Scott Hutchinson discusses Mobile County's new construction landfill proposal at public hearing

The Mobile County Commission held a meeting on April 14, 2025, focusing on a proposed construction and demolition (C&D) landfill project. The meeting began with a presentation from Scott Hutchinson, an engineer representing the applicant. Hutchinson outlined the project, which involves converting an 80-acre site on the north side of County Farm Road, currently a sand and gravel pit, into a landfill designated for construction and demolition waste.

Hutchinson clarified that the landfill would not accept household or hazardous waste, emphasizing that the waste processed would be non-putrescible, meaning it does not decompose like regular garbage. He noted that the project is in the early stages and requires approval from the Mobile County Commission as the host community before proceeding to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) for further permitting.

The commission's approval is crucial, as Mobile County has a stringent application process for landfill sites, which Hutchinson stated is more rigorous than in other counties. He also mentioned that a community meeting had been held, where the overwhelming majority of attendees expressed opposition to the landfill.

A significant point raised during the discussion was Mobile County's specific regulations regarding landfill operations. Hutchinson explained that unlike other counties, Mobile County does not permit landfills to exceed the original ground level of the site. Instead, the landfill must be filled back to the pre-existing grades, which limits the height of the landfill.

Following Hutchinson's overview, the meeting transitioned to public comments. The first speaker against the project was Ted Henken, a long-time resident and water quality monitor for the Powell River. Henken expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact of the landfill on local water quality, drawing on his experience with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program.

The meeting highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the proposed landfill, with significant community opposition and environmental concerns being central to the discussions. The commission will continue to evaluate the project and community feedback as they move forward in the decision-making process.