News Flash

Executive - Press Release

Posted on: May 28, 2019

County and State officials oppose effort to increase height of suburban New Castle landfill

Encourage residents to voice their concerns during Wednesday evening hearing in Minquadale


New Castle – New Castle County Councilman Jea Street, State Representative Frank Cooke and County Executive Matt Meyer today demanded that Waste Management not be permitted to raise the height limit of its landfill located adjacent to a residential neighborhood in Minquadale. They encouraged residents to attend a public hearing Wednesday evening on the company’s request to do so.


The Waste Management DRPI Industrial Waste Landfill, in the shadow of the West Minquadale community and next to small-scale commercial establishments along Route 13, operates under a environmental permit that authorizes it to dump construction debris and other material up to a height of 130 feet. The company has asked state regulators to alter that permit and allow it to increase that height to 190 feet – a nearly 50% increase. Read Waste Management’s application at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/dwhs/SHWMB/Pages/SolidWasteFacilities.aspx.


The landfill’s application is currently pending before DNREC, which has scheduled a public hearing tomorrow, Wednesday, May 29 at 6 p.m. at the Minquadale Fire Company, 129 E. Hazeldell Avenue, New Castle.  All members of the community are welcome to attend to learn more about the application and to voice their views.


“A landfill should never have been built in a neighborhood in the first place, and this latest attempt is totally unacceptable,” County Councilman Jea Street said. “I urge every resident to come out tomorrow night and join us in saying enough is enough!”


Councilman Street has introduced county legislation, which is supported by the Meyer Administration, that would bar any landfill capped at 140 feet or less in height from seeking increases above that limit. Ordinance 19-046 would also create regulations in County law that require the impact on community health, safety, traffic and the environment be considered when landfill permits are filed.


“Debris and dirt from this facility routinely blows into the community and onto the grounds of the County Public Safety building next door,” State Representative Frank Cooke said. “I am very concerned about the impact any expansion would have on the community, the nearby Christina River and Churchman’s Marsh and the thousands of walkers and cyclists who use the Markell Trail that runs along the edge of this property.”


“This request would allow a Cherry Island-sized mountain of trash, filled mostly with out-of-state waste, to tower over the neighborhood like a 20-story skyscraper. That would forever alter the character of the area and harm the quality of life of residents,” County Executive Matt Meyer said. “I applaud DNREC for engaging with the public on this important issue for our community and I encourage residents to share their concerns at Wednesday’s hearing.”


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Contact: Jason Miller, Director of Communication, 302-545-1462

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