Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, April 2, 1991 TAG: 9104020481
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARGARET CAMLIN CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Virginia Department of Transportation workers had been expected to start digging channels last week as part of an erosion control plan, but too much mud got in the way.
But if the weather stays dry for the next couple of days, then VDOT will start digging Thursday, according to James White, resident engineer in Lexington.
VDOT hopes to complete the first phase of closing down the Selma landfill by this summer. This involves stabilizing the site by such work as digging channels to divert storm water and planting more vegetation to reduce erosion.
This first phase is expected to cost roughly $150,000, according to Harry Gregori, director of the Office of Policy and Planning for the state Department of Waste Management.
Rough estimates for completely closing down the landfill are between $2 million and $3 million.
State officials have assured Alleghany County that plans are under way for the second phase of the cleanup. This will involve capping the site with clay or synthetic materials, covering it with soil, and planting vegetation on top. The second phase also includes establishing a permanent system for controlling the toxic waters leaking from the landfill.
Transportation workers are following a safety plan developed by the state Department of Waste Management, using rubber boots with steel shanks and rubber gloves.
They are also getting up-to-date tetanus and hepatitis shots as a precaution, White said.
"The possibility of getting into something and getting infected is out there all the time," he said. The landfill is probably full of basic trash, "but nobody knows exactly what's in there."
Alleghany County has released its claim to the $60,473 deposited by Kim-Stan's owners in a closure escrow account, and has agreed to allow the state to use this money to help close the landfill.
"While much work remains to be done, the county Board of Supervisors and staff are appreciative for the renewed commitment that state officials are demonstrating to get the job done," the county said in a recent news release.
by CNB