NEGLEY, Ohio- The company that operates a controversial landfill in Negley is looking for permission to expand the site, despite complaints from citizens.

Residents packed the Negley Fire Department for a public hearing on Total Waste Logistics proposal to triple the size of the landfill to approximately 153 acres.

Mike Settles of the Ohio Environmental Protection Association said the issue at hand is the impact the expansion would have on the wetlands.

"We're specifically here to discuss an isolated wetland that could be impacted by the expansion," Settles said.

He said there are few regulations with regard to landfill expansion, so the EPA will have make its decision based on the application submitted.

"So we're reviewing that request and if it meets the state's rules for a landfill, we will most likely be approving that expansion," Settles said.

Barbara Georgescu, a member of a group called Clean Water Preservation, said they are opposed to the expansion because of the effect it could have on ground water.

"We found hundreds of millions of gallons of fresh water up on the hill and if they expand, then they'll get into those manmade aquafors and ruin all that water," Georgescu said.

Guy Fragle of Total Waste Logistics said residents have no need to be concerned, saying the plan would actually be beneficial. 

"We're not going to affect any wildlife or water. There is a very small area, 1.25 acres, and we're getting approval from the Army Corps of Engineers and the Ohio EPA to move that wetland down over the hill and expand the larger wetland that has existed," Fragle said.

If the permit is granted, there is a 30-day window for anyone to appeal it.