DUNMORE — The state Department of Environmental Protection has already heard plenty of opinions on the proposed expansion of the Keystone Sanitary Landfill, but environmental advocates are urging residents to attend a meeting tonight to tell state regulators how they feel about the proposal.
So far, Northeast Pennsylvania residents have sent nearly 400 letters and emails about the proposal to expand the landfill skyward to prolong its life, and DEP spokeswoman Colleen Connolly was unaware of any expressing support for the expansion.
Even so, Robert Gardner of the Sierra Club said it is “wildly important” that residents participate in a meeting tonight from 6-10 p.m. at Dunmore Junior/Senior High School.
“The message that this is your opportunity and this is your time to be heard is important,” he said. “This is really about more than a landfill. ... This is about the legacy you want to leave for your children and our grandchildren.”
Mr. Gardner lives in Harrisburg and typically works on campaigns related to hydraulic fracturing, public lands and pipelines. He has been advising Friends of Lackawanna, a grassroots group of area residents opposed to the expansion.
While Mr. Gardner described the meeting as “just one data point” the DEP will consider in a lengthy review process, he said public outcry made a difference in other campaigns.
For example, he credited public opposition with rerouting the Atlantic Sunrise natural gas pipeline in Lancaster County away from highly residential areas.
A columnist who contributed to a waste industry publication called Waste360 encouraged the landfill to
send supporters to voice their opinions as well.
“Keystone also has a strong economic track record that it can fall back on in its fight,” wrote Darden Copeland. “Most landfills aren’t able to boast of employing 140 locals, as Keystone can, and its management should not hesitate to call upon these individuals at public hearings and forums. While NIMBYs (an acronym for not in my back yard) often pack a room, 140 employees can tilt a crowd in the other direction.”
In the end, however, no amount of public opposition can derail the plan as long as Keystone’s proposal meets all of the legal standards required by Pennsylvania law.
“We would need a legal reason to deny it,” DEP spokeswoman Colleen Connolly said.
It is still important the agency hear from the community to answer questions and address concerns throughout the lengthy review process, she said, and people may bring up issues that would be relevant to laws governing the process.
“Educationally and socially, it is important,” Ms. Connolly said. “We need to understand — and we kind of do know already — how the people feel about the proposal. It appears a majority of the community is against it.”
To start out at tonight’s meeting, Keystone representatives will outline the plan.
Consultant Albert Magnotta has asked the public to keep an open mind, touted the facility’s DEP compliance record, said the operation helps keep waste disposal costs down for area residents and noted Keystone contributes substantial fees to state and local governments.
Opponents have expressed concerns about topics including the eventual proposed height of the operation — 475 feet above ground level, the leaking leachate plant, the odor and the idea that an expansion of that scope could have hidden environmental harms.
After the landfill’s presentation, DEP officials will outline the permitting process and open the meeting for questions — only about the expansion and the permitting process.
With a large crowd expected, Ms. Connolly may limit people to two questions and one follow-up question to give as many people as possible a chance to participate. No signs will be allowed in the auditorium.
DEP prepared a primer and fact sheet about the expansion, which are available on the agency’s Northeast Regional Office website under the community information section.
The agency could schedule an additional public meeting if it deems one necessary, and will schedule a public hearing for later this year.
Contact the writer: kwind@timesshamrock.com, @kwindTT on Twitter