Carnes takes position on Landfill.

For Immediate Release
January 27, 2011

State Senate Candidate Brian Carnes takes position on landfill

Brian Carnes, candidate for Senate District 16,would like to express his opposition to the Waste Management/Griffin Brothers landfill in the Kershaw area and his support to the Lancaster County Action Council. As an advocate of Transparency and Open Government, Brian feels that the processes that lead to the decision to allow for the change of this landfill from its original intent to a landfill handling household waste was flawed and not transparent to the citizens of Lancaster County.

Having been involved in the fight against Mecklenburg County in the early 80’s opposing their plans to locate a landfill on the border in the Indian Land community, Brian knows firsthand that being united as a community can make a difference. While this landfill was eventually permitted and opened in 2000, it was delayed for many years. The groups that opposed it were able to get many concessions from Mecklenburg County in its design and operation. If elected, Brian will work to make the process for permitting landfills open to the public, so that the public is able to have input during all phases of the process.

We need to make sure that the property rights of the neighboring landowners are protected and that we have well thought out plans that cover all aspects of the process. The concerns that have been expressed need to be thoroughly investigated and to make sure that the decisions made are based on sound research and information. I would urge the Zoning Appeals Board to listen to the concerns expressed regarding this matter and to slow this process down so that everyone is allowed to give input in order to allow for an informed decision.