Joan Wheeler hopes she has some CLOUT when she makes her second appearance today before Cherokee County Council to oppose Waste Management's planned construction of a $150 million recycling center and landfill on a 1,550- acre site in McKowns Mountain.

Wheeler, a co-spokesperson for CLOUT, an acronym for "Cherokee Landfill Opposition United Together," wouldn't give specifics about her presentation but did reveal she will raise issues about the project to council members.

In her first appearance Sept. 17, she noted that Waste Management had been fined by the Environmental Protection Agency and sued by several municipalities, including Dayton, Ohio, and Austin, Texas.

She also reminded council members that Waste Management's plans were the latest in a line of lifestyle-altering projects that have threatened the McKowns Mountain community.

Three decades ago, Duke Power planned to build a nuclear reactor near the proposed landfill and recycling center, forcing the relocation of several families. Duke then abandoned its plan, she said.

In the 1980s, Wheeler said the McKowns Mountain community successfully fought another company's desire to build the "biggest incinerator in the world."

Two years ago, Duke Energy announced plans to build a nuclear power station at its former site.

In order to move forward, Waste Management must obtain approval from Cherokee County Council members, whose present solid waste management plan bans new landfill construction without their approval.