Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 31, 1990 TAG: 9003310481
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER SOUTHWEST BUREAU
DATELINE: CLINTWOOD LENGTH: Medium
Contents from some of the bags had spread to a drainage ditch leading to Honey Camp Branch, which leads in turn to the water supply for the town of Clintwood.
But health officials seemed more concerned about the dangers from breathing asbestos fibers than from consuming them in water.
Residents in the Honey Camp area where the landfill is located took their concerns to the county Board of Supervisors this week but got little satisfaction.
Asbestos, which had been used as a fire-resistant material in buildings before it was linked to cancer and other health concerns, had been removed from county school buildings several years ago.
Residents have speculated that it is the material from schools that has now been uncovered and they are concerned about its health effects.
The landfill had been cited for leachate leakage problems by the Virginia Department of Waste Management even before the bags that may contain asbestos fibers were discovered.
The mining that uncovered the bags was done by Victor Contractors, under a contract with the county.
The contractor was to mine coal beneath the landfill and leave more landfill space for use afterward.
The work has been under way for almost a year.
About 30 citizens brought their concerns to the Board of Supervisors here Wednesday night and asked that the mining operations be stopped.
Henry Vanover, county administrative assistant, said mining had already been stopped until the leachate problems were cleared up.
He said professional asbestos cleanup companies are being sought by the county.
by CNB