A public hearing held Feb. 26 to discuss the permit for operation of the Rumpke landfill in Montgomery County drew a crowd of about 75 people.
The hearing was held at the Clay Community Center.
The hearing was meant to gain public comment on the permit, which expires April 8. Rumpke is seeking to extend the permit to April 8, 2031.
The hearing was hosted by the State Division of Waste Management.
Seventeen people spoke during the hearing, all against an extension of the permit. Several of the speakers allege the landfill is causing health problems.
Kevin Hall, Rumpke's communications coordinator, was on hand, but did not speak. The State Division of Waste Management also did not speak.
The Advocate has reached out to both Rumpke and the state for comment. A detailed story will appear in next week's paper.
The public has also been permitted to submit comments on the matter in writing.
Adler Hulsey, an administrative supervisor with the Division of Waste Management, told the Advocate previously the hearing was requested based on complaints by local residents concerned about the landfill. Most complaints have centered around odor.
Hulsey said previously 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.
The Fiscal Court has halted negotiations on a separate community host agreement until measures are taken by Rumpke to address citizens’ concerns.
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.
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