Will transparency be enough to rebuild trust in the Sampson County Landfill’s environmental practices?
GFL Agrees to Environmental Safeguards
The Sampson County Landfill, North Carolina’s largest, is taking significant steps to reduce contamination and emissions under an agreement reached with the Environmental Justice Community Action Network (EJCAN). The agreement includes slashing levels of PFAS—harmful human-made chemicals—and increasing transparency regarding odors and air quality for neighboring communities.
News Source: The News & Observer
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Summary of Events
The Sampson County Landfill, owned by GFL Environmental, has faced increasing scrutiny over contamination from forever chemicals, or PFAS, leaking into the local environment. After a complaint by the Environmental Justice Community Action Network (EJCAN) and legal action from the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), GFL agreed to implement changes to prevent further damage to the surrounding communities, including the Snow Hill neighborhood.
Among the key steps outlined in the agreement are the installation of treatment systems aimed at reducing PFAS contamination in groundwater and surface water, as well as using drones to monitor methane emissions. Additionally, GFL will establish a public website where residents can monitor air quality data and file complaints about odors or other disturbances.
For years, the landfill has processed massive amounts of waste, including sludge from the notorious Fayetteville Works plant, a significant source of PFAS contamination. The chemicals have since found their way into nearby waterways, including Bearskin Swamp, and into the wells of residents living nearby. Tests conducted in 2023 found elevated levels of PFAS in local drinking water, which the Environmental Protection Agency has linked to serious health risks.
GFL’s agreement also includes the creation of a community fund for the Snow Hill residents, to help cover costs associated with water filtration systems and potential connections to public water supplies. This fund will be managed by a third-party organization to ensure its proper use.
Insights from Attorney Julian Doby
Southport, NC Attorney, Julian Doby, reflecting on the broader implications of this agreement, highlights the importance of community involvement in shaping environmental policies. “While this agreement represents progress, it also underscores the need for vigilance and continued monitoring,” he notes. “Providing real-time data on air quality and allowing residents to report issues directly is a positive step. It empowers communities to hold companies accountable, which is crucial when dealing with large-scale operations like landfills.”
The agreement between EJCAN and GFL demonstrates a growing trend in environmental law, where communities are not only advocating for cleaner environments but also demanding transparency and involvement in the monitoring process. Doby emphasized that “monitoring alone won’t fix everything, but it establishes a foundation of trust between the community and the landfill operators.”
Looking Ahead
With the installation of air monitoring systems and the reduction of PFAS contamination, this agreement represents a pivotal moment for both the Sampson County Landfill and the residents living nearby. The long-term success of these measures will depend heavily on consistent enforcement and the responsiveness of GFL to community concerns. The federal court is expected to approve the agreement soon, setting a precedent for other landfills and large-scale industrial operations across the state.
For residents of Snow Hill and the broader Sampson County, this agreement marks an important step toward a cleaner and more transparent future. Whether it will fully address years of contamination remains to be seen, but the new monitoring efforts offer some hope for accountability.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For personalized legal guidance, it is recommended to consult a professional attorney.