Residents oppose Emerald Coast landfill application citing environmental and capacity concerns

In a recent Mobile County Commission meeting, concerns over a proposed landfill application dominated the discussions, drawing passionate opposition from local residents. The atmosphere was charged as community members voiced their apprehensions about the Emerald Coast C and D Landfill, citing environmental risks and inconsistencies with the county's solid waste management plan.

One vocal opponent, who reviewed the landfill's application, expressed disbelief at claims made by the landfill's owner and engineer that no water would flow from the site. "If the water doesn't come off the property, it goes down into the groundwater," he warned, highlighting the potential threat to nearby Fowl River, a spring-fed waterway. He raised alarms about the lack of a groundwater monitoring plan and the absence of a liner in the landfill pit, suggesting that local water quality could be compromised.

Another resident, Kurt Wilson, echoed these concerns, arguing that the proposed landfill contradicts the county's own solid waste management plan. He pointed out that the plan, established in 2015, indicated sufficient landfill capacity in the area, with current facilities already meeting the needs of the community. Wilson emphasized that the recent opening of the S. Feller C and D Landfill, located less than two miles from the proposed site, further negated the necessity for another landfill.

Wilson's remarks were underscored by a call for caution, urging the commission to delay any decisions on landfill proposals until a new solid waste management plan is approved. "At an absolute minimum, the county should delay action on this or any other landfill proposal until the new solid waste plan is approved," he stated, reflecting a sentiment shared by many in attendance.

As the meeting progressed, the commission faced mounting pressure to consider the environmental implications of the landfill, with residents advocating for a thorough review of the facts before any approvals are granted. The discussions highlighted a community deeply invested in protecting their local environment and ensuring that development aligns with sustainable practices.

With the current solid waste management plan set to expire at the end of the year, the future of landfill proposals in Mobile County remains uncertain. Residents are left hoping that their voices will be heard and that the commission will prioritize the health and safety of their community in its decision-making process.