Dear Editor:

Waste Management representatives clearly stated in their presentation there will be approximately 42 permanent jobs available and furthermore their employees at other locations will be given priority in hiring employees at the proposed landfill. Not even the employees of the current landfill in Cherokee County are assured of a job if this landfill is built.

How high? How deep? — Again Waste Management representatives stated they plan to dig 240 feet deep. That is clearly below the water table. There are three deserted gold mines in the McKowns Mountain Community which are approximately 12-15 feet in diameter and 90 feet deep. The mining company deserted these mines around the turn of the 20th Century due to striking underground rivers. Limestone Quarry is a good example of the forces of Mother Nature when it comes to an underground river.

None of the maps presented by Waste Management to the group showed the Abingdon Creek on the proposed landfill site property. Take a drive down to Smith Ford Road, Wofford Road or Abingdon Creek Road and see how strong and powerful this creek is as it flows beneath the bridges on these roads.

Waste Management representatives stated no one can guarantee the landfill will not spring a leak and they further stated the leak CANNOT be repaired if it occurs. Should a leak occur, it will continue for all time, polluting the Abingdon Creek, Broad River, Congaree River and on to the Santee Cooper Lakes. This is a risk too great to even consider. I find it difficult to comprehend anyone being willing to take this chance of destroying our planet in such a manner. Brenda Humphries Humphrey Spartanburg, S.C. McKowns Mountain property owner