cberger@thecherawchronicle.com
CHERAW –The Cheraw Town Council approved a resolution opposing the proposed regional municipal solid waste landfill in Western Marlboro County at Tuesday’s monthly meeting.
The resolution states that the South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control (DHEC) approved a demonstration of need request on July 16, 2007 from MRR Sandhills, LLC for the development of a regional municipal solid waste landfill in northwestern Marlboro County, located east of S.C. 177 near Wallace.
If the landfill were permitted, it would consist of approximately 900 acres on a 4,700-acre tract with extensive room to expand. The demonstration of need regulation considers an annual disposal limit of up to 1,480,000 million ton, which is over 123 times the amount of solid waste that Marlboro County produces annually. It would also allow the importation of municipal waste from all over the east coast.
In June, residents of Marlboro County voted 2,372 to 166 opposing the landfill. However, efforts to locate a “mega-dump” in Marlboro County are continuing.
According to the Federal Environment Protection Agency (EPA), research that even the best-constructed liner in a landfill can leak leachate from 100-300 gallons per day if left unchecked.
After reviewing the issue, Cheraw Council members say they feel that having a landfill of this nature in Marlboro County may result in a reduction in surrounding land values. It can also threaten the area’s natural resources, water supplies, fish and wildlife, and possibly threaten even human life.
The Town Council resolved to voice their opposition to the development of a regional municipal solid waste landfill in Marlboro County. The Town Council also urged state and local officials to deny any permits for such a facility. This would in turn protect the health and well being of all citizens in northeastern South Carolina.
During Tuesday’s meeting a public hearing was held regarding proposed changes to the town’s animal control ordinance. Cheraw resident Emily Marsh was present and commended Mayor Scott Hunter and the Town Council for implementing the changes and enforcing stronger guidelines.
“I am here to support council for the new changes you are making in animal control,” said Marsh.
Marsh was attacked last year as she walking her dog.
The animal control ordinance changes are as follows:
- Removing the “Strict Voice Command” and the length of a leash is reduced from 10-foot to eight-foot.
- Limitation of the number of animals and the age limit is reduced from one year to not being older than six months.
- Squirrels and songbirds-the word “song” is being removed thus resulting in all birds being protected in the corporate limits.
- Impounding of animals-removes the section that states:
After seven days or sold by the animal control officer at a
cost covering all impoundment fees and penalty charges, and
Including that after that same period the animal will be
transported to the county animal shelter for adoption of disposal.
- The redemption of impounded animals-Owners reclaiming an impounded animal will have to pay $8 per each day the pet is left in the shelter. In addition, the owner will now pay a $25 fee for the first redemption in the one calendar year, and $50 for any second or subsequent redemptions of the same animal within the year. If the animal is picked up without a rabies tag in addition to the $20 assessment, the owner will now be required to pay to have the animal vaccinated and will be issued an appropriate certificate that the pet owner has paid the fee, and will be honored by the local veterinarian.
- Complaints and animal nuisances-Individual who suspects someone’s animal is being a nuisance, will now be allowed to report that information to the animal control officer, in addition to remaining anonymous.
- The increase of penalty fees for anyone who violates the animal; control ordinance now ranges from $200-$500, which is now the standard under state law.
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