Dothan Weighing Landfill Options
By: Jamiese Price
Updated: December 8, 2012
After a plan to expand Dothan's landfill was stopped dead in its tracks, the mayor and commissioners are pondering what to do next. The Board of Zoning Adjustment Wednesday failed to act on a plan to expand the current site, essentially denying a plan to rezone property adjacent to the present dumping grounds.
"We're going to (likely) continue with the plan of expanding the landfill," said Mayor Mike Schmitz. He said options include filing a court appeal of the BZA's action, or lack of, or perhaps taking a request to rezone the property back before the board in six months, the length of time required before reconsideration.
The mayor said there are other options to consider as well. "We (could) look at building a transfer station and then send the garbage to a landfill in Campbellton, Florida or Coffee County. It will cost more that way but it's definitely an option," he said. No matter what the final decision, the mayor said some people are going to be opposed.
Commissioners were poised to purchase almost 200 acres of land adjoining the current landfill site. However, a vocal group pleaded successfully before the BZA, citing health dangers and other reasons they oppose rezoning the property.
Schmitz said one thing is for sure---something has got to be done and quickly. He said the current landfill, located off the east side of Ross Clark Circle, is filling up and more space is needed. He predicts the current site will have no more room in about two years.
Commissioners voted Tuesday to implement at monthly garbage fee of $14.75 to help pay for more landfill space. No matter what the final outcome, that charge will remain intact. The fee goes into effect on or about March 1.
