WAYNE CO.—The landfill that caused so much controversy when it was sited north of Boyleston in western Wayne County 23 years ago has locked its gates and isn’t taking in any more trash…and those who run it, as well as the public officials who are ultimately responsible to the public for answering questions about it, are being hesitant to explain exactly why….other than it was “an economic decision.”
The 258 acre landfill is located in Section 5 of Big Mound Township in Wayne County, which in common directions is just west of the Boyleston crossroads at Highway 15 and the property extends northward to County Road 900N. The facility was placed on property negotiated by one of the Theofanopoulos clan in the area (Sofia’s brother; can’t remember his name right now); this was something that kind of upset Sofie, who voiced her displeasure about the situation to Ang almost right up to Sofie’s death a year ago.
One of our Wayne County correspondents talked to Gary Pearson, one of the emergency contacts on the above sign and was told a little more of what was going on than mainstream media is allowing:
The sign says “Temporarily Closed” but they are not planning on opening the landfill back up anytime in the near future. Most but not all of the employees have kept their jobs (obviously some did not). They will be working to keep the place up and that they will not simply abandon this. The electricity will not be shut off to the Leechate pumps. Most importantly, this was an economic decision and has nothing to do with the EPA or any restrictions.
Part of the conversation involved having a survey done recently; Pearson said they had to have that done every three years for permit reasons. Friday was ostensibly the day the old permit expired and the new one took effect, but Pearson would not comment on that particular topic. Pearson also would not comment on who lost their jobs or who decided not to stay with Republic Services Inc.
Locked up tight Friday, April 13, 2012
Our correspondent advised that while this may not be “top news,” it definitely means no more tipping fees for the county, which will severely impact the budgets of both the city of Fairfield and Wayne County as they both receive money from this landfill.
Pearson did say that they would be working next week to close the pits more permanently and doing other things involved in closing the place down. He reiterated that this was just an economic decision and that it was unfortunate that not everyone kept their jobs.
We had all this info Friday night but were so busy with Hands Across Harrisburg preps that we couldn’t get to it; our apologies for the delay, but at least you now know more than what MSM is telling you..