Commissioner Tim Pauls said it is to be expected that such large tracts of land wouldn't be completely useable. There's a lot of things we can do in those areas. Most of it won't be within sight or sound of the landfill. Environmentally, Morse and others are concerned that more cells only compound the danger of leakage and contamination of groundwater. Even liners fail, and to date, there is no state requirement for liners in construction and demolition waste cells.
Studies show one cell per year reaches capacity, and only three are left at the Walton County site.
Walker admitted, however, the county had not researched any other feasible tracts of land. Despite the protests, county commissioners have a purchase contract in hand, with only minor modifications needed, County Attorney George Ralph Miller said. But commissioners did promise to look into alternatives on Tuesday. The options laid in front of the commission by Hartman and Associates are all more expensive to operate than a traditional landfill, and none of them, including recycling and incineration, could keep everything from going into the ground. Staff Writer Arthur McLean can be reached at 267-8300, ext.