Opponents of a landfill expansion in Douglas County are gearing up for a fight while the company behind it says it is trying to address concerns of area residents.
A coalition of residents, businesses and organizations called “Dump the Dump” is battling expansion of a 125-acre Waste Connections landfill that mainly accepts construction debris about a mile north of Sedalia and east of U.S. 85 in Douglas County.
Under the proposal, an additional 100 acres would be used to dispose of all types of trash. In all, about half of the 340-acre property would be used for garbage from Douglas County.
The landfill and a new recycling center would be adjacent to the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s 7,500-acre Backcountry Wilderness Area.
“We want good, responsible growth, and we don’t believe this fits that bill,” said Gary Debus, the association’s community manager. “We don’t believe it is compatible with the surrounding land uses.”
Some of the issues the group has raised include odor that would emanate from the landfill, views that would be blocked, possible contamination to groundwater and keeping the area open to wildlife.
Mark Adams, director of engineering for Waste Connections, said there are some misconceptions about the proposal.
He said the arid conditions here don’t allow for odors to travel as far compared with more humid areas. Also, clay and clay stone, which are underneath the property, make it difficult for wastewater to drain into the aquifer about 1,000 feet below, he said.
The landfill would have a liner and drainage system as well, he said.
“That combination prevents the release of wastewater generated by the landfill,” Adams said.
The company also is addressing concerns, he said, from the nearby Cherokee Ranch & Castle to minimize the height of the landfill to protect views.
“We believe we have fully mitigated those issues,” he said.
The landfill would be capped and revegetated in phases to improve the landscaping and overall appearance of the property, he said.
Joe Fowler, chief planner for Douglas County, said the county did a major review a year ago on the proposed landfill expansion. The application will probably go to the planning commission within the next year for rezoning consideration, followed by final approval or denial by county commissioners.
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
