Many oppose landfill expansion, despite economic gain

ROXBORO, N.C. — Those opposed to a proposed landfill expansion in Person County said Tuesday they would rather pay more taxes than see the amount of garbage brought to the area nearly triple.

Republic Waste Services' proposal would expand the service area of the Upper Piedmont Environmental landfill in the Mount Tizrah area at the Person-Granville county line from a 60-mile radius to a 70-mile radius, which would include parts of Durham and Raleigh.

The expansion would also increase the landfill's daily trash intake from about 660 tons to about 1,750 tons and would provide an economic boost to the area — an additional $1.44 million in revenue and a 4.5 cent decrease in the tax rate, supporters say.

"Everyone I've talked to has said they'd rather pay more taxes than increase the tonnage in Person County," Kay Renners, a nearby resident who opposes an expanded landfill, said at a public hearing Tuesday.

Residents also argued that the 600-acre landfill is already ruining the environment and their health.

"We're getting trees dead in our neighborhood. I'm developing skin disease," said Betty Blalock.

The proposal is still before an advisory committee, and it could be months before county leaders make a final decision or file an application with the state.