State Sen. Mike Fasano says Florida's top environmental official still hasn't gotten the message that Pasco County commissioners don't want a landfill built on the edge of the Green Swamp.
The New Port Richey Republican said he discussed the proposed landfill recently with Herschel Vinyard, the new secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. The agency is reviewing an amended permit application from Angelo's Aggregate Materials for a landfill north of Dade City.
"He said to me, 'You know, it would be a good idea if the county would take a stance on the issue,' " Fasano said.
County commissioners have never passed a formal resolution opposing the landfill because at some point the owners would have to apply for a change in land use, Assistant County Attorney Joe Richards said.
"There's also pending litigation," he said.
The DEP denied the landfill permit in 2009. The Iafrates family, which owns the 1,000-acre site, appealed the ruling and submitted a new plan in June that reduces the proposed landfill to 30 acres but allows for 60 acres of expansion.
The landfill proposal, first made in 2006, has drawn widespread opposition from Tampa Bay area cities, businesses and residents who fear the site's proximity to the Withlacoochee River and Green Swamp could contaminate the water supply.
The city of Tampa and Nestle, which owns Zephyrhills Water, both joined the case as interveners.
Fasano will address the county commission Tuesday.
"I think any kind of message would have a positive impact," he said Friday.
Commission Chairwoman Ann Hildebrand said county officials have consistently opposed the landfill from day one.
"We have beat this horse to death," she said.
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