The DNR is now accepting written comments (until March 2, 1998) regarding the proposed MEGA expansion of the Superior Emerald Park Landfill in Muskego (Waukesha County).
Emerald Park began operating in November 1994 with 3.5 million cubic yards of disposal capacity, which was expected to last for 10-12 years. The request for 24.7 million cubic yards, (expected to last 10-15 years) is the largest request in Wisconsin's history.
The service area for the landfill (where waste comes from) includes seven counties in Wisconsin and six counties in Illinois that include and surround Chicago. Additionally, the Feasibility Report states waste can come from "continually varying service areas."
Residents were told the present site would last beyond the year 2004. Now they are facing the largest landfill in Wisconsin to accommodate out-of-state waste. Waukesha County Environmental Action League (WEAL) has joined with residents to request a contested case hearing.
The proposal calls for an unprecedented number of exemptions, which the DNR states "involves several potential conflicts with state standards governing landfill location, performance, and design." -- DNR Completeness Determination (CD) 1/21/98
The plan calls for eliminating 5.5 acres of wetlands which "might establish a precedent in the interpretation of chapter NR 103, Wis. Adm. Code and lead to future wetlands filling or removal." -- (DNR CD)
The proposal requests numerous exemptions regarding setbacks to water supply wells, setbacks to navigable waters, visual screening and highway setbacks. Other issues include the depth of the landfill, the height, and the overall size.
YOUR HELP is needed.
Please send letters of opposition sent to the DNR. We also need contributions to enable us to obtain the legal and technical expertise necessary to defeat this unwarranted, mega-expansion.
If we do not stop the Megafill in Muskego, we can expect larger landfills across the state importing out-of-state waste. The CD states "Granting these exemption requests in this case could create a precedent that would be cited by applicants for future landfill proposals."
View WEAL's Summary for Public Comments, offering a number of opposition points (and where to send letters). Please view information for WEAL's landfill opposition fund and make a contribution if possible. All contributions will be greatly appreciated. THANK YOU.