station or the Poolesville Beauty Spot can be utilized. Back to top
20. Please do not close Damascus. The Shady Grove Transfer Station is a nightmare with mind numbing traffic, noise and stench. Damascus is simple. If you aren't getting enough use out of it, add back yard waste and the line will be back around the block.
The closing of the Damascus Beauty Spot is not related to usage at the location, but rather the inability to comply with environmental regulations.
The Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station is open seven days a week, including weekday evenings. We recommend avoiding the busiest times (midday Saturday and Sunday) and bringing waste other times when you can efficiently drop off materials in minutes.
We also intend on upgrading the Poolesville Beauty Spot, although it lacks the many recycling drop-off options that the transfer station provides. Back to top
21. I am afraid that by closing this facility to the up-county residents, it will create spots on the back roads where people will just dump their trash! We need this transfer spot. It will keep the area clean.
Please see the previous response on this issue. Back to top
22. Are you CRAZY???? Closing this site will start dumping on the sides of the road in upper Montgomery County again. This was tried several years ago and the dumping was outrageous. You MUST reconsider your decision. If you need funds to build a bigger facility, start charging a fee to deposit items at the Beauty Spot instead of closing it!!! I'm sure residents would rather pay a fee than lose this facility. I'm very disappointed at this decision.
The County's Department of Environmental Protection has an active investigative unit that works to identify and prosecute individuals who commit illegal dumping crimes. Many areas of the County do not have the equivalent of a Beauty Spot, and while illegal dumping exists on some level, it is not excessive and the County spends more than $100,000 for clean-up and enforcement.
Additionally, the Damascus Beauty Spot was provided as a convenience. The same service can be provided by one’s current solid waste provider for collection, by contacting the County for scrap metal collection, or by bringing discarded materials to the Shady Grove Transfer Station or the Poolesville Beauty Spot.
Operational improvements to improve environmental management at Poolesville, where there is more room, are planned in the near future.
Unfortunately, due to the very limited size of the property at the Damascus depot, there is no way to address the environmental compliance concerns related to storm water management and containment of solid waste that were the basis for the decision to close the site.
Fees or other additional funds cannot solve the problems at Damascus. Back to top
