County's New Landfill Cell Is More Than A Dump

Recently, there has been a great deal of news coverage that has prompted concern about increased rates for garbage disposal in Hernando County due to alleged "delays" in permitting the Hernando County's landfill expansion.

While the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) does not set garbage disposal fees, we are aware of these concerns. In fact, DEP made the determination to issue the permit on March 19.

Although a determination has been made, I wanted to take this opportunity to help readers understand the complicated process of permitting a landfill facility.

Contrary to the term used in your editorial, the landfill is not considered a "dump."

Modern landfills are highly engineered facilities that are constructed with stringent specifications and quality assurance that are necessary to protect the public's groundwater resources and the environment overall.

Designing and constructing landfill facilities in sinkhole prone areas like Hernando County can be even more complicated.

As many Hernando County residents may know, parts of Hernando County are prone to sinkhole development. In fact, several sinkholes occurred at the landfill property in 2003 and 2004.

To date, DEP has no evidence that these sinkholes occurred under a filled portion of the landfill; however, if a sinkhole opened up under the landfill, the Floridan Aquifer, which is a primary source of drinking water for Hernando County, could be contaminated.

DEP's rules require that permit applicants provide reasonable assurance that the landfill design, construction and operation will not cause groundwater standards to be violated.

Working in conjunction with the applicant, DEP thoroughly reviews information regarding the stability of the site's geology, detailed engineering designs, revisions and special design considerations that may be needed to ensure that state rules are addressed and drinking water is protected.

The county has agreed to put in place additional engineering design and construction requirements that DEP believes will provide the necessary protections for the environment.

We remain committed to working with all of our permit applicants to ensure protection and preservation of Florida's natural resources.

Deborah Getzoff, director

Southwest District Office Florida Department of Environmental Protection