Take a New View of the Land…and Have a Happy Ending
Monday, February 06, 2012
By Scott Quintel
Once upon a time, in Lancaster, PA, there operated a landfill authority called LCSWMA that needed to secure land for future operations. So, it looked to strike a deal with an adjacent farm to buy its land. Next to the farm lived several neighbors who were not at all happy about the planned expansion. In fact, they joined forces, crafted a nifty name—the People Against Landfill Expansion (PALE)—and before long a heated battle of acronyms ensued (PALE vs. LCSWMA)...
When landfill entities look to expand, public opposition typically follows. Frequently, initial opposition intensifies. Each side digs in its heels. Tempers flare. Actions are misinterpreted. Communication breaks down. Lawyers are hired. Costs and frustrations mount on both sides.
This doesn’t have to be. Mutually beneficial outcomes can be achieved if each side allows the other to clearly state its goals, and to openly discuss the exchange of “currency.” And the “currency” that may have the greatest power to satisfy all parties is not cash but land. To expand, whether horizontally or vertically, landfills require land. Most residents place a premium on proximity to inviting, natural open space. And, most landfills own surplus vacant land (buffers, capped land, or speculative holdings).
So, an expanding landfill has a choice. It may offer a compensation package to its neighbors out of its expansion tipping fees, but this is a consolation prize that delights no one. Better yet, a landfill can be a hero—by proactively offering community access to a restored natural area—an open space preserve with trails, vistas, and interpretive signage.
Why offer such a gift? Because installing trees and bird blinds costs much less than lawyer fees and settlement payments. Also, a properly planned natural area is much less expensive to maintain than conventional turf grass.
Further, the neighbors will enjoy their new parklands for decades, and the community relations value of being regarded as a good neighbor will accrue for years and years. Cash payments, on the other hand, are quickly absorbed into new budgets and forgotten. When the landfill closes, it disappears entirely.
For the landfill with a soft spot for critters, the natural resource value of restored ecosystems is orders of magnitude higher than that afforded by turf. In sum, when a landfill proactively reaches out to its community and inserts desirable open space into the dialog, the only likely losers are litigators.
...Meanwhile, back in Lancaster, tempers did ignite, and lawyers were rewarded. But then, a compromise was reached. An ecological services firm was hired. Public discussion followed. A Master Plan was created for a proposed Chestnut Grove Natural Area with groves of trees, meadows, trails, a majestic view of the Susquehanna, an appealing wetland restoration and boardwalk, and areas for gathering and relaxing.
Several PALE activists joined LCSWMA’s OSC (Open Space Committee). Cabell Kladky, whose property is adjacent to the soil borrow project is pleased. “This is a win-win situation. The Waste Authority achieved its goals and the neighbors were not only protected, we will benefit!”
Today, Phase 1 is under way. Soil has been excavated (borrowed), plants are being procured, and the new Chestnut Grove Natural Area is about to be born. And all the parties are now living happily...
Author's Bio: Scott Quintel is principal ecologist with Applied Ecological Services at its Conshohocken, PA, office. |
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