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Resident warns landfill expansion would be costly and environmentally risky
Summary
A resident told the board Vernon County Landfill is the state's smallest municipal landfill, has long-term operating losses and persistent leachate and VOC problems, and warned expansion risks using escrow funds and creating lasting liabilities; the speaker urged alternatives and questioned consultant advice.
A resident during public comment urged supervisors to reject plans for landfill expansion, calling Vernon County Landfill the "smallest municipal operated landfill in the state" and arguing the facility lacks economies of scale. The commenter said the county's audited net position shows long-term losses, described chronic leachate problems and VOC generation through liners, and criticized the financial assumptions underlying expansion projections.
The speaker cited consultant feedback and the county's tonnage history, saying, "Last year we received 8,500 tons. You've got a budget requires operationally 23,000 tons," and warned that expansion would shift escrow funds set aside for closure into operating liabilities. The commentator recommended pursuing regional hauling or resource-recovery alternatives rather than expanding the current landfill. Board members did not take immediate action on the topic during this meeting.
