 |
|
|||||
|
Pro-landfill project group presents its C.A.S.E. to Cherokee County Council
Sissy Brock, a co-chairman of Cherokee Advocates for a Strong Environment and Economy, a pro-Waste Management group that goes by the acronym C.A.S.E., told council members she wanted to dispel rumors Waste Management planned to dump nuclear waste and New York state garbage at its proposed landfill. C.A.S.E. was formed earlier this month, according to its organizers, to convince county council members to amend their present solid waste management plan that bans new landfill construction and to clear up what it claims are distortions and scare tactics from a vocal anti-landfill group. She also took aim at the charge that landfills would leak dangerous chemicals into the groundwater. "There hasn't been a leak in a (landfill) liner since 1990 or 1991," she said. She then turned her attention to the potential economic benefit in jobs and revenue the proposed 3Cycle facility would bring to the county. Brock asked council how it will make up for the projected $200,000 shortfall in state funding. "Are we going to have to cut back at the Peachtree Centre, fire or police departments?" Waste Management officials have said the 3Cycle facility would create 342 jobs, including 42 permanent positions, and generate $2 million in host fees and $500,000 more in property taxes each year for the county. Brock said many of the area's unemployed would be eager to land one of the construction jobs. She closed by asking council members to "do what is in the best interest of all the county." Another C.A.S.E. member, Kathy Towery, told council members she grew up near the county landfill and said development has exploded near the site. "It now has some of the highest resales values in the state," she said. She also said council members would be viewed as innovative and progressive if they approve the project. |
      |
||||
