Landfill permit hearing set

The state Division of Waste Management will hold an upcoming public hearing to discuss the permit for operation of the Rumpke landfill in Montgomery County.

The hearing will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at the Clay Community Center.

Adler Hulsey, an administrative supervisor with the Division of Waste Management, told the Advocate the hearing was requested based on complaints by local residents concerned about the landfill.

Hulsey said multiple representatives from waste management will be in attendance to hear public comment.

The current permit with the Rumpke landfill expires April 8. Rumpke is seeking to extend the permit to April 8, 2031.

Hulsey said the division has three options in dealing with the permit request.

It can deny the permit outright, approve it or approve it with amendments setting forth restrictions/conditions Rumpke must meet.

For instance, if odor is a consistent problem, the division could require Rumpke take steps to mitigate the issue as part of the process, Hulsey said.

Shaunna Patton, who alongside Michelle Rowland-Noble has organized public meetings on the matter, encourages the public to attend the hearing.

“The importance of attending this meeting cannot be overstated,” Patton said.  “This is the state agency that holds full authority over if a landfill is permitted to keep their doors open and under what conditions, and they are coming here to hear from citizens at the citizens’ request.

“Everyone who has concerns about the landfill needs to show up and let the state hear them,” she added. “Please don’t depend on your neighbors to show up for you­—if you and your family are impacted in any way (and everyone Montgomery, Powell and Clark County should be), you need to show up and take this opportunity to be seen and heard.”

Noble told the Advocate people need to make their voices heard at the hearing.

“People need to stay informed, to let waste management know their take on it,” she said. “This affects a lot of lives.”

The Fiscal Court has ceased negotiations on a separate community host agreement until measures are taken by Rumpke to address citizens’ concerns. The biggest complaint aired has been in regard to odor.

Rumpke is also proposing a 184-acre expansion of the landfill that would extend its lifespan by about 36 years. It currently has a lifespan of about seven and a half years.