Public tells EPA how to use cash
The Akron Beacon Journal
PIKE TWP - When the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency asked for suggestions on how to spend $250,000 to benefit residents who live around a controversial landfill in southeast Stark County, there was no shortage of ideas.
One person proposed buying heavy-duty respiratory masks for the neighbors.
Another proposed planting $250,000 in oak trees to hide the 250-acre Countywide Recycling & Disposal Facility in Pike Township.
A group of artists is seeking a grant for an art show to promote recycling.
Another request would protect local aquifers from pollution.
Earlier this year, the landfill was fined $1 million because of underground fires and odors. Of the $1 million, $250,000 goes into a Community Benefit Project Fund.
Twenty-two proposals on how to spend the money were submitted by an Aug. 10 deadline.
Ohio EPA Director Chris Korleski has said that any funded projects should be intended to benefit the largest number of people in southern Stark and northern Tuscarawas counties.
Korleski will have the final say on which projects get funded and how much they will receive.
The EPA on Wednesday released brief summaries of the proposals without identifying the authors. Some came from communities, groups and individuals. Some specified the dollars being sought; others did not.
Summaries of the requests are listed at the Ohio EPA's Countywide Landfill Web site: http://www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/countywide.html.
The respiratory proposal no dollar figure was specified suggests that the masks would provide a relief for those living near the landfill. The masks could be distributed by a community center or local fire department.
One proposal seeks nearly $50,000 to work on conflict management between Countywide and its neighbors.
Five community groups drafted a $201,000 plan that includes improving a community swimming pool and building a picnic pavilion, constructing a section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, funding a township-village police force and funding a village master plan.
One applicant wants the money to go to a local city to upgrade its water distribution system.
One request wants the money to fund scholarships for engineering or law students. Another wants to provide landfill training for emergency responders. A township wants money to buy energy-efficient vehicles.
There also are suggestions for a skateboard park and improvements to a community walking trail.
The community is invited to comment on the proposals through Sept. 19. Comments may be mailed to Ohio EPA Director's Office, Attention: Community Benefit Project Fund, P.O. Box 1049, Columbus, OH 43216. They also can be faxed to 614-644-2737 or e-mailed to communityfund@epa.state.oh.us.
