By Tom O'Neill
The Cincinnati Enquirer

COLERAIN TWP. - Rumpke landfill officials have requested approval from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for additions to its expansion plans that include a second sedimentation pond.

The OEPA is still taking public comment on Rumpke's expansion plans, which began in 2001.

The most recent request calls for modifications to the wastewater discharge from an existing sedimentation pond.

Also, an additional 12.9-million-gallon pond for the sanitary landfill at 10795 Hughes Road would extend the life of the landfill.

The changes are necessary to keep up with demand, Rumpke spokeswoman Amanda Wilson said Thursday.

Such ponds are set up to direct rainwater away from the areas where garbage is buried.

Discharge from a new pond would go into Banklick Creek.

"Landfills this large aren't an everyday occurrence," said OEPA spokeswoman Heather Lauer. "On the one hand, there's the tax revenue it generates. On the other hand, the concerns about aesthetics."

No changes can be made without OEPA approval, and any changes that affect chemical-specific water qualities must meet existing standards. Those standards are state-mandated.

However, proposed changes could affect water quality at an unnamed tributary of Banklick Creek and possibly the Great Miami River.Therefore, the OEPA is required to consider the technical, economic, social and environmental aspects of the project.

OEPA keeps a mailing list for citizens interested in updates on Rumpke's expansion plans. To provide comments, or request a public hearing, residents must write the Ohio EPA's Division of Surface Water, attention: Permits Processing Unit, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, OH 43216.

Rumpke's Ms. Wilson said the next public hearing is expected to be in February.

E-mail toneill@enquirer.com