Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 18, 1990 TAG: 9007180332
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-1 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: By MADELINE ROSENBERG NEW RIVER VALLEY BUREAU
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
The 1,500-acre site, one of two being considered to serve Wythe and Bland counties and the towns of Wytheville and Rural Retreat, is just northeast of Max Meadows, about four miles from Pulaski's water intake on Peak Creek.
Although most of the drainage from the fill flows away from Peak Creek, Town Manager Don Holycross said there still were several tributaries that flow into the creek below Gatewood Dam but above the water intake.
"In concept, this is supposed to be a state-of-the-art landfill," Holycross said.
Plans include a double liner, a leachate-containment system and a ground-water monitoring system - safety devices to prevent leaks or contamination.
"But if the system should fail," Holycross said. "What then?"
When it comes to water supplies "there should be no margin of error," he said.
Holycross said he will be requesting more information about the proposed landfill. He will be giving out more information as well, drafting a letter of concern that will be sent to the Wythe County supervisors as well as officials with the state Water Control Board and Department of Waste Management.
"We will strongly urge them to consider other sites," he said.
Mayor Gary Hancock said council will keep an eye on the landfill proposal.
"I think we're very concerned about it at this point," he said.
He said council members may want to hire an expert to examine the site and consider potential danger - if any - to the water supply.
"I want the town to take steps before this goes too far," said Polly Mitchell, a Pulaski resident. "We have such a marvelous water supply. I hate to see it jeopardized by someone else's landfill."
by CNB