Georgia agency to spend to extinguish landfill fire

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has announced plans to use state funds to extinguish a fire that has been burning at a non-permitted landfill in South Fulton, Georgia, for around six months.

According to the EPD, enforcement efforts to get the landfill owner to put out the smoldering fire have not been successful. The burning debris includes trees, stumps and wood from demolished buildings.

“In coordination with the city of South Fulton, EPD will identify the funds, resources and expertise needed to extinguish the fire and bring relief to nearby residents,” says Richard Dunn, EPD’s director.

While the state and city are working together to extinguish the fire, EPD says it will continue to pursue legal action against the property owner. EPD has asked a judge in Fulton County Superior Court to hold the owner in contempt for failure to appropriately address the non-permitted landfill and fire. In addition, EPD filed a separate case seeking substantial fines for the owner’s alleged violations of environmental law.