County approves $415,000 amendment to study C&D landfill expansion

Moore County commissioners voted Oct. 7 to approve amendment No. 7 to the county's professional engineering contract with SM&E (S and M E Incorporated). The amendment modifies ongoing engineering and annual monitoring services for the county landfill and adds a site‑suitability study intended to evaluate the feasibility of expanding the county's construction‑and‑demolition (C&D) landfill.

Assistant Property Management Director Steve Perkins told commissioners the amendment would add a site suitability study and adjust the annual monitoring contract; the amendment amount for the study and modifications was presented as $415,000 not to exceed. Perkins said the item is budgeted under the landfill contract‑services account and the amendment would reduce the annual monitoring figure while adding the studies needed to evaluate expansion feasibility.

During discussion, one commissioner questioned why the site suitability work would cost about $185,000 for testing and studies; Perkins explained the scope includes environmental impact analysis, geologic and hydrogeologic study, and regulatory review to determine whether the property meets Division of Environmental Quality requirements for expansion. The board approved the amendment on a 4–1 vote.

Perkins said the study would inform potential plans to extend the life of the C&D landfill and that staff had been directed by the county Solid Waste Task Force to explore options that extend landfill life. The amendment extends the consultant contract term through June 30, 2027 to cover the additional work.

Commissioners recorded a 4–1 vote on the item; the minutes indicate a majority approved the amendment and one commissioner opposed. The transcript does not show a line‑by‑line roll call or a recorded vote tally in names.