Halifax Board of Health delays action on Maryland's Landing soil‑reuse plan after residents raise dust and volume concerns

The Halifax Board of Health on May 6 heard an independent review concluding that proposed "less than RCS 2 soils" for Maryland's Landing are appropriate for corrective grading and do not pose a threat to human health, but postponed a formal vote after residents pressed for more time and testing.

The review's executive summary, cited at the meeting, said, "Tye and Bond believes that these proposed less than RCS 2 soils are appropriate for use as grading and shaping materials for the corrective action, and that they do not pose a threat to human health and the environment." The town health agent told the board he concurred with the review and, based on federal, state and local guidance, did not see a legal basis to order immediate enforcement action.

Several residents told the board they had received the final report only shortly before the meeting and asked the board to delay any vote so the public could study the materials. A resident who identified concerns about air monitoring said the 2023 dust study relied on two monitors on one side of the site and did not display PM2.5 results, asking, "So do we really know what the air quality is coming off that dump?" Another resident, Deb Winowitz, said the problem appeared to have existed for years and urged the board, "Let's not take the easy way out here. If we're gonna cap it, let's cap it right."

Board member Candace Green acknowledged corrective action is needed but asked whether alternatives exist that would require less imported soil and whether the corrective design will include a stormwater‑management system to carry runoff off the cap. Reviewers said a detailed corrective‑action design had not been completed, so precise soil‑volume needs could not be calculated at this stage.

Residents also raised questions about truck traffic through town, who would bear costs if a private operator failed to complete repairs, and whether independent testing should be required. One meeting speaker noted, "They're donating... $250,000 over the last two years in the form of donation and cash," and asked whether tipping fees or revenue considerations were influencing the plan.

After public comment and technical exchanges, the Chair moved to postpone voting on whether to provide the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) with a letter of support; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. Board members said DEP has final permitting authority for the corrective action. The board did not take a formal position at the meeting and said the item will return on the agenda at the next meeting.

Next steps: the board postponed a vote on providing DEP a support letter and requested that outstanding documents and clarifications be circulated to members and the public for review ahead of the next meeting.