Consider long-term effects of landfill

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 12, 2006

There’s not a county in Central Alabama that doesn’t need an economic boost. But, at what price?

A proposal has been made to bring a landfill to Lowndes County, to be located along the border of the Alabama River.

A community meeting was held Monday night by the Citizens for a Clean Black Belt to address the potential dangers.

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The packed house made it clear that most residents are opposed to having debris from six states brought to their backyard.

The proposal would bring 10 million pounds of waste daily from Alabama and five other states, including Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana and Tennessee.

In addition, remaining polluted debris from Hurricane Katrina would be dumped in the county, according to the citizens group.

Some of this debris would be transported down the Alabama River on barges, opponent said, meaning Dallas County could also be a potential site for pollution if the project comes to Lowndes County.

Elected officials should look carefully before jumping into the landfill deal.

Though the plan could bring $500,000 or so a year to the county, the developers stand to make quite a bit more.

Residents should certainly let their voice be heard on the proposal.

The CCBB will hold another community meeting July 17 at 7 p.m. in Hayneville Square and will appear at the Lowndes County Commission meeting on July 24 at 6 p.m., also in Hayneville.

For more information, call (334) 264-1296.

Before a decision is made on this proposal, officials should consider whether the immediate economic boost will be worth the long-term cost.