Despite opposition from the majority of those in attendance at last week’s meeting of the board of supervisors, the board took no action regarding the proposed North County Line Road landfill.
The landfill, being developed by NCL Waste LLC, would be Madison County’s third landfill. The 166-acre property is located at 2858 North County Line Rd. near Ridgeland, with approximately 89 acres projected to be designated for disposal area.
Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee, Ridgeland aldermen and several residents who live near the proposed site of the landfill asked the board not to support it.
However, board members did not have much of a response and took no action regarding the issue after discussion in executive session.
Sylvia Thomas, a Ridgeland resident living within a mile of the proposed site, said she came to the meeting out of concern for the lives of her neighbors and herself and to request the board to support an extension to the public comment period.
“If this is so important to the county, stand up and tell us why there is a need,” Thomas said to the board. None of the board members offered a response. District Four Supervisor David Bishop was absent.
“We don’t want another one,” Thomas said. “I would like for each of you to tell us why there is a need for a third landfill in this county. That’s what I want to know. That’s what I came here to find out. I sat over there as long as I could.”
Two people spoke in support of the landfill, including Johnny Brunini, who represents NCL.
Mayor McGee asked the board to request that the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) suspend the permitting process in order to conduct an up-to-date needs assessment for solid waste management in the county or request that MDEQ extend the public comment period until the end of the year.
McGee also cited health and safety concerns, property values, future development and damage to roads as reasons to oppose the landfill.
“NCL waited five years to file its second application,” McGee said. “An additional few months would cause no hardship to NCL since it has not begun construction or received any permits.”
Brunini addressed concerns about the fact that this would be the third landfill in Madison County.
“Documentation shows Little Dixie landfill, according to its most recent report, has 18 years of life remaining. The Canton landfill has three years of life remaining,” Brunini said.
Brunini also said there is adequate distance between the landfill and the closest residence, that there will be no change in the nature of traffic or quantity and no out-of-state or hazardous waste will be accepted.
“This was denied by MDEQ, why do you think it’s going to pass this time? What did y’all do differently?” District Two Supervisor Trey Baxter asked Brunini.
Brunini responded that the previous issues were with setback distances and the adequacy of visual screening.
“What I’m hearing them do is tempt you guys into taking some action that would result in a lawsuit, when they have their own legal remedy waiting and ready for them if in fact the permits are issued,” Brunini said.
Jim Harreld, who is seeking the District Four supervisor seat, approached the podium and asked the audience how many people were at the meeting to oppose the landfill. Hands went up all over the room.
“I don’t have the answer for this,” Harreld said. “All have made their case. It looks like it’s time for the supervisors to take it serious. These people have been fighting this for 16-17 years…The board represents these people.”
Supervisor Baxter said, “Three months wouldn’t break us to review this further, but you know, I’m one vote.” District Three Supervisor Gerald Steen said he would like to hear from board attorney Katie Bryant-Snell before moving forward.
“We see delay as an effort to play politics, to get other people elected or other people appointed to certain positions,” Brunini said. “Our position is that we are prepared to go to the permit board on Dec. 10.”
After executive session to discuss possible litigation, the board voted to adjourn until the November 4 meeting, which will be after the public comment period for the landfill ended on October 28.
