ELLERY - There are no reports of strong odors coming from the County Landfill, but the speed limit may need to be lowered nearby.
On Tuesday, a public forum on the Chautauqua County Landfill was held at the town of Ellery building. The meeting was led by Chautauqua County Legislator Vince Horrigan, R-Bemus Point, and George Spanos, county Public Facilities director. Also at the meeting were officials from both the town and county and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. They were joined by one member of the public who resides in the town of Ellery.
Horrigan started the discussion on the four categories - odor control, traffic, littering and watershed - the group was there to discuss. There was no report of strong odors coming from the landfill, but Horrigan said he noticed at times where there is fog a problem could occur.
Article Photos
People discuss the County Landfill during the public forum held at the town of Ellery building Tuesday.
P-J photo by Dennis Phillips
''When we have a heavy fog we need to be aware of the possibility,'' he said.
However, under traffic control, there were reports of town residents concerned over the speed of the trucks coming and going from the landfill. Spanos told town officials if they pass a resolution to have the county look into the speed limit at their next board meeting, the county's Traffic Safety Board will examine the situation. Horrigan said he feels the 55 mph speed limit right now is too fast for the trucks.
''A lot of people feel this way,'' he said.
Under litter control, there was a question about bags along side of the road, but Pantelis Panteli, county Public Facilities deputy director, said it could be the bags left from the county prison's litter control program.
As for watershed protection, Horrigan said there is nothing new under this section and no discussion was held.
The group then talked about when to hold the next public forum. Horrigan asked how often people would like to hold the meetings. The group decided once a quarter the public forum will be held. They scheduled the next meeting tentatively for 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 23.