Oct. 14 – Two weeks after the Newton City Council approved the purchase of a modular animal control facility, officials now know where they will place it.
At the Oct. 7 City Council meeting, it was decided that the decommissioned landfill at 707 W. Ninth St. N. would be the most suitable city-owned location for the eight-stall kennel. Other areas, such as the water distribution site and the police firearms range, were also considered by staff. The retired landfill seemed the least challenging.
It was also the most cost-effective option. Although there are residential areas surrounding the former landfill, there is no home within 60 meters of the kennels. However, the land has been listed on the Iowa Registry of Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substance Disposal Sites since the mid-1980s.
When police contacted environmental specialist Matt Graesch of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources about using this property for a dog kennel, he shared his concerns. According to him, the hazardous waste buried there in the distant past appears to have been “pretty nasty stuff.”
From his communications with the city, he suspected the biggest concern would be the risk to the shallow groundwater and creek water, as well as exposure along the steeper areas. Graesch advised the city to pour the foundation on the flatter upper surface of the site and not near the slopes.
“I would also strongly suggest using a vapor barrier under the concrete to prevent any infiltration of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that could be bad for the dogs’ health,” Graesch said. “The waterline should be made of a material that is more resistant to contaminants.”
For example, the city is not allowed to use black plastic or PVC materials. Graesch said the city must be careful when burying the line and keep an eye out for any odors or contaminated soil, which must be disposed of properly. The city stated it will follow the DNR’s recommendations.
The city expects the kennel project to cost no more than $150,000.
Built in Pennsylvania by Amish builders, the modular kennel is fully equipped with everything needed to start a kennel operation. According to city documents, a concrete base is required for foundation and utilities such as electricity and water must be installed. The municipality has already approved this purchase.
When the kennel is eventually completed by contractor Backyard Escapes – who is also building the unit – a small fence will be installed to allow the dogs to exercise outside. Inspections by a licensed veterinarian and the Iowa Department of Agriculture will occur upon completion of the project.
After the inspections, the city would receive a permit from the state to operate the dog pound. License approval takes four to six weeks. The Newton Police Department will staff the animal control facility with three community service officers, who lead the city’s code enforcement department.
