Some
horse owners avoiding dumpsters
by
Dawn Abbey
NORTH VALLEY - Since Waste Management raised its fees significantly
in March for waste containers used for disposing of manure, many
horse owners, to save money, have decided not to place manure in
their dumpster.
Over a few months, this could account for many tons of manure being
stockpiled, spread or otherwise disposed of around northern Maricopa
County.
According to Johnny Dilone, public information officer for Maricopa
County Environmental Services, county health code requires keeping
animal premises of all kinds clean and maintained, and prohibits
the stockpiling or spreading of manure.
"As you know, our department is complaint driven," said
Dilone. "Even though someone may not be in compliance, we do
not investigate unless a complaint report is received from a department
employee or neighbor. Then it's up to us to decide if it is presenting
a health hazard."
He acknowledges that even if someone has a manure pile on their
property, it doesn't necessarily mean they are not in compliance.
"They may be piling it up to remove it," he said.
Chapter XI, Section 1, Regulation 1, of the County Health Code says
in part: ". . . premises where (animals) are held or kept,
shall be so kept and maintained that flies, vermin, rodent harborage,
odors, ponded water, the accumulation of manure, garbage, refuse
or other noxious material do not become a public health nuisance.
"Manure and droppings shall be removed from pens, stables,
yards, cages and other enclosures at least twice weekly and handled
or disposed of in an approved manner free of health hazard or public
health nuisance.
"Mound storage of droppings or manure will be permitted only
under such conditions as to protect against the breeding of flies
and to prevent migration of fly larvae (maggots) into the surrounding
soil."
Only time and smell will tell if warmer weather and a lack of disposal
options will cause neighborhood complaints.
However, for do it yourselfers or some budding entrepreneurs who
might want to collect it themselves, Western Organics, a lawn and
garden supplier at 27th Avenue and Buckeye Road, says they will
accept horse manure in 40 yard roll offs for $100 per load.
If property owners feel a health hazard is being created in their
neighborhood and want to make a complaint, they can call (602) 506
6616 or go to www.maricopa.gov.
to file a report online. |
