Pocono News Section

Report Says Air Around Lackawanna Co. Landfill is Safe

Report Says Air Around Lackawanna Co. Landfill is Safe - Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 04:04AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Tuesday April 13 2010
TAYLOR, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - Does the Alliance Landfill in Lackawanna County pose a health risk to its community? A new report says no. Details of the report are now public. And people are getting a chance to ask questions today.

The report was put together by state and federal officials. They were looking into whether there are high levels of toxic chemicals like lead, zinc and arsenic in the air around the landfill.

For two hours Tuesday, the Taylor Borough Building became ground zero for people with health concerns over the Alliance Landfill in Taylor.

State and federal officials released the results of a report where they monitored air quality and odor concerns.

Environmental Health Scientist Ana Pomales said, What we found was that the levels that were detected in those samples were not what we call "elevated" -- they were not at levels that could cause health effects."

Officials collected samples from inside the landfill and around the community in August and September 2008.

In the community, levels of arsenic and chromium were detected above the standard level, but they were not high enough to hurt the public.

Alliance Landfill Spokesman John Hambrose said, What we're pleased about is that this provides answers to the members of the public who had questions about the landfill and whether we're affecting their health."

Many homeowners and borough workers came out to learn more about the findings. The Alliance Landfill, and their request for an expansion, has divided some people in the community.

Taylor DPW Foreman Joseph Iacovazzi said, Its good for the town. Its good for the area, I think.

Council members in nearby Old Forge came out for Tuesday's open house. They say they still have a lot of unanswered questions and concerns.

Environmental Consultant Larry Bily added, Some of the report material goes from "A" to "D" -- and they maybe skipped "B" and "C" because they understand and they know what goes in between the lines but for a layperson, some of that stuff is hard to follow."

Officials, homeowners and council members from Old Forge will have another chance to have their questions answered tonight. There will be a full public meeting and presentation on the report's findings tonight at 7:00 P. M. It will be held at Old Forge High School.