Thursday, August 22, 2013
Council Initiates Process To Acquire Property For Landfill Expansion
Lawrenceburg leaders have taken the first step toward obtaining property needed for expansion of the city’s demolition landfill on Wildcat Ridge.
City Attorney Alan Betz recommended Thursday that members of the Lawrenceburg Board of Mayor and Council take the first step in the process of exercising eminent domain to obtain the parcel of land.
The council has utilized eminent domain in the past to obtain property for construction and expansion of the demolition landfill.
The property is a tract totaling 187 acres that is adjacent to a former Murray landfill, now classified as a Superfund. The Environmental Protection Agency ordered a cleanup and containment of the site some years ago when it was found to be leaking chromium into the environment.
It remains under EPA’s constant supervision. Because of this, officials say the land is uninhabitable and is therefore uniquely suited to be used as a landfill.
The property was owned by the former Murray, Inc., company which no longer exists. This has made it relatively simple in the past for the city to obtain parcels as needed.
Council members voted unanimously Thursday to approve a resolution to authorize the city to, “Obtain property for the expansion of the demolition landfill, authority, authorization for condemnation proceedings, appropriation, determination of public purpose.” Passage of the resolution is the first step in the lengthy process.
