2024-05-13-Russell-County-Landfill-Letter-05.2024

2024-05-13-Russell-County-Landfill-Letter-05.2024

Document Date: May 13, 2024 Document: 2024-05-13-Russell-County-Landfill-Letter-05.2024.pdf

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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FREDA R. STARNES DARREL W. JETER
L. MICHELE GLOVER 190 BEECH STREET, SUITE 201 EDDIE N. SKEEN GATE CITY, VIRGINIA 24251 MICHAEL K. BRICKEY PHONE (276) 386-6521 DANNY M. CASTEEL FAX (276) 386-9198 CHRISTOPHER S. MANESS STEFANIE C. ADDINGTON EMAIL: [email protected]
www.scottcountyva.com

SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

May 13, 2024

Mr. Steve Breeding, Chairman

Russell County Board of Supervisors

137 Highland Drive

Lebanon, VA 24266

Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Landfill in Russell County

Dear Russell County Officials:

The Scott County Board of Supervisors are writing to express our concerns regarding the proposed private landfill at

the old Moss 3 coalmine site in Russell County. While we understand the potential economic benefits for Russell

County, we believe it is essential to consider the broader impact on the environment, public health, and neighboring

communities.

Environmental Impact:

• The proximity of the landfill to Clinch River raises environmental concerns. The Clinch River is not

only ecologically diverse but also a vital water resource for our region. Any contamination from the

landfill could harm aquatic life, disrupt the natural ecosystem, and affect water quality downstream.

• We urge thorough assessments of potential pollution risks, including leachate leakage and groundwater

contamination. The proposed landfill must be rigorously evaluated to prevent any adverse effects on the

Clinch River and its surroundings.

• What are the plans for ensuring PFAS (forever chemicals) remain below EPA acceptable levels and

plans for remediation if they exceed acceptable levels?

• If the water shed becomes polluted, how will Russell County help remedy or rectify the issue.

Health and Quality of Life:

• The landfill’s operation could lead to increased truck traffic, noise pollution, and unpleasant odors.

These factors may negatively affect the well-bring and quality of life for residents in both counties.

• Air quality concerns arise from the transportation of waste to the landfill. Dust, emissions, and potential

accidents during waste transportation could affect the health of our communities.

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

WereaNJatural FREDA R. STARNES, DARREL W.JETER CGHELE GLOVER {0 BEECH STREET, SUITE 201

MICHAEL K. BRICKEY — PHONE (276) 386-6521 DANNY M. CASTEEL FAX (276) 386-9198 CHRISTOPHER S. MANESS

STEFANIE C, ADDINGTON EMAIL: [email protected]

‘ww scottcountyva.com SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

May 13,2024

Mr. Steve Breeding, Chairman Russell County Board of Supervisors 137 Highland Drive

Lebanon, VA 24266

Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Landfill in Russell County

Dear Russell County Officials:

The Scott County Board of Supervisors are writing to express our concerns regarding the proposed private landfill at the old Moss 3 coalmine site in Russell County. While we understand the potential economic benefits for Russell County, we believe it is essential to consider the broader impact on the environment, public health, and neighboring communities.

Environmental Impact:

The proximity of the landfill to Clinch River raises environmental concerns. The Clinch River is not only ecologically diverse but also a vital water resource for our region. Any contamination from the landfill could harm aquatic life, disrupt the natural ecosystem, and affect water quality downstream,

We urge thorough assessments of potential pollution risks, including leachate leakage and groundwater contamination. The proposed landfill must be rigorously evaluated to prevent any adverse effects on the Clinch River and its surroundings.

‘What are the plans for ensuring PFAS (forever chemicals) remain below EPA acceptable levels and plans for remediation if they exceed acceptable levels?

If the water shed becomes polluted, how will Russell County help remedy or rectify the issue

Health and Quality of Life:

The landfill’s operation could lead to increased truck traffic, noise pollution, and unpleasant odors. These factors may negatively affect the well-bring and quality of life for residents in both counties.

Air quality concerns arise from the transportation of waste to the landfill. Dust, emissions, and potential accidents during waste transportation could affect the health of our communities.

SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Tourism and Outdoor Recreation:

• Scott County relies heavily on outdoor tourism and recreational activities. The Clinch River is a

significant contributor to our local economy through fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities.

• The presence of a landfill nearby could deter tourists, harm the river’s appeal, and affect businesses that

depend on outdoor recreation. We must prioritize the long-term sustainability of our natural resources.

Historical and Cultural Significance:

• The proposed site played a crucial role in labor history during the Pittston Mine Strike. Building a

landfill on this historic ground would be a disservice to the memory of those who fought for worker’s

rights.

• We encourage preserving the site’s historical significance and finding alternative solutions that honor

our shared past.

In conclusion, we respectfully request that Russell County thoroughly assess the environmental impact, engage

in transparent dialogue with neighboring communities, and consider our concerns. We believe that responsible

decision-making will benefit both counties and protect our shared environment for future generations.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We hope that our concerns will be taken into account during the

decision-making process.

Sincerely,

Freda R. Starnes

County Administrator

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR FREDA R. STARNES.

DARREL W. JETER

L.MICHELE GLOVER

EDDIE N. SKEEN.

MICHAEL K. BRICKEY

DANNY M. CASTEEL

CHRISTOPHER S. MANESS

STEFANIE C, ADDINGTON

190 BEECH STREET, SUITE 201 GATE CITY, VIRGINIA 24251 PHONE (276) 386-6521

FAX (276) 386-9198

EMAIL: [email protected] ‘ww scottcountyva.com

SCOTT COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Tourism and Outdoor Recreation: ‘* Scott County relies heavily on outdoor tourism and recreational activities. The Clinch River is a significant contributor to our local economy through fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities. The presence of a landfill nearby could deter tourists, harm the river’s appeal, and affect businesses that depend on outdoor recreation. We must prioritize the long-term sustainability of our natural resources.
Historical and Cultural Significance:

‘© The proposed site played a crucial role in labor history during the Pittston Mine Strike. Building a landfill on this historic ground would be a disservice to the memory of those who fought for worker’s rights.

‘* We encourage preserving the site’s historical significance and finding alternative solutions that honor our shared past.

In conclusion, we respectfully request that Russell County thoroughly assess the environmental impact, engage in transparent dialogue with neighboring communities, and consider our concerns. We believe that responsible decision-making will benefit both counties and protect our shared environment for future generations.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We hope that our concerns will be taken into account during the decision-making process

Sincerely,

Freda R. Starnes County Administrator

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