Elbert County commissioners gave the thumbs up to a proposed trash incinerator about a mile from the Madison County line several months ago, but the fight against that project is far from over.
The battle has shifted from the Elbert BOC room to the courtroom, where several legal actions have been filed to block the Plant Granite facility.
According to Citizens for Public Awareness, which aims to stop the incinerator project, here is a rundown of legal actions:
•Sweet City Landfill LLC has filed suit against Elbert County commissioners and Plant Granite. Sweet City contends the BOC unfairly amended the county’s solid waste ordinance to favor its competitor, GreenFirst LLC, the permitting company for the Plant Granite Project.
•Citizens for Public Awareness is appealing a decision by Elbert County Probate Judge Susan Sexton to throw out a petition that called for a referendum in Elbert County on the incinerator project. The appeal hearing is set for Oct. 6, 9:30 a.m. at the Elbert County Government Complex.
•Savannah RiverKeeper, an environmental advocacy group, has filed suit against Plant Granite LLC and the Elbert County Board of Commissioners. The proposed trash incinerator site is very near the Broad River.
A number of Madison County residents have spoken out against the incinerator, noting that many in Madison County live closer to the planned facility than some others in Elbert County.
Proponents of the incinerator say it will bring jobs and tax revenues to Elbert County. Opponents say it will bring pollution, health troubles for residents and unwanted truck traffic.
