Removing radioactive materials illegally dumped in the Estill County Landfill is the best option, but state health officials told a crowd Monday that it will be a challenge.
Tony Hatton, deputy commissioner of the Environmental Protection Cabinet, said the preferred option is to remove the material, but added it would likely be an extensive process involving large volumes of waste.
During a 90-minute public forum at Estill County High School, state public health and environmental officials assured over 100 in the audience that the threat to public is health is low.
Lexington resident David Bowls was among several people who suggested that the close to 2,000 tons of fracking waste be dug up and hauled off. “What I’m telling you, is you need to get the thing out of there,” Bowls said.
State officials announced Monday that $8.5 million in civil penalties are being sought against companies and individuals for the illegal dumping of waste.?
