Commission makes changes with landfill, plans to meet with ADEM
Published 8:29 am Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Crenshaw County Commission picked up in 2011 where it left off in 2010: addressing the issues with the county landfill.
In December, the county was fined $27,500 by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for violations at the dump.
One of the problems facing the county was lack of equipment at the site to fulfill the state’s requirements, but county engineer Benjie Sanders said that has been helped by renting equipment from a contractor.
“We’ve got an excavator and a dozer rented to help up there,” Sanders said.
Sanders reported to the commission that the progress at the site has been “surprisingly good,” especially considering the recent rainfall.
“I think getting the contractor’s help was a good choice and the appropriate decision,” Sanders said.
Sanders also reported that a dam has been built to the sediment pond, along with other steps that have been taken to remedy the problems.
The commission also made several key changes concerning the dump.
Sanders was put back in charge of the landfill, although Solid Waste Officer Johnny
Hollis will still play an important role in the management of the landfill.
At the December meeting, Sanders proposed a restructuring of his contract to reflect the new responsibilities.
The commission appointed Sanders to the new position with the understanding that his contract will be discussed in-depth soon.
“We will address these bullet points where we can sit down and discuss them with you,” said commissioner Merrill Sport.
One other major change concerns the closing of the landfill at 2 p.m. on Friday afternoon.
“One of the concerns was failure to cover waste weekly, and we’d like to set up to close the landfill early on Friday so that no more trash would be coming in,” Sanders said.
The commission agreed, and made a motion to close the landfill at 2 p.m. on Friday to allow for the covering of waste.
“I think it’s a great idea,” said commissioner Michelle Stephens.
The commission also set up a time to meet with ADEM later this month to address the fines and violations.
