Operator of landfill, state agency too cozy

Citizens living near the Eco-Vista Landfill and others have been concerned for decades over the chemicals in the facility that can affect air, ground and water.

Extensive scientific studies have undeniably shown that living near landfills poses severe health risks to nearby residents.

A legislative audit in 2002 revealed that the landfill should never have been established in Tontitown due to its geologically porous nature and history of toxic leaks. The staggering expansion of the landfill from 66 acres then to 606 now is testament to gross governmental malfeasance.

Contrary to claims that the landfill predated surrounding residences, it started out as a small and remote dump site, far away from long-established homes. Evidently, the initial promise of a temporary solution was just a ploy that marked the beginning of a decades-long and disgraceful era of deceit, falsehoods and cover-ups.

The law allows expansion of a landfill subject to the consent of the city. Tontitown has explicitly denied expansion through two formal resolutions.

In an astonishing display of favoritism, the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality has shamelessly bowed to the interests of the multi-billion dollar WM Corp., disregarding the concerns and wishes of the community. The ADEQ bureaucracy, fueled by millions of dollars from the landfill annually, is unwilling to sever the ties that feed it.

Claims that NWA disposal rates will skyrocket if the landfill ceases are unfounded. As evidenced by the recent agreement between the city of Springdale and a more cost-effective alternative (CARDS), viable and affordable options exist if there is the political will to pursue them.

Eco-Vista is in the heart of NWA’s rapid expansion, with housing developments relentlessly encroaching upon its boundaries.

ADEQ acknowledges its lack of funds to effectively monitor the landfill’s persistent violations. Shockingly, in a Joint Legislative Performance Committee Hearing held on Nov. 27, ADEQ admitted to a policy of deliberately not giving citations for violations out of fear of disturbing its “long-standing relationship” with WM — a clear case of the tail wagging the dog.

Astonishingly, in that hearing, ADEQ confessed its complete inexperience and lack of scientific tools to investigate the landfill discharges in Tontitown, despite receiving 98 citizen complaints (resulting in an unbelievably meager two citations) in just two years. It also shamelessly admitted to having no idea what chemicals comprise these emissions. Nor has it sought outside assistance to identify these chemicals.

Amidst this tumult, don’t forget more than 1,200 Tontitown citizens have formally voiced their opposition to the expansion.

It is evident that WM and ADEQ are working hand in hand, prioritizing corporate profit and bureaucratic sustenance over the rights and health of citizens. It is a shame that Gov. Sarah Sanders has ignored the city’s pleas for help, and the attorney general’s office has refused to investigate claims of governmental malfeasance, conflict of interest and violations of law.

Let this be a call for a comprehensive Legislative Audit to probe WM’s and ADEQ’s too-cozy relationship and questionable practices not just here, but statewide.

DENNIS BOYER Tontitown