By 2040, Metro projects that more than 500,000 additional people will be living in greater Portland. This will translate into millions of tons of additional waste each year. And Metro is responsible for ensuring that all of this waste is managed in way that protects the health and safety of people and the environment. Every other county in the region has a [Metro] transfer station,” says Metro Councilor Juan Carlos González, who was raised in Cornelius, and is now the elected representative for the area. He believes that having one in Washington County could be a major step in achieving our regional goals.
A community advisory group of 12 members began virtual meetings this week – to learn more about the existing garbage and recycling system and to share their thoughts about the proposed location of the new transfer station. Group members range in age from 17 to 80. Most live within a mile or two of the proposed site.
Doris González Gómez is one of them. An environmental coordinator at Epson, she has lived in Cornelius for 15 years. She says that one reason she joined the group is to be a voice for minimizing environmental impact. “It’s really important to be involved in my community and take a more active role in how Cornelius is changing,” González Gómez says. “I’m just really excited to see whether or not this will benefit our community.”