When the permeable reactive barrier treatment system associated with the Durango disposal cell toe drain was removed in 2010, the perimeter fence was also removed and the materials were stockpiled outside of the evaporation pond fence line. Plans at the time were to eventually recycle the materials.

Activities associated with removal of a shed and excavation of the toe-drain valves this past September required a subcontractor that had use of a flatbed trailer. Having a trailer available at the site made it feasible to finally transport the surplus fencing materials for recycling. Several resources for taking care of the metal materials were identified; however, no local recycling centers would accept the treated-wood fence posts.

A solution to the recycling dilemma came with the opportunity to donate all of the materials for reuse through the Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County building supply reuse center in Durango. All building supplies donated to the reuse center are sold to the public at reduced retail prices. Proceeds from the sale of materials help support the mission of Habitat for Humanity.

Materials donated for reuse included approximately 150 linear feet of 8-foot-tall chainlink fencing and approximately 20, 6- to 8-inch diameter, 12-foot-long treated-wood fence posts.