Residents oppose Fowl River landfill citing water quality and community health concerns

The Mobile County Commission meeting on April 14, 2025, highlighted significant community concerns regarding a proposed construction and demolition landfill in the Fowl River watershed. Residents voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the potential environmental risks and impacts on local water quality.

The watershed management plan, discussed during the meeting, outlines a strategy for protecting vital resources such as water quality, recreational areas, and environmental health. It identifies sediment as a major pollutant and warns that stormwater runoff from unlined landfills could leach harmful substances into the water table, threatening the health of the Fowl River and its surrounding ecosystems.

Community members, including Ernest Lightbourne, presented findings from an online survey that gathered 187 responses, with 185 opposing the landfill. Concerns centered on the potential for water contamination, increased traffic, and adverse effects on property values and quality of life. Lightbourne urged the commissioners to consider these community sentiments seriously, highlighting the importance of maintaining the river's cleanliness and the health of the watershed.

Ted Lathan, another resident, echoed these concerns, describing Fowl River as a pristine natural resource vital for recreation and community well-being. He warned that contamination could have catastrophic effects on drinking water and public health, urging the commission to reject the landfill proposal.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment among residents to protect their local environment and resources. As the commission deliberates on the landfill proposal, the voices of the community remain a crucial factor in shaping the future of the Fowl River watershed.