December 2nd, 2004

Missouri residents have expressed their concerns over a landfill site, which they state could end up accepting all sorts of construction waste and could result in harmful contamination from lead and asbestos dust. Concerns have been raised over the effects this could have on the neighbourhood and its residents.

One resident, Wayne Myslivy, expressed his worries at a recent meeting with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. He stated: "We're subject to a lot of wind. What prevents us from becoming subject to lead dust?" He went on to say, "At some point, some contaminated dirt is going to go into that dump. This dump is going to be within several hundred yards of three grade schools."

The landfill will take a range of waste materials, such as wood concrete and tires. It is about nineteen acres in size, and will be operational six days a week. It has been revealed that the landfill will also take oil-contaminated soil, but officials have assured the residents that testing will be carried out on the soil to ensure that it is free from hazards and other contaminants.

Mid American Regional Council representative, Lisa Danbury, stated that the landfill would provide a useful facility for construction waste that was currently overflowing from other landfill sites. She stated: "We recognized the need for a demolition landfill on the Missouri side. We're encouraging the landfill to recover as much material as possible."

However, residents are concerned for their health as well as their property prices should they wish to sell. The final decision on the landfill will be made on December 31st.