MADISON TWP., Columbiana Co., Ohio - One final permit is standing in the way of a proposed landfill in Columbiana County.

Those affected by a solid waste landfill set to open in Madison Township heard from the Ohio EPA on the landfill's potential operations. They also strongly voiced their list of concerns about why they don't want it in their backyards at the EPA meeting on Thursday at an informational hearing at West Point Church of the Nazarene.

Vogel Holdings and West Point Renewables are waiting on a solid waste permit to be approved by the EPA before turning its transfer station into a solid waste landfill in Madison Township.

With the air and surface water permit already issued, the nearly 55-acre landfill could bring in up to 4-thousand tons of waste per day.

The landfill must meet the EPA's location, technical, and geological requirements to get the final thumbs up.

Some location restrictions include staying 1,000 feet from natural areas, 1,000 feet from homes 200 feet from a property line, and more. 

Technical requirements involve liner and cap components, leachate and gas collection, and groundwater protection. Geological characterizations are conducted to determine the aquifer underlying the proposed facility through detection monitoring, assessment monitoring, and corrective measures.  

The EPA clarified to the public Thursday it does not evaluate or consider local zoning, the popularity of the site, safety issues, noise levels, impacts on property values, traffic, and out-of-state waste. 

Vogel Holdings and West Point Renewables requested three variances, including a double composite liner system, to reduce separation distance and definition of added geologic material. 

Residents continue to raise red flags of water runoff contaminating local wells, harm to wildlife, smell, and noise pollution.

The landfill company continues to promise they're going above and beyond to be good neighbors.

Jamie Nentwick of River Valley Organizing hopes the EPA hears the public's cry for help.

"With all the information that's put out in the public, as long as we're looking for it, asking the right questions and following up, I feel like they're going to have no choice but to be," Nentwick said.

The proposed landfill is located along White Road just west of SR 11 and south of SR 45. Dale Deeken of Elkrun Twp. is opening an orchard nearby and her told 21 News he's concerned for his business.

"Everybody's concern is water and that's our biggest concern," Deeken told 21 News. "We have two wells. One of them will feed my orchard directly. I am concerned about the air quality and the pests that are coming."

Representatives confirmed an aerie of bald eagles could leave because of the landfill's effects. Wildlife concerns carried the meeting Thursday.

"My concern is nobody is going to be held responsible," Deeken said. "The bald eagle is a symbol of our nation. Being in the Navy, it holds a special place in my heart. The fact that nobody seems to want to be held responsible is concerning. I've contacted ODNR and ODNR passes it off to the EPA and the EPA now passes it back to the ODNR. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife says they get 660 feet and that's it."

"It brings me hope that our public officials and public servants are doing their job and due diligence and it seems like they are," Deeken added. "I am not hopeful because this gentleman and his company have quite a reputation. I don't know if that's being taken seriously or not."

The landfill's life expectancy is estimated to be 5.9-15.7 years. 

This comes nine years after Rosebud Mining, which previously owned the land, attempted to develop a landfill as well. The plans drew opposition and were eventually abandoned.

The public can submit official public comments to the EPA via email at epa.dmwmcomments@epa.ohio.gov until April 11. 

An EPA public hearing will be held on April 4 at 6 p.m. at West Point Church of the Nazarene. The Ohio EPA will consider public opinion and then make a recommendation on the permit.

Representatives from the landfill were present at Thursday's meeting but declined an interview.