Union County Public Works (UCPW) is teaming up with the U.S. Army to help developing nations improve their solid waste management practices. UCPW was contacted by Echo and Fox Companies, 98th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne), to help prepare eight Civil Affairs Teams (CATs) for an upcoming deployment during which the teams will work with foreign governments, security forces, and populations to assess and help address critical needs, including essential infrastructure. The efforts of the CATs are designed to improve stability by better connecting foreign populations with their legitimate governments. Having a multifaceted Solid Waste Management Facility (SWMF), UCPW was asked to share the logistics, environmental impact and challenges of solid waste management with the CATs prior to their deployment.
“This training is extremely useful for our teams that are preparing to do their missions overseas,” said Major Kyle Goodridge. “It helps them understand how these kinds of facilities operate, how to interact with local officials and understand the impact that this kind of facility has on the population, and how to effectively run an operation like this not only for the benefit of the county, but for the population it services as well.”
Over the course of four days, Chris Medlin, Landfill Operations Superintendent and Ron Gilkerson, Director of Solid Waste for Union County Public Works, hosted eight groups at the 174-acre UCPW SWMF located on Austin Chaney Road. Each group received a tour of the facility, with presentations on disposal municipal solid waste (garbage), construction and demolition debris, yard waste and other recyclables.
“Working with the Army on this project has been extremely rewarding,” said Gilkerson. “Everyone in Union County Public Works is very appreciative of their service and what they’re doing to help other nations. We’re proud to be a part of this effort and look forward to seeing the results of their hard work.”
For more information, visit www.unioncountync.gov.