Wicomico Landfill Legislation Proposal

Salisbury, Md- Proposed emergency legislation for the Newland Park Landfill in Wicomico County remains unresolved.

The Wicomico County Council and County Executive Julie Giordano continue to struggle to find common ground as issues mount. Giordano has proposed closing the landfill on certain days and limiting access for commercial haulers. Council President John Cannon said the council is considering emergency legislation that would provide a different solution, adding that they do not want to put local haulers out of business.

“It’ll give the council and the public as a whole greater input on exactly how to address this problem and hopefully resolve it for the good of everyone. My concern right now is this proposal actually states that in a year they’ll close the commercial hauling entirely. They’re going to close the landfill for commercial haulers entirely, except for those three municipalities. That abandons every person living in the rural area of Wicomico County,” he said.

Giordano disagreed, asserting that she has the final authority over operational decisions.

“The council deals with the appropriation of the tipping fee. But as far as operational decisions, that is on my side of the government. So I really hope that they understand that. And we are doing the very best we can. And again, this is temporary. This is for a year. As soon as Cell Seven opens back up, we’re back to normal operation.”

The council hopes to vote on the bill before Aug. 1, as Cannon said it is a real health emergency.