No Pay!

 

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO)—specifically the Green Bank Observatory (GBO) facility in Pocahontas County—currently pays $0.00 in mandatory local solid waste assessments for the property it occupies.

The reasoning for this, based on local regulations and the facility's status, is as follows:

• Federal Property Status: The observatory is located on federal land owned by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and consists of numerous deeded parcels. As federal land, these parcels are generally exempt from local property-based assessments.

• Residential Fee Restriction: Pocahontas County’s mandatory solid waste assessment, known as the "Green Box Fee," is legally restricted to owners of a "residence," defined as a structure where a person spends one or more nights per year. Because the GBO is a scientific and administrative facility rather than a residence, it does not trigger the annual $120.00 (or $135.00) assessment.

• Commercial Disposal Requirements: Under county regulations, all business and commercial establishments are prohibited from using the residential Green Box system. Instead, they must either contract with a certified private waste hauler or pay tipping fees ($95.00 per ton) directly at the Pocahontas County Landfill. While the observatory generates waste and pays for its disposal through these commercial channels, it does not contribute to the county's parcel-based assessment revenue.

In summary, along with the nearly 60% of Pocahontas County land area held by other state and federal agencies, the NRAO parcels currently contribute zero toward the Solid Waste Authority’s assessment-based funding.