“Emotions Clouds Landfill Decision” by Dr. Stephen J. Smart is reprinted here with the permission of Dr. Smart. The letter reads as follows “When we initially became aware of the Peoria Disposal Company Landfill expansion, we were concerned but knew few of the facts. However, after my wife and I spent two hours at the landfill meeting with PDC and touring the facility, we are very comfortable with their proposal.
Between us, we have two chemical engineering degrees, an MD and an MBA, helping us to appreciate the technical issues, the health risks and implications for area businesses.
Moreover, we are building a house about two miles from the landfill and will be living on well water. Thus we have a stake in clean water.
That said, there are important facts for everyone to know regarding this facility. The “hazardous” part of the waste is all metal, largely zinc. This facility cannot accept other forms of hazardous materials. Waste is first chemically treated with Portland cement and fly ash. This immobilizes metal so that it will not leach into the ground.
The end product is safer than what the EPA allows to be dumped into regular municipal; landfills. Once treated, the waste is further confined in a system of liners and compressed clay, along with other safety features.
Those who vocally oppose the landfill are we meaning,, but many of their decisions seem based on emotion more than fact. Other may simply err on the side of caution.
Let’s urge the Peoria County Board to make a good decision, rather than a popular one.
Dr. Stephen Smart
Allergy & Asthma of Illinois, SC
Peoria, Illinois
Soon, I will print on this site the entire testimony and cross-examination by both attorneys for PDC and the opponents of Dr. Gary Zwicky, expert witness for the Families against Toxic Waste. It is my understanding that Dr. Smart was the only doctor who took time to visit PDC and accept their offers of public tours.
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