Dec 3 2009
Neighboring residents of the central-Illinois facility has told ‘The Pantagraph’ about the asthmatic attacks, migraines, frequent headaches and other uneasy symptoms that affect them, due to emission of landfill gas from the Clinton Landfill. The Clinton Landfill that covers 375 acres is the dumping yard for special and nonspecial waste, and municipal solid waste. According to ‘The Pantagraph,’ individual residents have complained that the smell developed in the year 2008 and this smell has now become much more intensified.
Todd Hageman explained that methane, though it is considered as an odorless gas, when released in landfills it creates sulfur gases like hydrogen sulfide that develops negative symptoms. Hydrogen sulfide for instance smells like rotten eggs and forces residents from these landfill areas to remain indoors as this gas could create respiratory problems, nosebleeds, burning eyes and sore throats.
Residents near the Clinton Landfill are now encouraged by WATCH the Clinton Landfill community group to file complaints that will be sent to the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. WATCH is currently fighting against the permit given to the Clinton Landfill to receive chemical wastes that include polychlorinated biphenyls and chemical compounds that are responsible for the development of various health problems including cancer.
Residents near the Clinton Landfill fear that the drinking water and the ground water would get contaminated by the Clinton Landfill as it is situated on top of an aquifer. People living with such fear and those hurt by environmental disasters are represented by the Simon Law Firm. The Simon Law Firm has supported the views of more than 400 individuals who raised their voices towards the demolition of landfills and other environmental hazards caused by these landfills.