Fight the Forsyth County - Stokes County Landfill

Fight the Forsyth/Stokes Dump Summary Findings

Our research reveals that the Utilities Commission has found a large tract of land that is available and affordable; however, based on many other critical criteria, this site is not suitable for the proposed C & D Landfill. These criteria include:

School Bus Safety

Based on the distance and routes from primary construction locations, this site would require dump trucks to travel through a minimum of 124 primary bus stops just in Forsyth County. Additional stops exist in Forsyth and Stokes Counties. The Operations Manager for Transportation for WS/FC Public Schools has confirmed that additional truck traffic on these routes would result in an increased risk to these children. We cannot change where the school buses travel. The Forsyth County Commissioners can control where these dump trucks have to travel. Logic dictates that the landfill should not be located in an area that requires a significant increase in school buses and dump trucks sharing routes.

Traffic

A former District Engineer for the North Carolina Department of Transportation has concluded that certain roads in the immediate area are inadequate for this type of facility. In addition, since the Utility Commission's study only assessed traffic 1.5 miles south, yet identified that 75% of the traffic volume flows from the south, many documented traffic congestion issues in Walkertown, Kernersville, and on Hwy 158 were omitted from their analysis. Logic dictates that the landfill should not be located 16 miles from the nearest highway sending hundreds of dump trucks through rural and residential streets that are already beyond capacity. See the Walktertown Planning Board's Letter confirming traffic issues.

Property Values

This area attracts buyers who desire a remote, rural setting The threat of a substantial industrial activity in Salem Chapel has caused showings of listed homes in the area to cease. Some listing agents have even offered incentives for increased commissions without result. Logic and the Legacy Plan dictate that the landfill should not be located in a rural, agricultural area.

Sound

A North Carolina Licensed Engineer has found the Utilities Commission's sound study to be invalid due to its wide margin of error. In addition, the base noise level in most of Salem Chapel is extremely low. Therefore, sounds that would not be disruptive in the average urban area will be heard in this area. A citizen who visited a similar C & D Landfill facility in Alexandria, Virginia observed noise levels that will destroy the quiet, natural setting Salem Chapel residents currently cherish. Logic dictates that the landfill should not be located in the quietest location in Forsyth County.

Cost

Consistently during public presentations and discussions with residents, the Utilities Commission's apparent position on cost is that they have a blank check to cover any safety, road, or sound issues that might result from the proposed site. Our research has identified a minimum of $12.1 million in costs that are unique to this site. Logic dictates that in these tight fiscal times, the landfill should not be located in an area that will create a frivolous and unspecified burden on taxpayers.

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