Cumberland County Supervisors Face Backlash Over Proposed Green Ridge Landfill Approval

Cumberland County's Board of Supervisors meeting on July 11, 2025, was dominated by passionate discussions surrounding the proposed Green Ridge landfill, with community members expressing deep concerns about its potential environmental impact.

Residents voiced their fears that the landfill could lead to contamination of local water sources and disrupt the rural lifestyle cherished by many in the area. Dave Myers, a local activist, urged the board to prioritize the community's needs over corporate interests, stating, "You need to make a decision whether or not you're going to work in an area that you're going to serve the people or you're going to work for the corporation." He emphasized that regulatory agencies, not the board, were responsible for the landfill's permit issues, urging the supervisors to conduct thorough research before making any decisions.

Gina Martin echoed these sentiments, presenting a 38-page document from the Southern Environmental Law Center that outlined reasons against the landfill's approval. She warned that the landfill would not only damage the environment but also threaten the county's future growth and quality of life. "It will damage, contaminate, and ruin our well water, our rural way of life for many, many years to come," she stated.

Other residents raised additional concerns about local infrastructure, including the poor condition of roads leading to existing landfills and the need for a Landfill Advisory Board to gather community input. Volunteer Burton highlighted discrepancies in Green Ridge's claims about environmental safety, referencing ongoing investigations by the DEQ into contamination issues at similar sites.

As the meeting concluded, the board members acknowledged the community's concerns, indicating that further discussions and research would be necessary before any decisions are made regarding the landfill proposal. The outcome of this debate could significantly shape the future of Cumberland County, as residents remain vigilant in advocating for their environment and community well-being.