Sydcol addresses local concern about hazardous waste facility

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The plan to expand a hazardous waste operation just one block away from Yuma Palms Mall and near agriculture fields, is raising a lot of eyebrows.

The hazardous waste company wants to expand its operation in Yuma County so it can handle hazardous liquid and hazardous solid waste.

Its current facility consolidates solid waste for shipping and off-site disposal.

The proposal approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission in April, explained that all hazardous waste that comes through the facility would be shipped off-site and out of state for disposal.

Sydcol Waste Management has been operating in Yuma County since 2018 and in Yuma since 2005.

Its current clients include military facilities in Yuma County, which have been using the company's services for years.

In almost 20 years of operating in the area, Sydcol said there have been no incidents requiring emergency responders.

Sydcol’s attorney, Barry Olsen said Yuma needs a facility like this. 

“The military base, hazardous waste, our agricultural operations, fertilizers, agricultural chemicals, hazardous waste. Those waste need to go someplace to be consolidated and transported,” said Olsen.

However several community members oppose the effort due to the location and safety issues.

As it seeks approval from the Yuma County Board of Supervisors, Sydcol said it will be working to address concerns expressed by Yuma County, Rural Metro Fire Department, other local stakeholders, and all those who have weighed in on this expansion.

They are also in the process of planning on-site tours for the public to get a better understanding of what the company does.

The next step in the zoning process is the board of supervisors meeting, set for August 7.

If you have any questions for Sydcol, email them here: Sydcol97@gmail.com