City Council addresses Dease Hollow landfill closure overdue since 1990s

During the recent City of Huntington Council Budget Session held on March 1, 2025, a significant topic of discussion emerged regarding the long-standing issue of the Dease Hollow and Guyandotte landfill. Council members addressed the urgent need for closure of the landfill, which has been inactive since the mid-1990s. The landfill's closure is critical to prevent environmental hazards, particularly the risk of leachate—a toxic byproduct formed when water interacts with waste.

The council acknowledged that the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has intensified its enforcement efforts concerning the landfill's closure. This escalation in enforcement has prompted the city to take action, as the state has been notifying the city for years about the necessity of addressing this issue. The discussions revealed that the city has not previously developed a comprehensive plan or budget to manage the closure, nor have the potential fines for non-compliance been adequately addressed in past council meetings.

The implications of this discussion are significant for the community. The failure to close the landfill poses environmental risks that could affect local water sources and public health. Furthermore, the lack of a clear plan may lead to financial repercussions for the city, including fines from the DEP. As the council moves forward, it will be essential to prioritize the development of a closure strategy and to allocate necessary resources to mitigate these risks.

In conclusion, the council's acknowledgment of the landfill issue marks a critical step towards addressing a problem that has persisted for decades. The community will be watching closely as the city formulates a plan to comply with state regulations and protect the environment.