Conservation finally flushes out a plan for long-awaited dump station

MT. PLEASANT — After multiple years of frustration, lost revenue, and public complaints, Henry County Conservation Director Caleb Waters is more than ready to finally move forward with the new dump station project. While giving updates to the Board of Supervisors on Thursday, Feb. 20, Waters detailed progress on the long-awaited facility and other conservation efforts.

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“We’re, you know, a month and a half away from opening the campground,” Waters said. “I’m not going to guarantee … we’re going to have a functioning dump station when we open. As soon as we get the tanks and Mother Nature cooperates, we’ll get construction going. I’m not going to say a date because people hold me to that.”

Approximately two years ago the Conservation Department was forced to close the former pump station at South Shore. With complications from the flood-plain and a need to meet code requirements, the county will move forward with the project at a new location. The new dump station will be at Waterworks Park, where the old Public Works building stood on the west side of Franklin Avenue.

“We chose that spot for accessibility. It’s easy to get in, easy to get out,” Waters explained. “The whole issue with the project involved the 100-year flood plain. Where we plan to put it is actually in the 500-year flood plain, which relieves us of some restrictions.”

The new location will include power and water for pumps and an alarm system, an automatic gate with set hours, security cameras, and a security light to monitor the area 24/7. Discussions about placing the station near the office and Nature Center were ruled out due to congestion concerns.

“Major holiday weekends bring long lines of campers waiting to dump,” Waters said. “So, I think this location will provide easier access and allow us to monitor it more effectively.”

Waters noted that the absence of a functioning dump station over the last two camping seasons significantly impacted revenue.

“Without a dump station, we lost about 20% of our revenue,” he said. “That hurt us. Campers want to dump their waste before they leave for home or the next park.”

With the new dump station, the conservation department will enforce stricter payment requirements for using the dump station.

“If you’re an outsider wanting to dump, you’re going to have to pay,” Waters said. “The honor system just didn’t work. The revenue we collected didn’t cover the county’s costs. Three summers ago, we pulled $19 from the collection box, which didn’t even pay the electric bill to run the pump.”

Waters outlined the county’s new approach. Campers who are not staying at the park must pay a set fee to use the dump station. Additional enforcement measures will ensure compliance.

“The honor system failed, and we lost money,” Waters said. “We will implement set rates, and if you’re not a registered camper, you will have to pay. It’s unfair for county taxpayers to bear these costs without any return.”

Waters acknowledged the frustration campers and county officials have expressed.

“I’m tired of talking about [the dump station], to be honest with you, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “Complaints and social media criticism have been ongoing. But thanks to RUSS and your support, we will finally have a dump station.”

Beyond the dump station, Waters updated the board on other conservation projects. The department has raised nearly $30,000 for its playground project and plans to request $80,000 from the Washington Riverboat Foundation. Local organizations, including the Evening Rotary and Kiwanis, have also expressed interest in contributing.

Preparations for the upcoming camping season are well underway. Waters and his team are working closely with the campground hosts to finalize logistics before the park opens.

“We’ve been planning and working with our campground hosts to get everything scheduled properly,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but we’re making progress.”

Waters also highlighted conservation efforts across the county. His team plans to clean up a large brush pile near Lowell and prepare additional outdoor areas for public use as the weather improves.

“We have several projects we need to complete,” he said.

Additionally, Waters detailed the Friends of Conservation’s upcoming fundraising banquet on March 21 at the Golf and Country Club. The event will feature gun raffles, a live auction, and other fundraising activities to benefit conservation projects in Henry County.

“They held a banquet last year, and all the proceeds went back to the Conservation Department to build a shelter house at Stevenson’s Park in Lowell,” Waters said. “This year, all proceeds will remain in Henry County to support conservation education and projects.”

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As he wrapped up his report, Waters expressed optimism about the future and excitement for the warmer months ahead.

“Other than that, I’m just ready for warmer weather,” he said. “I’m tired of being in the office and the shop, working on equipment for when the weather finally breaks.”

Waters also discussed long-term plans for additional improvements in the county’s recreational areas. He emphasized the importance of maintaining trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds to improve visitors’ experiences. He hopes to secure additional funding for nature center programs and outdoor educational opportunities for the community.

“We want to expand our educational outreach,” Waters said. “Our goal is to create more hands-on experiences for kids and families, whether that’s through guided nature hikes, wildlife observation areas, or interactive exhibits at the Nature Center.”

Waters stressed the role community engagement plays in sustaining and growing conservation efforts in Henry County. Volunteers and donors remain crucial to the success of these projects, and he encouraged people to get involved in any way they can.

“This county is full of great people who care about conservation and outdoor recreation,” he said. “Their support makes a huge difference, and we want to keep building on that momentum.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com