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'Not In My Back Yard' An Appropriate Label In Landfill Battle

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 14, 2007

The Not-In-My-Backyard label carries a negative connotation, mainly that people who live in an area are selfishly opposed to any more development. It's a convenient label to apply, too, when anyone speaks out.

In the case of Angelo's Aggregate Materials' proposal to develop a landfill facility outside Dade City in an unincorporated area along Enterprise Road, NIMBY-ism is, indeed, on the march. But this time, it is in a positive light.

Throughout Dade City, Zephyrhills and beyond, people and businesses have banded together to say not in our backyard. It's a strong sentiment that should carry a great deal of weight as state and county officials review Angelo's applications.

So far, those formally opposed to the Class 1 landfill project include the group Protectors of Florida's Legacy; the governments of Dade City and Zephyrhills; the Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce; Downtown Dade City Main Street; and the Dade City Merchants' Association. The city of Tampa also has objected.

These groups and governments have valid reasons for their opposition. The project is incompatible with existing development. It would be too close to the environmentally sensitive Green Swamp and drinking water supplies, as well as the Withlacoochee River.

Also, the hundreds of trash haulers expected a day would burden local roads. The project's elevation of at least 200 feet would stick out like a sore thumb.

Angelo's executives and representatives have worked feverishly to rebut these concerns. The technology they plan to use may be good and needed, considering the county's growing garbage disposal issues, and the safeguards they plan are more than adequate, but they simply cannot get over the biggest hump - location. It's a highly inappropriate place for any type of landfill.

There's a lot to be said about the communities' response, too. When communities and groups come together to voice opposition with valid reasons, as they have here, they're making a resounding statement that should not be ignored by regulators.

It would be much different if they simply said they didn't want a landfill near them and didn't give any reason. But this isn't the case. They make a very compelling case, and they're showing they care deeply about their environmentally sensitive backyard.

If Angelo's executives want to be good neighbors, they'll withdraw their plans and find a more appropriate use of their land. And if they still insist on their landfill project, they should find a more suitable location.

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