By Erica Solvig
The Cincinnati Enquirer

SOUTH LEBANON - About 150 people came Thursday night to voice concerns and opposition to a proposed landfill near Morrow.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was at the South Lebanon Community Center to explain the proposed Bigfoot Run II landfill and to answer questions.

Some residents, including members of the Morrow Environmental Preservation Association, said waste runoff could seep into the nearby Little Miami River.

"How much faith can we have in that liner?" said Bill Brausch, referring to a multi-layered liner meant to contain the waste on site. His house is within a few hundred feet of the proposed site. "Anything that is technical can fail."

OEPA District engineer Jeff Meyer said the landfill would use up-to-date technology, and that the OEPA "is very confident in the best available technology."

The OEPA also would test the area semi-annually during the proposed 10 years of operation.

Browning-Ferris Industries, now owned by Arizona-based Allied Waste Inc., applied for a permit to install the landfill in 1998. The application was put on hold at BFI's request while zoning issues were resolved in court.

The site is a hilly area next to the Bigfoot Run I landfill, which closed and was capped in May 1999.

Bigfoot II would be the only landfill in Warren County. Spanning 59 acres, it would accept up to 3,000 tons daily of non-hazardous waste.

Some said the site was too close to houses and the Hall's Creek Nature Preserve.

Mr. Meyer said BFI has requested an exemption to the requirement of being 1,000 feet from preserved lands, which the OEPA director would have to approve. The crowd responded by shouting out "Deny it."

If a draft permit would be issued, a public hearing would be held. But before gaining that approval, BFI must address more than 96 points of concern the EPA listed in a notice of deficiency, Ms. Lauer said.

"We're not against landfills, but this is the wrong place for one," Mr. Brausch said. "If need be, we'll drag this out another five to 10 years."

E-mail esolvig@enquirer.com