Tom Ganser, director of the county recycling center, points out some of the changes that are part of an upcoming construction project at the recycling depot in Warsaw.

WARSAW – Members of Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management Board will seek to dip into a reserve fund to cover the remaining cost needed for plans to fill an underground tank and make other improvements to the south side of the recycling headquarters.

The lone bid received for the project was from Robinson Construction, Warsaw, which sought to do the work at about $40,429.

The work involves removing a cement slab in front of the building’s door on the south side and filling an unused underground tank.

Other improvements are environmental safeguards. Nearby above-ground collection tanks available to anyone dropping off old motor oil or anti-freeze would be reconfigured to include a septic tank below in case of spills. The project would also include installation of a trench drain to improve drainage in the area and an oil separator, according to Solid Waste Management Director Tom Ganser.

The board only has about $29,000 available in its capital improvements fund and will seek permission from the state Department of Local Government Finance to tap into some of its reserve money to cover the remaining portion.

Board member Cary Groninger said there is a need to move forward with the project because the underground tank represents a liability concern. The pit is about six feet deep and extends along the building for roughly 24 feet. Ganser said he is unsure what the tank had been used for.

Ganser said they hope to see the project completed this summer if they gain DLGF approval.

In another matter, Ganser said they are looking to expand the number of recycling collection points in the county. There are nine existing drop-off collection locations. He said that representatives of Warsaw Little League at Boggs Park are interested and that he would like to check with officials with Grace College and City-County Athletic Complex to gauge their interest in being more involved.

The board approved plans to talk with Grace College officials.

“We’re trying to look at easy opportunities to capture the recyclables right at their origins,” Ganser said.