Channel 7 - CBS News - Watertown, NY - July 6, 2000
Diana Landfill Controversy(WWNY) An Ohio-based waste management company is looking at property in the Lewis County town of Diana as a possible site for a landfill.
Channel 7 - CBS News - Watertown, NY - July 6, 2000
The company, Omni Waste, will have a representative on hand to answer questions about the landfill at a town board meeting next week. The meeting will be held Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the town barn in Harrisville.
"It should be given a real fair hearing because it has the potential to be an economic winner," said Harrisville Mayor Gary Williams.
Omni Waste has expressed interest in acquiring 5,000 acres of land off Route 3 on the outskirts of Fort Drum. The company would use 200 to 300 acres for the landfill.
The landfill could lead to the creation of up to 60 jobs.
Omni Waste would transport garbage by railroad on tracks currently run by the Lewis County Industrial Development Agency.
"I don't really see a problem with it because if Fort Drum doesn't bother us, why would a train," said Doni Love, a woman who lives near the proposed site.
News of a possible landfill reached many town residents through a flyer which reads:
"Is it true that Omni Waste LLC is quietly negotiating a large land purchase along Route 3 in the town of Diana, that Omni Waste LLC is actively exploring the possibility of building a 5000 ton per day landfill on the property to accomodate trash shipments by rail from New York City?
"Why the secrecy? Shouldn't a project that has the potential to completely change how we live, work and play be open to public scrutiny? Why haven't we heard about this from our representatives?"
A feasibility study would have to be conducted before the landfill becomes reality.
For more information on Omni Waste, check out the company's web site at www.omniwaste.com.