Coyote neighborhood a ‘public health hazard

Coyote neighborhood a ‘public health hazard’

By Deborah Nelson
July 3, 2007

Coyote Landfill, Holley
Photo by: Howard Jones

It’s official: the atmosphere near Navarre’s Coyote Landfill poses a threat to public health, according to a state study cited by Santa Rosa’s Health Department.

“The overall conclusion is that the Florida Department of Health classifies the air around the Coyote landfill as a public health hazard,” County Environmental Health Manager Bill Sirmans told the Board of Commissioners, last Friday.

Sirmans was referring to a state Department of Health (FDoH) study of the Holley neighborhood, initiated last year.

That preliminary report must still undergo Federal review. Sirmans said those results are expected in about 30 days.

Air and groundwater testing for benzene, hydrogen sulfide, arsenic and other hazardous substances began last year, in response to local complaints. Neighbors had begun to notice foul odors and experience health problems following an October 2005 fire at the facility.

Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) found arsenic and benzene, above allowable levels, in area groundwater and wells. Later tests focused on medical screening, air quality and water well contaminants.

Commissioners established a six-month moratorium on new C&D facilities, in September 2006.

Some neighbors have since moved away, and other families have installed air filters in their homes.

C&D debris includes drywall waste, which produces hydrogen sulfide gas as it decomposes. Treated lumber, also allowed in C&D facilities, may contain arsenic and other hazardous substances.

Sirmans asked the Board to hold off on approving a new C&D ordinance and land use rules until the final report results were in.

Citing a need to get standards in place before future landfills come on line, Commissioners approved the changes, Friday (see related article).