Pogo Loader Benefits City of Delta Junction

The view from behind the wheel of a 2018 Volvo wheeled loader, donated by Northern Star Resources Pogo Mine.

A donated 2018 Volvo wheeled loader from Northern Star Resources - Pogo Mine - is helping the City of Delta Junction’s landfill meet its goal of operating a clean and efficient waste management program. Valued at $135,000, the loader significantly expands the capacity of the landfill and directly impacts the city’s bottom line. This donation, combined with Pogo’s annual contribution of $200,000, marks Pogo Mine as one of the city’s single largest donors, according to public records.

“This is an incredibly important primary piece of equipment that fulfills much needed regulatory requirements specifically related to moving top cover as mandated by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and directed by the Environmental Protection Agency,” says Lori Roberts, city administrator, City of Delta Junction. 

Operationally, the multifunctional loader also helps meet expectations of access to a clean landfill ready to accept garbage. It is a critical workhorse for the day-to-day functions of efficiently emptying dumpsters, pushing trash into the landfill, and creating a safe environment for residents and commercial users.

“Without the availability of the 2018 Volvo wheeled loader, the city would be extremely limited operationally and likely unable to meet the expectations of a fully functional landfill, perhaps even facing the need to shut down,” said Ms. Roberts. “Partners like Northern Star Resources are incredibly important to the City of Delta Junction’s budget, as well as the community at large, and we see mutually beneficial impacts every day.”

The loader, weighing 25.66 tons, directly addresses the landfill’s annual intake volume. Throughout a 12-month period from January to December 2023, the landfill recorded 6,589 total visits which equated to a total combined annual waste of 9,263,840 pounds (4,632 tons).

The loader donation is just one element in a broader effort to support a healthy, sustainable community. Pogo is also a long-time donor of the Golden Heart Clean-Up Day, sponsoring the trash bags used by like-minded citizens who understand the importance and value of a clean city. The 2024 event reported that more than 22.2 tons of winter trash was collected from roads, neighborhoods, and parks surpassing the event’s goal of 17 tons.

The loader is used to manage waste at the City of Delta Junction landfill.

The 2018 Volvo wheeled loader was moved from Fox Gold Mine, traveling 133 miles to the City of Delta Junction. Previously, Pogo Mine donated a 220 loader in 2004.

“Our care for the environment extends beyond our operations and the mine footprint. A well-engineered and meticulously managed landfill facility is crucial for our surrounding communities and our partnership with the City of Delta Junction helps to ensure that people can feel confident in how area waste is processed.” – Wendie MacNaughton, External Affairs Manager, Pogo Mine.

Pogo Mine runs 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and has a workforce of over 700 people contributing toward efficient and safe operations.