AMITE, LA (AP) — A plan is being worked on to handle the millions of pounds of shredded tires at the Tangipahoa Parish landfill, according to an attorney involved in talks with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
Parish Council attorney Beau Brock said Monday that talks are continuing with DEQ officials.
The Advocate’s Vic Couvillion reports the parish learned in June that DEQ had issue a compliance order regarding the use of shredded tires on a firing range being built at the landfill. Additionally, DEQ alleged the parish stored an excessive amount of the tire material at the landfill.
The notice included a warning that the parish could be fined thousands of dollars a day for the duration of the alleged violations if the matter is not resolved.
"I believe that we have turned the corner in the matter of being fined because we are working with DEQ in an amicable manner," Brock said Monday.
One possible solution, Brock said, is to dispose of the material at the landfill. He cautioned, however, that such a move would cost about $300,000 and would take up valuable space in the landfill.
"That is one thing that DEQ is trying to avoid, getting rid of shredded tires in landfills," Brock said.
A second alternative, he said, is to move the material to an unused site at the landfill.
Brock said the parish has 69 days to arrive at a final plan of action.
