Fannin County OKs resolution to continue monitoring landfill wells amid past elevated cobalt readings

The Fannin County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a resolution committing the county to continue groundwater monitoring at the county landfill in accordance with federal and state monitoring requirements.

The resolution — described by a county official as about 27 pages long — was presented under new business and approved after a motion and second. Commissioners voiced no objections on the record and the motion passed with affirmative votes.

The resolution ratifies the county’s long-running monitoring program for landfill wells. A county official told the board “Federal rules say we have to monitor,” and said monitoring has been ongoing under state oversight.

During the public-comment period, a resident asked whether the county had ever been notified of a detection of industrial hazardous waste at the landfill. County staff responded that state officials take samples annually and notify the county each year. Staff said that, when cobalt readings rose slightly a few years ago, the county drilled two additional monitoring wells to support the sampling program and that monitoring will continue through 2027.

County officials said prior monitoring had included multiple wells but that over time the number of active wells had been reduced and the recent cobalt uptick prompted the two additional wells to ensure continued oversight. Staff said test results since have not shown migration of contaminants off-site and that the state would continue to require sampling and reporting until monitoring requirements are met.

No formal amendments to the resolution were recorded during the meeting. The board’s approval directs the county to continue monitoring as required by the state and federal program described in the resolution.

The board also noted that if future sampling shows different results the county will follow state guidance on any further actions needed.