Vermont Organized Communities Against Landfills- Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?
A solid waste landfill proposed by Chittenden Solid Waste Dist. (CSWD). This landfill is currently slated to be initially 66+ acres and up to 125 ft high, expected life of 30+ yrs. This is approximately as large as the Maple Tree Place shopping center (from Dick’s to Friendly’s) and 12 stories high. In addition, Williston's Host Town Agreement allows the landfill to expand in the future to include an additional 143 acres of adjoining land.
Where is it planned?
The landfill is proposed for the sand pit/quarry located off of Redmond Rd. which is accessed via Mountain View Rd. CSWD has seized this property (in court) which was owned by Hinesburg Sand & Gravel. See the map [PDF]
Do we need a new landfill?
No! The Coventry landfill (where our trash goes today) recently received permits which will allow them to triple their capacity. This new permitting allows the current landfill to handle over 30 years of Chittenden County waste.

What are the safety issues associated with locating a landfill near the Burlington International Airport?

Landfills attract seagulls and migratory birds, which are a danger to low-flying aircraft. The proposed landfill site is in line with the flight path to and from the airport. An FAA advisory specifies that landfills should not be located within 6 miles of airports. The proposed site for the CSWD landfill is 3 miles from the airport. The picture below shows the damage to an airplane from one seagull.

I don't live near the proposed landfill site. Why should I be concerned?

On the surface, it would seem that only homeowners in Williston and Essex located near River Rd. would be impacted by the landfill. Actually, the consequences and implications reach far beyond that area.

What are the economics of the landfill?

See how CSWD's economic justification is flawed. [PDF]
See how property values could be affected in Williston(based on a national study) [PDF]
See how property values could be affected in Essex [PDF]

What are the Pro’s?

What are the Con’s?

Fees collected by Williston: $250,000 per year

Ø Health Concerns

ü Air emissions

ü Water pollution

ü Noise pollution

ü Increased health risk from migrating birds (Bird Flu, West Nile disease)

ü Road safety

ü Airport flight path hazard from “bird strike”

Ø Lowered property values

Ø Decreased property taxes for town of Williston

Ø Cost to build: estimated $250 Million

Ø Truck traffic from out of district trash haulers coming into Williston

Who will use this landfill?

Chittenden County CSWD member communities
CSWD will also allow OUT OF DISTRICT haulers to use the landfill

What is the bottom line?

This proposed landfill is not needed and will not benefit Williston. Chittenden County residents will have to live with the truck traffic, health risks, loss of property values, noise, smell, seagulls, and potential water and air pollution for years to come.