Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environmental Health topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents raise concerns about exposed dump material at Beatrice Drive development; council to refer to county and source-water partners
Summary
Neighbors told council that excavation behind homes on Beatrice Drive uncovered an old dump with burned, melted material; council directed staff to refer complaints to Montgomery County source-water protection and other appropriate agencies for investigation.
RIVERSIDE, Ohio — Several nearby homeowners told the council on Oct. 6 that excavation at a private development behind houses on Beatrice Drive uncovered buried dump material, including a black, ash-like substance that residents fear could be hazardous. Residents asked the city to investigate and, if appropriate, refer the matter to county or state agencies.
Dan Tiefer described finding heavy, nonmetal, melted material and said ash and black dust were blowing onto adjacent yards after woods were cleared. Tiefer said he has submitted a sample for testing. Other neighbors said they have been unable to obtain timely information from site staff and urged the city to intervene.
City Manager Josh and the law director said the city’s direct jurisdiction is limited if the development is a by-right private project and no local zoning or permit violations are evident. Staff reported that county inspectors and source-water staff have been on-site while the building activity proceeded, and that, if evidence of contamination or illegal dumping is confirmed, an appropriate referral to Montgomery County source-water protection, soil conservation or, where applicable, the EPA would be made.
Nut graf: Residents said the uncovered material could pose environmental and health risks; city staff said their role would be to document complaints and refer to partners with jurisdiction to investigate potential contamination.
What’s next: Council said it will confer with the city manager and law director about making formal referrals to Montgomery County and other agencies following the testimony. Staff advised residents to submit evidence they have (photographs, samples, and site information) so staff can include them when notifying partners.
