nm3clol-public/Scott_County/2024-05-13-Russell-County-Landfill-Letter-05.2024/README.md

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---
type: document
title: 2024-05-13-Russell-County-Landfill-Letter-05.2024
file: ../2024-05-13-Russell-County-Landfill-Letter-05.2024.pdf
tags:
- Scott_County
- '2024'
- 2024-05
- '2024-05-13'
docDate: '2024-05-13'
contentType: application/pdf
contentLength: 120413
sha256sum: 2e44eb8ac814b4bd941b81b3f980ebf2edd7b419d666aef1958076256ee0ecbd
sha1sum: e9668153e2ac1ed339ae05397be7dacbc62d4dc1
---
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
FREDA R. STARNES
DARREL W. JETER
L. MICHELE GLOVER 190 BEECH STREET, SUITE 201
EDDIE N. SKEEN GATE CITY, VIRGINIA 24251
MICHAEL K. BRICKEY PHONE (276) 386-6521
DANNY M. CASTEEL FAX (276) 386-9198
CHRISTOPHER S. MANESS
STEFANIE C. ADDINGTON EMAIL: fstarnes@scottcountyva.com
www.scottcountyva.com
SCOTT COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
May 13, 2024
Mr. Steve Breeding, Chairman
Russell County Board of Supervisors
137 Highland Drive
Lebanon, VA 24266
Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Landfill in Russell County
Dear Russell County Officials:
The Scott County Board of Supervisors are writing to express our concerns regarding the proposed private landfill at
the old Moss 3 coalmine site in Russell County. While we understand the potential economic benefits for Russell
County, we believe it is essential to consider the broader impact on the environment, public health, and neighboring
communities.
1. Environmental Impact:
• The proximity of the landfill to Clinch River raises environmental concerns. The Clinch River is not
only ecologically diverse but also a vital water resource for our region. Any contamination from the
landfill could harm aquatic life, disrupt the natural ecosystem, and affect water quality downstream.
• We urge thorough assessments of potential pollution risks, including leachate leakage and groundwater
contamination. The proposed landfill must be rigorously evaluated to prevent any adverse effects on the
Clinch River and its surroundings.
• What are the plans for ensuring PFAS (forever chemicals) remain below EPA acceptable levels and
plans for remediation if they exceed acceptable levels?
• If the water shed becomes polluted, how will Russell County help remedy or rectify the issue.
2. Health and Quality of Life:
• The landfills operation could lead to increased truck traffic, noise pollution, and unpleasant odors.
These factors may negatively affect the well-bring and quality of life for residents in both counties.
• Air quality concerns arise from the transportation of waste to the landfill. Dust, emissions, and potential
accidents during waste transportation could affect the health of our communities.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
WereaNJatural FREDA R. STARNES,
DARREL W.JETER
CGHELE GLOVER {0 BEECH STREET, SUITE 201
MICHAEL K. BRICKEY — PHONE (276) 386-6521
DANNY M. CASTEEL FAX (276) 386-9198
CHRISTOPHER S. MANESS
STEFANIE C, ADDINGTON EMAIL: fstames@scottcountyva.com
ww scottcountyva.com
SCOTT COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
May 13,2024
Mr. Steve Breeding, Chairman
Russell County Board of Supervisors
137 Highland Drive
Lebanon, VA 24266
Subject: Concerns Regarding Proposed Landfill in Russell County
Dear Russell County Officials:
The Scott County Board of Supervisors are writing to express our concerns regarding the proposed private landfill at
the old Moss 3 coalmine site in Russell County. While we understand the potential economic benefits for Russell
County, we believe it is essential to consider the broader impact on the environment, public health, and neighboring
communities.
1. Environmental Impact:
The proximity of the landfill to Clinch River raises environmental concerns. The Clinch River is not
only ecologically diverse but also a vital water resource for our region. Any contamination from the
landfill could harm aquatic life, disrupt the natural ecosystem, and affect water quality downstream,
We urge thorough assessments of potential pollution risks, including leachate leakage and groundwater
contamination. The proposed landfill must be rigorously evaluated to prevent any adverse effects on the
Clinch River and its surroundings.
What are the plans for ensuring PFAS (forever chemicals) remain below EPA acceptable levels and
plans for remediation if they exceed acceptable levels?
If the water shed becomes polluted, how will Russell County help remedy or rectify the issue
2. Health and Quality of Life:
.
The landfills operation could lead to increased truck traffic, noise pollution, and unpleasant odors.
These factors may negatively affect the well-bring and quality of life for residents in both counties.
Air quality concerns arise from the transportation of waste to the landfill. Dust, emissions, and potential
accidents during waste transportation could affect the health of our communities.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
FREDA R. STARNES
DARREL W. JETER
L. MICHELE GLOVER 190 BEECH STREET, SUITE 201
EDDIE N. SKEEN GATE CITY, VIRGINIA 24251
MICHAEL K. BRICKEY PHONE (276) 386-6521
DANNY M. CASTEEL FAX (276) 386-9198
CHRISTOPHER S. MANESS
STEFANIE C. ADDINGTON EMAIL: fstarnes@scottcountyva.com
www.scottcountyva.com
SCOTT COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
3. Tourism and Outdoor Recreation:
• Scott County relies heavily on outdoor tourism and recreational activities. The Clinch River is a
significant contributor to our local economy through fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities.
• The presence of a landfill nearby could deter tourists, harm the rivers appeal, and affect businesses that
depend on outdoor recreation. We must prioritize the long-term sustainability of our natural resources.
4. Historical and Cultural Significance:
• The proposed site played a crucial role in labor history during the Pittston Mine Strike. Building a
landfill on this historic ground would be a disservice to the memory of those who fought for workers
rights.
• We encourage preserving the sites historical significance and finding alternative solutions that honor
our shared past.
In conclusion, we respectfully request that Russell County thoroughly assess the environmental impact, engage
in transparent dialogue with neighboring communities, and consider our concerns. We believe that responsible
decision-making will benefit both counties and protect our shared environment for future generations.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We hope that our concerns will be taken into account during the
decision-making process.
Sincerely,
Freda R. Starnes
County Administrator
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
FREDA R. STARNES.
DARREL W. JETER
L.MICHELE GLOVER
EDDIE N. SKEEN.
MICHAEL K. BRICKEY
DANNY M. CASTEEL
CHRISTOPHER S. MANESS
STEFANIE C, ADDINGTON
190 BEECH STREET, SUITE 201
GATE CITY, VIRGINIA 24251
PHONE (276) 386-6521
FAX (276) 386-9198
EMAIL: fstames@scottcountyva.com
ww scottcountyva.com
SCOTT COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
3. Tourism and Outdoor Recreation:
* Scott County relies heavily on outdoor tourism and recreational activities. The Clinch River is a
significant contributor to our local economy through fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities.
The presence of a landfill nearby could deter tourists, harm the rivers appeal, and affect businesses that
depend on outdoor recreation. We must prioritize the long-term sustainability of our natural resources.
4. Historical and Cultural Significance:
‘© The proposed site played a crucial role in labor history during the Pittston Mine Strike. Building a
landfill on this historic ground would be a disservice to the memory of those who fought for worker's
rights.
* We encourage preserving the sites historical significance and finding alternative solutions that honor
our shared past.
In conclusion, we respectfully request that Russell County thoroughly assess the environmental impact, engage
in transparent dialogue with neighboring communities, and consider our concerns. We believe that responsible
decision-making will benefit both counties and protect our shared environment for future generations.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We hope that our concerns will be taken into account during the
decision-making process
Sincerely,
Freda R. Starnes
County Administrator