The key to the Rocky report seems to be weekly (!) maintenance and hauling out the solids.
Yes, and that's why the NPS contracts out their backcountry toilet maintenance. I think this is a key success factor for them. I think everyone would agree we need Rangers doing more important stuff, and by the way - thanks for your service, George! It's not necessary to haul out wastes that frequently, just that the contractor chooses to do it that way. Could be twice per year instead. But weekly attention to the toilet system by a trained individual is a key to success.
I believe construction and maintenance exceeded $50,000 at least.
Reservation fees are netting at least $250,000 per year with 17,000 actual hikers x $15/hiker (plus no shows). The regs authorizing such fees are intended to put money back into the "facility" with limits on overhead costs. Wag bags cost money too, and it costs again to get rid of tons of full ones, and don't forget about all the plastic and chemicals involved.
This isn't to say that, under ideal conditions (careful engineering and a guaranteed budget for, say 10 years) a system similar to Rocky couldn't be built... . I just doubt it could be maintained.
George
If a contract employee is doing the maintenance, and the design is good to begin with, I think its a workable solution.
Nothing to report yet from discussions with Inyo, but it has been elevated to management and they seem to have an open mind. I have not sensed the zealousness that has been reported about the former District Ranger Oye. Time will tell. Please be patient, they are very busy and understaffed, as George described.
