Residents Derail Attempt To Put Proposed Landfill In Holly Springs

The proposed site is off Highway 55 and covers nearly 500 acres. The state's decision is forcing Wake County to back up a couple of steps.

"I always knew we'd win," says John Schifano, Holly Springs Town Councilman. "It was just a matter of when and where and how much money we'd have to spend because when you look at the sum total of all the evidence, we're in the right."

TheDepartment of Environment and Natural Resourcesfound the landfill permit was issued without the studies required by law. It is revoking the permit until the studies are completed and reviewed.

In a written statement, County Attorney Michael Ferrell says, "We are disappointed in the ruling regarding our South Wake landfill permit. We felt we had met all requirements of the solid waste regulations in effect at the time."

Residents have been fighting the landfill for two years. The latest win has given them a boost.

"I think the people in the county know that we will keep on them, either a step ahead or right on their heels as far as every time they come out with something," says Chris Dickson of Citizens Action Committee. "We're going to investigate it and make sure it's the right thing to do."

County officials must now conduct studies and are required to hold a public hearing on the issue before proceeding.