What’s Next For Madison County Landfill?
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The Tennessee State Department of Environment and the Solid Waste recently denied A-1 Waste and Recycling a landfill permit in an African-American neighborhood, according to a county commissioner. The permit was originally approved by the Madison County Commission. Some residents said they will not be completely satisfied until the landfill is gone and the land is returned to its natural state. “No Landfill Signs” fill the West Madison County neighborhood. Residents have been protesting against its location for nearly two years. “Environmental racism, that’s exactly what it is. It’s a lot of people that are upset about it. We try to get people to see things our way.It just seems like it being in a black neighborhood, people don’t care as much and allow it to happen to us,” West Madison County Resident said Calvin Vaker. Officials said the landfill is not needed because Madison County already has a landfill contractor. County officials said the zoning committee denied A1 Waste and Recycling a permit even though it was approved by the county earlier. County Commissioner Aaron Ellison said owner Bill McMillan’s intentions were not clear when the commission approved the site for the landfill. Residents and officials said the landfill could horribly affect the neighborhood. “It’s something not needed in our community and considered to be a health hazard in the community,” said Madison County commissioner Aaron Ellison. Authorities said health risk could go up and property values could go down as a result of the landfill’s placement. Officials said McMillan can still keep the land zoned for non-toxic waste only. County commissioner Ellison said their goal is to restore the land back to agriculture and forestry. He said the owner, Bill McMillan is currently suing for damages and has appealed the state’s decision.
