A controversial plan to build a regional landfill on more than 3,000 acres off Stinchcomb Road in Elbert County has sparked strong backlash from local residents, casting doubt on whether the project will move forward.
Attempts to reach representatives of ETL5215 LLC, the applicant, for comment were unsuccessful.
The proposed Sweet City landfill, located on property purchased by ETL5215 LLC for over $20 million in 2023, would serve as a regional waste disposal site that could receive trash from across the nation. Recent legal movement has prompted county officials to take a closer look at the proposal, which may ultimately be rejected once again.
Elbert County Commission Chairman Lee Vaughn said the plan is not new and has faced repeated resistance over the years.
“This has been going on for about 13 years,” Vaughn said. “The ownership (of the land) has changed, but it’s still the same entity. It’s been heard before multiple judges…the company keeps amending (the proposal) and trying again.”
Vaughn explained that although the proposal has been voted down numerous times, a court ruling last year prompted county officials to revisit the issue and schedule a public hearing to allow for community input and a response from the applicants.
That hearing, originally set for Monday, May 12, has been postponed until later in the year. Vaughn said it may be held in August or potentially later.
Despite the potential economic benefits, including revenue from waste tipping fees, Vaughn said “it’s just not worth it” as hundreds of residents oppose the project.
The landfill site also would have access to the CSX rail line, making it possible to transport loads of waste to Elbert County by train.
“They could be bringing trash from all across the U.S.,” Vaughn said. “…we’re going to be open minded to their proposal, but I don’t see it being any different than the previous hearings. I’ve heard from no citizens in favor of it. I’ve only heard from citizens opposed to it.”
Among those firmly against the landfill is Cassandra Collins, who owns more than 100 acres next to the proposed site.
“I oppose this because it touches my property, and I know that landfills have a smell to them,” she said. “They also have leaks that can filter down to the water, and I’m on well water…it is something that would cause problems. We don’t need other states’ trash being dumped on us.”
Collins also expressed concern over the environmental impact, noting the potential deforestation of thousands of acres and the property’s proximity to the Broad River.
“This would be bad for the whole county,” Collins said. “The whole county does not want to be known as the garbage capital of the East.”
