Schuylkill County Commissioners say they’re opposed to the idea of a potential new landfill coming to Schuylkill County.
At Thursday’s Work Session meeting, the Commissioners were pressed by Shirley Wagner, a Porter Township resident, about a proposed landfill owned by Waste Management at Blackwood in Reilly Township.
Nothing is official about this landfill. However, late last month, Reilly Township supervisors told dozens of residents and other concerned citizens that they have been in informal listening sessions with the company that is eyeing the purchase of land at Blackwood with the intent of opening a landfill on it.
In order for it to be a viable option for Waste Management, the company would need a variance to accept 4,500 tons of various types of waste daily, including municipal waste and construction debris –
The company is currently conducting various other tests to see if the land at Blackwood is suitable for its intended use.
At the earliest, Waste Management might begin seeking that variance through the Schuylkill County Zoning Hearing Board in the Spring of 2025.
Wagner, however, told Commissioners on Thursday that she wants to be more proactive in trying to oppose this and urged the board to do the same.
“How can anyone support and justify another landfill coming, again, out our way,” Wagner asked.
Later in the meeting, Commissioners addressed the possibility of the landfill and expressed their displeasure with the plan, if it comes to fruition.
“I believe Schuylkill County has enough garbage dumps the way it is now,” Chairman Larry Padora said. “I think we’re fine the way we are now. Schuylkill County has enough landfills for our capacity.”
Commissioner Boots Hetherington agreed. He said very simply, “I’m not in favor of it.”
And Commissioner Gary Hess commiserated with Wagner, telling her how he grew up near an unlined landfill in St. Clair and that there are many unlined landfills that operated all over Schuylkill County.
He added, “I think there’s plenty of capacity on what Commonwealth (Environmental Systems Keystone Landfill) does right now.”
Hetherington did remind Wagner that what the Commissioners say doesn’t necessarily have an influence on the actions of the Zoning Hearing Board.
“That’s our opinion,” he said.
When approached after today’s meeting, Padora told The Canary that if the day comes when Waste Management does apply for a variance with the Zoning Hearing Board, he would offer testimony stating his opposition to the plan.
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