Residents raise concerns over landfill company’s bid to buy Eau Claire County forest land

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) — Dozens of residents, including horseback riders and environmental groups, packed a meeting Monday to raise concerns over a landfill company’s plan to buy land in the county forest.

Residents spoke against the proposal during the Eau Claire County Parks & Forest Committee meeting. No decision was made during the meeting.

GFL Environmental, which runs Seven Mile Landfill, wants to buy 120 acres of county forest.

BACKGROUND: Landfill company seeks to buy 120 acres of Eau Claire County Forest

Residents raise concerns

Residents took turns at the podium to share their concerns.

“This expansion into the county forest is a step too far.”

“I hope we can think carefully before giving up something that cannot be replaced.”

“To protect our county forest for current and future generations, deny the sale.”

One resident said the landfill has affected people’s way of life.

“People can’t go out on their decks that live close to the landfill because of the bird droppings,” the resident said. “You can’t sit on your deck and have a meal. That’s terrible.”

Another resident said the forest is a vital part of many creatures’ habitats.

“It provides protection for our river and water systems,” the resident said. “It is an important community recreation space.”

Some residents suggested the landfill expand onto privately owned land instead.

“Please allow the public to hear the evidence, ask questions, and place the concerns on this record before this decision is made,” one resident said.

Committee chair’s response

Parks and Forest Committee Chair Joe Knight said he opposed the location when he first reviewed it in August.

“I looked at where the land was located, and right away, I said, no way,” Knight said. “But the other four members wanted to continue to explore different options. And I think we’ve heard a very good report from our county administrator, and they’re going to examine several different facets of solid waste disposal and get back to us with the report.”

Buffers and DNR approval

County officials discussed putting buffers along waterways and properties to prevent trash from ending up in unwanted areas. If the proposal were approved, it would also need approval from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Economic impact and land value

Residents asked how the county would benefit economically. County Administrator Jon Johnson said the Wisconsin County Forests Association is working on a study to assess the economic impact of land, including wildlife value and social economics. Johnson said the study is about 18 months away from completion and would help assign a dollar value to county forest properties for this and future proposals.

What happens when the landfill closes

Residents also asked what would happen to the land when the landfill eventually closes. Johnson said county officials met with GFL and Seven Mile Landfill Manager Mark Vinall on Thursday. Johnson said the landfill has about 15 years left, based on its current capacity and a pending application to the Wisconsin DNR to open 80 additional acres already owned by the landfill.

Johnson also said the county’s 10-year comprehensive plan requires the county to replace any county forest land that is sold. If 28 acres were sold, Johnson said, the county would have to replace it with other public land, such as a new park or other county forest land.

Next steps

County officials are compiling a report and said they are in talks with GFL and Vinall to answer questions and concerns. They hope to present the report during the October meeting.

Johnson said the county is reviewing the potential impacts of the proposal.

“We are doing everything due diligence wise to find out the facts and impacts to the county land,” Johnson said. “You know, we want to make sure we go through with a fine tooth comb on what the potential impacts are throughout the whole property. Not just now, not just in five years, but long term.”

Seven Mile Landfill was contacted for an interview but has not responded.