Nov 19, 2005 - 02:01:45 CST
MANVEL (AP) - A township board in northeastern Grand Forks County has unanimously rejected a plan by the city of Grand Forks to build a new landfill near this town.Turtle River Township supervisors said they were not convinced the landfill would be safe because of the threat of overland flooding from frequent torrential rains and the high water table in the area.
"My concern is for the health and welfare of residents," board member Don Boushaw said. "Not a year, not 10 years from now. This is forever."
City officials have said dikes and pumps could be used to guard against flooding of a landfill at the site.
Grand Forks' existing landfill near the airport is expected to be full in 2007. It also attracts birds that could cause problems for airplanes. The city had selected the site northwest of Manvel for a new 242-acre landfill because consultants said it was the cheapest of several environmentally acceptable sites.
"We weren't surprised, maybe a little disappointed," City Administrative Coordinator Rick Duquette said of the township board vote Thursday night.
He declined to state what the city's options are, saying he needed to consult with Mayor Mike Brown and the City Council. Township attorney Al Boucher said the city has threatened legal action in the past.
David Thompson, the attorney representing the Grand Forks County Citizens Coalition opposing the landfill site, said the city could appeal to district court but would have to show the township board's decision was "irrational and unreasonable."
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