Public comments submitted on the proposed Waste Management landfill expansion permit
On behalf of Virginia Conservation Network and its 150 Partner organizations, VCN has submitted public comments in regards to the proposed Waste Management landfill expansion permit (NAO-2011-02448) in Charles City County, Virginia.
We encouraged the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to particularly consider comments of VCN Partner organizations, including those submitted to USACE by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and the Virginia Chapter of Sierra Club. In addition to wetlands/hydrology impacts and recent construction-related permit violations at a similar landfill facility operated by the applicant, there are environmental justice impacts that deserve a greater opportunity for consideration and avoidance.
Our comments include asking for an extension of no fewer than 30 days of the comment period as an appropriate measure to better ensure authentic and meaningful stakeholder engagement, education, and public input processes. We are confident that the proposed extension of no fewer than 30 days of the comment period will enable the permit applicant, all permitting agencies, and the affected communities and stakeholders alike to more completely consider the implications of this application and to better ensure that required processes are carried out with complete and intentional transparency, inclusiveness, and robust participation.
The Virginia conservation community submitted the following public comments.
Virginia Conservation Network Comments
Chesapeake Bay Foundation Comments
Southern Environmental Law Center Comments