Pike County Fiscal Court rescinds host agreement after heated public outcry over proposed landfill

Judge Ray Jones and Pike County Fiscal Court voted to rescind and re-open consideration of a host community agreement with USA Waste and American Land Reserve LLC after lengthy public comment that centered on environmental risk, inadequate notice and distrust of the process.

At the meeting the court considered a host agreement that would have allowed the company to complete engineering work and, if feasible, apply for permits under Kentucky's site-approval process. Commissioner Atkins introduced the motion to re-vote on the agreement and to notify the company that the court had voted no; the motion carried in roll call with the majority voting to proceed and Judge Jones recorded a dissenting vote.

The rescission followed more than two hours of public comment from residents, community groups and elected candidates who said they felt blindsided by the agreement and that proper notice and opportunities for public input had been lacking. Speakers described concerns about…