Clinton Co. landfill opponents dig in

FRANKFORT, Ind. (WLFI) - Citizens are speaking out against expansion of the Clinton County landfill.

The move would add another 285 acres to the property owned by Republic Industries.
Opponents said the landfill could go from accepting 300 tons of trash per day to 1200 tons per day.

The Board of Zoning Appeals will consider two options. First, it will look at amending the current landfill ordinance in the county and second it will consider rezoning property to expand the current landfill on the other side of State Road 39 across from the current site.

"It's not a very good location, said Joel Wilson, expansion oppenent. "You have two mounds splitting a U.S. Highway which is not too attractive to a community, especially one that is agricultural and flat."

Wilson said he is concerned about environmental issues. Plus he said expansion could open the door to accepting trash from places like Indianapolis. However, Commissioner Mike Beard said the landfill brings in money for county.

"We do have a fee that we collect to the county for every ton of trash," Beard said.

Beard said he is abstaining from voting as the commissioners' representative on the BZA. Beard currently farms the land owned by the landfill where the expansion would go. However he said he will vote on the issue if it comes before the commissioners.

"There is no benefit for me in making a decision either way," he said.

Mark Mills, Area Plan Commission Director, said his recommendation is to adopt the changes to the landfill ordinance and rezone the current landfill site. But he believes there are better places for a landfill expansion.

Citizens are invited to voice their concerns or support on these issues at a public hearing Tuesday night. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the 4-H building at the Clinton County Fairgrounds off State Road 39 South in Frankfort.