Proposed Regional Landfill Questions and Answers - Randolph ...

Proposed Regional Landfill Questions and Answers
I thought the county already had a landfill and has for years.
Randolph County operated a landfill for many years but closed it in 1997 due to much stricter
environmental rules. After 1997, all landfills had to be lined. This is a very expensive procedure, and the
county did not produce enough solid waste to justify the cost of building one.
Where does the county’s trash go? I see trucks going to the landfill.
Since 1997, the county has operated a “transfer station.” Trash is taken to a covered cement slab, and
dropped. It is loaded onto a large truck and taken to a regional landfill in Troy. Citizens, through fees they
are charged, pay to have this done.
What happened to all the trash that was taken to the old landfill for so many years?
The old landfill was covered, or “capped,” then covered with soil and now has grass growing. This area has
wells that monitor the water and the methane gas produced, and, by law, the county will be responsible for
this from now on.
Why would the county consider taking trash from outside the county?
Federal and state government want fewer landfills that are constructed and operated following stringent
laws and regulations. Many city and county landfills closed in 1997 and after, while newer regional landfills
were opened that were constructed following the new, more stringent, rules. Due to Randolph County’s
location in the Triad, it is well situated to handle trash from several surrounding counties and
municipalities. The county’s capped landfill has completely complied with all state requirements and has a
history of being well‐maintained.
What is the advantage for the citizen?
A regional landfill will make money for the county. This will affect property taxes in a positive way. It will
also bring jobs to the county. In addition, it will be cheaper for our citizens to dispose of their waste here
instead of paying to have it shipped to another location.
Will the county hire more people to operate it?
No, the county will partner with a private company, which will build and operate the landfill. There are
several companies that have the expertise and financial resources for such an operation. This project will
involve construction, equipment operators, scale house operators, truck drivers, and general maintenance.
What about groundwater pollution?
The closed County landfill is unlined, and due to careful planning and monitoring, it has never
contaminated the ground water. Modern day landfills are highly regulated and engineered. The new state
regulations require not one, but two impermeable liners, and an extensive drainage and backup system to
protect groundwater.
The last time I went to a landfill, it was a huge field of trash blowing everywhere; it smelled very bad, and
birds and animals were in the trash. Why do we want something like that?
New landfills are a far cry from the past! The old “dumps” of the past are illegal! At a modern‐day landfill,
the actual area where trash is deposited is usually an acre or two square. It is covered with dirt, a cover, or
biodegradable matter every day, then sprayed to counter‐act the odor and repel animals. It is then reopened
each morning.

What about trash blowing off the trucks on the way to the landfill?
The law requires that all trucks are covered. If trash (usually paper or plastic bags) does come off the truck,
it will be cleaned up within two hours of being reported.
Will a regional landfill lower my property value if I live close to it?
The landfill is required to have a 300‐foot buffer zone around the entire area of almost 700 acres.
Regarding the idea that landfills have a negative effect upon adjoining property values, there are numerous
examples of new upscale subdivisions, parks and other recreational facilities that have been built directly
adjacent to modern day regional landfills. Prime local examples can be found in Wake County and Sampson
County. In fact, there is a new daycare center adjacent to the Sampson County regional landfill.
Will this regional landfill cause more traffic?
Yes, it will. The increase will be during regular business hours, normally 8AM‐5PM, Monday‐Friday. The
trucks will, by contract, have to take specific routes that have the least impact upon citizens and follow
strict speed limits and hours.
What about all the dirt and mud that the trucks will bring onto the highways?
The roads in the landfill will be graded, graveled, and some will be paved. Special‐built washers will be
available to remove excess dirt and mud from the tires and wheels of trucks.
Will re‐cycling be a part of this landfill also?
Re‐cycling will play a large part in the operation. Re‐cycling only makes sense; it is profitable; and it means
less trash is going into the landfill’s cells.
What about the methane gas produced by trash?
The methane gas will be captured and used to run generators to produce electricity. Utility companies are
required by law to purchase the power that is produced.
I have seen landfills that have large ponds of run‐off water called leachate. Surely these are an
environmental problem?
The proposed regional landfill in Randolph County will not use ponds for leachate storage. Leachate will be
drained and stored in above‐ground tanks and then, it will go to a city sewer system for treatment.
Why does it cost so much to get the permit from the state?
A modern day regional landfill is not permitted until every regulation required by the NC Department of
Environment and Natural Resources is met. The very strict laws and regulations require testing that can
only be done by engineers and specialists. Each step in the process is monitored and reviewed by the
state. Contracting the specialists to do the numerous tests is expensive. Fortunately, the County saved
monies from the operation of the former landfill; these funds, and not general fund tax dollars, are being
used to pay for the studies required for the proposed new landfill.
As a citizen, when can I say what I think about this whole idea?
After the County receives all the information needed to adequately answer our citizens’ questions, public
information meetings for citizens will be held, beginning in the fall of this year. These will be announced
beforehand. Additionally, there will be several public hearings on the proposed regional landfill that will be
advertised well in advance. As always, at the beginning of every Board of County Commissioners’ meeting
is a public comment period in which any citizen can speak.