CLEARFIELD – For the first time, Clearfield Borough took a stand on the proposed Camp Hope Run Landfill in Boggs Township, albeit a small one.
The borough’s statement was read by F. Cortez “Chip” Bell III, solicitor.
“We, the members of Clearfield Borough Council, are disturbed about the increase in traffic on our roads and in our community, which is anticipated to arise as a result of a proposed landfill in Boggs Township. We at Clearfield Borough will enforce our laws in accordance of speed, tonnage, spillage and any other environmental concerns, which will impact upon the community. We will enforce these laws in order to protect the best interest of our citizens,” read Bell.
Only one member added to that stance.
Rodger Baumgardner said that the statement “doesn’t express my opinion.” He added that he wished the borough would taken a tougher stand on the project, planned by Feasterville-based PA Waste LLC.
For months, several community members have been calling upon council to comment on the issue, which would bring 5,000 tons of garbage per day onto a parcel of land near state Route 153, and as one Boggs Township resident put it, “six miles from the heart of Clearfield.”
Paula Norris, a vocal opponent of the landfill at Boggs Township meetings, urged council members to go look at the site. Randy Levin, another Boggs Township who is opposed to the project, asked if anyone remembered what downtown Clearfield looked like before the existence of the Clearfield Bypass or Interstate 80, a congested scene he said would be repeated if the landfill goes through and either roadway is shut down. He also wanted the council to think of the potential “weight” on the emergency medical workers and firefighters in the event of an accident because of increased traffic.
Marven Smith of Clearfield spoke out, also in opposition of the landfill.
“We have to have a garbage place … but we don’t need it in our back yard when these people in New York and New Jersey don’t want it in their back yard.”
Smith also urged the council to attend a gathering planned for Nov. 9 at Third Ward Hose Co. in Clearfield in which state Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, state Rep. Dan Surra, D-75 of St. Marys, will speak. Sharon Josefik of Lanse asked council to endorse the event, but the issue never came to a vote.
Clearfield Borough Council President Jim Leitzinger said council could not endorse such an event because both Surra and George are running for election on Nov. 7. Bell added his legal opinion, stating that he also thought that the borough could not lend their support because of the political issues.
The event, which was not endorsed by the borough, is sponsored by The Citizen’s Advocate.