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Landfill Opponents to Lobby Zephyrhills Tonight

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 14, 2008

ZEPHYRHILLS Following the lead of another east Pasco County city, council members here will vote on a resolution tonight opposing the construction of a 90-acre landfill off Enterprise Road, about nine miles northeast of the city limits.

The resolution, scheduled for a vote at tonight's council meeting, raises concerns about the environmental and economic impact from the landfill, as proposed by Largo-based Angelo's Aggregate Materials.

Last Tuesday, the Dade City City Commission approved a similar resolution at the behest of members of Protectors of Florida's Legacy, a citizens group that is fighting against the proposed landfill.

Like the Dade City resolution, the Zephyrhills resolution would be purely symbolic: City officials have no say on whether the project will be permitted. That decision rests with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Pasco County officials.

The DEP is reviewing Angelo's two permit applications for the landfill: an environmental resource permit pertaining to wetlands impact and a solid-waste permit. The state regulatory agency has requested more information from the company.

Although critics worry about water contamination and other issues, Angelo's has billed the landfill as a composting facility that would use innovative technologies to minimize environmental risks and speed waste decomposition.

Tonight's meeting begins at 6 p.m. in Zephyrhills City Hall, 5335 8th Street.

Reporter Christian M. Wade can be reached at (727) 815-1082 or cwade@tampatrib.com.

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