Trending
WEST POINT -- Residents and community officials spoke out in opposition of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s granting of a draft air pollution control permit which could potentially allow West Point Renewables, a Pennsylvania-based company, to install and operate a municipal solid waste landfill in West Point at 13629 White Road.
Following an information session presented by the EPA on a proposed landfill and draft air pollution control permit March 23, the EPA conducted a public hearing at which a court reporter recorded as testimony the statements of community members who spoke. The record of the hearing will be presented to the EPA director to consider when making a final decision on the permit. The director's decision on the permit can be appealed within 30 days of the announcement through the Environmental Review Appeals Commission (ERAC).
During the public hearing residents were only allowed to address the draft air permit and they were told any questions they asked would not be answered that night, but answered in writing in a response to comments document which will be made available to anyone who requests a copy after the director's decision has been made.
The public hearing was presided over by Lisa Cochran, public information specialist for the Ohio EPA, who specified the purpose for the hearing was to obtain comments from interested parties regarding the draft air permit for pollution control for West Point Renewables.
Residents were permitted to speak only once for a five-minute period.
One of the more prominent individuals to speak was Lisbon Mayor Peter Wilson. Wilson said he wanted to encourage the Ohio EPA to examine this company's record in Pennsylvania for repeated violations issued by the Pennsylvania EPA.
According to Wilson, there have also been complaints about the company's landfill in Seneca in which they were supposedly dumping oil. Wilson also addressed concerns over what dioxins could be released into the area from the proposed the landfill.
Tiffany Chetock questioned if there was going to be any treatment of any odor that may develop.
Jamie Nentwick said that she feels the proposed landfill will change the identity and character of the community by diminishing the quality of life for 3,200 people by lowering home values and contradicting the intended plan of the residents' vision for their community.
"These fundamental changes will not improve the lives or existence of the members of the community and will present potential hazards to the health and safety of community," Nentwick said. "It is our expressed opinion that this landfill will negatively impact surrounding outdoor businesses, residences, waterways and our rare diverse eco system."
Additionally, Nentwick expressed concerns over the landfills impact on the airport and the community's ability to expand.
Valerie Duffy expressed her confusion and concern over whether the landfill will be permitted for hazardous waste.
"Obviously, the residents of Madison Township do not want this landfill. Secondly, there is absolutely nothing positive for Madison Township in bringing this landfill in. Everything is negative," Madison Township Trustee Wayne Chamberlain said. "We would really like you to look at this and consider the evidence. We have had two landfills in Madison Township already. They are both still problems. They are both still sitting there. We simply don't need another one, so take our residents into consideration."
Dan Lyon, president, Friends of Beaver Creek State Park and volunteer, said that Beaver Creek was a wild and scenic river protected by the federal government and it's a pristine creek which means it has all the right elements important for critters to survive including the hellbender salamander that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has been working to replenish in the area. This area is one of the few areas in the state that have the hellbenders in them.
Lyon's concern is what the negative impacts the landfill will have on the creek, the hellbenders and the nearby eagle's nest. Additionally, he is concerned about any contamination getting into the creek and leaching from there into the Ohio River. He said he feels the landfill was previously shut down for a reason and should remain shut down.
Bub Galbreath said he feels that the Ohio EPA and West Point Renewables view Columbiana County and its residents as expendable. He also noted that this type of industry is going to be the Trojan Horse for the county for the next three generations.
Richard Wright had concerns over who will be monitoring any dioxins coming off the landfill's flare.
George Cunningham questioned why the draft is only for air and not land and water.
Randy Mitchell questioned the landfill being able to regulate themselves and said he feels like the Ohio EPA is acting as a representative for West Point Renewables.
The draft permit can be reviewed at wwwapp.epa.ohio.gov/dapc/permits--issued/2307929.pdf.
Questions regarding the air permit can be made to Jana Gannon by calling 330-963-1261 or by emailing jana.gannon@epa.ohio.gov. General environmental concern questions can be directed to Lisa Cochran by calling 614-644-2160 or by email at lisa.cochran@epa.ohio.gov.
Kgarabrandt@mojonews.com