WSFA 12 News Montgomery, AL |Residents raise concerns over Perry County landfill

Residents raise concerns over Perry County landfill

Posted by: Melissa McKinney - bio | email

UNIONTOWN, AL (WSFA) - 560,000 tons of coal ash now sit in a landfill in Perry County, and not everyone's happy about it.

A coal ash spill in Kingston, Tennessee on December 22nd, 2008 has people in Uniontown spilling into city hall.

After the spill, Arrowhead Landfill in Perry County won a bid to dump 3 million tons of coal ash from the spill into their landfill.

The project is bringing 50 jobs and $3 million to Perry County.

But residents are skeptical the sludge coming into town may have health hazards.

"I'm afraid that the line is going to rot.   It's going to seep into the water line.   And it's going to be harmful to our young ones," says Earnest Jones.

"I want to get a better understanding for myself so I'll be able to understand what's going on and see about the long-term affects," says Brenda Cooke.

Many are simply looking for authorities to set the record straight.

So what is the truth?  Authtorities with the Environmental Protection Agency says there's nothing to worry about.

"There are no risks to human health and to the environment from this material itself," says EPA representative, Franklin Hill.

It's a project Perry County commissioners say wouldn't have made the cut any other way.

"First of all, we wouldn't have been able to deposit it into this landfill.   Second, we would not allow it to come either.    Because, we're not doing anything to hurt our citizens," says Commission Chairman, Fairest Cureton.

But even an all clear from the EPA doesn't convince everyone.

"They're lying. I think they're lying. I think it's harmful.   And this is something we don't want.   And I don't think they should shove it down our throat," says Jones.

Despite doubts from some residents, County Commissioners are certain the project is helping the area.

They already have plans for the $3 million dollars.  

Much of it is going to individual cities and the school system.  

It's also being used for county infrastructure like roads and bridges.

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