YUMA, AZ (KECY, KYMA) – A final decision on the location of a planned hazardous waste storage facility in Yuma has been postponed.

SYDCOL would like to spend more time addressing community concerns.

The main issue is location, as the land on which SYDCOL wants to build the facility is right next to the Yuma Palms mall, subdivisions and farmland.

SYDCIL’s legal representatives have asked the oversight board to delay the decision so the company can host a community meeting next month.

Attorney Barry Olsen said: “This is to ensure that the Board is well informed when issues arise, to answer the public’s questions.”

Both Rural Metro and the Yuma City Fire Department have asked the board not to approve the facility.

In the event of a fire, the stored materials and locations are of great concern.

“Approval of this special use permit will increase the likelihood of hazardous waste incidents in our communities,” said Cori Schultz of the Regional Metro Fire Department.

A local resident said the planned outreach meeting came a little too late.

Whatever answers the community gets, the main question remains.

“It’s still badly located, but it’s going to be badly located in July, and it’s going to be badly located in August,” said Mike Arfert.

A community outreach meeting will be held on July 13th at the Aldrich Auditorium at 2351 W 26th Street.

A final decision by the on-site supervisors will be made at the August 7th meeting.