Low level radioactive waste would remain buried in the Estill County landfill under a corrective action plan given preliminary approval by officials with the State Energy and Environment Cabinet. The plan was submitted by the landfill operator.
Tom Hart, with Concerned Citizens of Estill County, says the plan calls for interim coverage and enhanced capping when the landfill closes. “Certainly that has a lot of merit to leave it undisturbed, but we’d like them to come make that point to the general public and be able to articulate why they believe that’s the best course of action,” said Hart.
Hart hopes such a meeting could be held within a couple of weeks. Advanced Disposal Services Blue Ridge Landfill Incorporated previously agreed to a $95,000 civil penalty. A radiation detection plan called for the installation of monitors.
State Senator Albert Robinson represents Estill County. “If they leave it, I would want the state to accept that they will cover it anytime in the future if it happens to be needed to be removed and absolutely not hold Estill County hostage on it,” said Robinson.
Cabinet officials are accepting public comments on the corrective action plan over the next month.