Location decided for Newton animal control facility

Two weeks after the Newton City Council approved the purchase of a modular animal control facility, officials now know where they’re going to put it.

During the Oct. 7 city council meeting, it was decided the retired landfill at 707 W. Ninth St. N. would be the most appropriate city-owned location for the eight-stall kennel. Other areas like 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 residential areas are located around the former landfill, no home is within 200 feet of the kennels. However, the land has been included on the Iowa Registry of Hazardous Waste or Hazardous Substance Disposal Sites since the mid-1980s.

When police reached out to environmental specialist Matt Graesch at the Iowa Department of Natural Resources on the use of this site for a dog kennel, he shared his concerns. The hazardous waste buried there in the distant past, he said, seems to have been “some pretty nasty stuff.”

From his communications with the city, he suspected the main concern would be the risk to shallow groundwater and creek water, as well as exposure along the steeper areas. Graesch recommended the city pour its foundation pad on the flatter upper surface of the property and not near the slopes.

“Also, I would strongly suggest using a vapor barrier under the concrete to prevent any infiltration of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that could be bad for the health of the dogs,” Graesch said. “The water line should be composed of a material that is more resistant to contaminants.”

For instance, the city should not use black plastic or PVC materials. Graesch said the city should take care when burying the line and note if there are any odors or stained soil, which would need to be properly disposed of. The city stated it will follow the recommendations from the DNR.

The city is expecting the kennel project will not exceed $150,000.

The modular kennel is constructed in Pennsylvania by Amish builders and comes fully quipped with everything needed to start a kennel operation. According to city documents, a concrete pad is needed as a foundation and utilities like electricity and water need to be established. The council already approved this purchase.

When the kennel is finally delivered by contractor Backyard Escapes — which is also constructing the unit — a small fence will be constructed to allow for outside exercise of dogs. Inspections by a licensed veterinarian and the Iowa Department of Agriculture will take place upon completion of the project.

Following the inspections, the city would receive a license from the state to be authorized to operate the dog pound. License approval takes four to six weeks. Newton Police Department will staff the animal control facility with its three community service officers, which manage the city’s code enforcement division.