Dear Editor:

Waste Management of South Carolina Inc. is pushing hard politically to build a landfill on a 1,550-acre tract of land in the McKowns Mountain community of Cherokee County. The problems connected with such a landfill would not be just a local or a Cherokee County problem. The problems involve adjoining counties such as Spartanburg, Union, York and all counties in the state along the Broad, Congaree and Wateree rivers.

The effects of such a landfill would create an endless chain. Abingdon Creek originates on this parcel of land and flows several miles south, emptying into the Broad River. With the pollution of Abingdon Creek and its tributaries, crayfish, freshwater clams, fish, wildlife and farm animals will be adversely affected, caused by materials from garbage entering into the ground and surface water. Abingdon Creek flows into the Broad River, which merges to form the Congaree to finally become the Santee Cooper lakes. This is not to mention that methane gas from decaying garbage will become a permanent part of a large area of Cherokee County with consequences lasting for years to come.

The proposed landfill in Cherokee County is not necessarily to serve the local county and community, but far distant residents in other states where commercial companies bring their garbage to the proposed landfill. Based on information collected from the existing landfill operated by Waste Management in South Carolina, Inc., 400 trucks each day deliver garbage to its existing landfill. Air pollution will result from the emission from these trucks. Paved roads built for local traffic will not withstand such heavy vehicles. Roads coming into Cherokee County that will likely be used to access the proposed landfill are Highways 11, 29, 105 and Victory Trail Road. The result of 400 trucks using such roads will increase accidents and injuries. The inevitable trash and liquid spilled on the highways from these trucks will create a permanent community eyesore.

No substantial number of new jobs will come with the proposed landfill. About 42 employees from Waste Management's existing landfill will be sent to Cherokee County.

Why should Cherokee County be added to the list of garbage dumps for other states? South Carolina is rapidly becoming the landfill capital of the United States. It is time to stop this trend. Sincerely, Margaret H. Dillard Travelers Rest, S.C.