Community Concerns Persist After Toxic Chemicals Found Near Tontitown Landfill
Residents of Tontitown have long been complaining about noxious odors and air quality issues near the Eco-Vista Landfill, prompting a series of tests that have uncovered potentially harmful chemicals in the air. The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment recently released a report detailing the presence of several toxic substances, exceeding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) thresholds.
The investigation, conducted by the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health (CTEH) and the Arkansas National Guard, found acrolein and benzene, both known carcinogens, in elevated levels at multiple sites surrounding the landfill. Additionally, chloroform, naphthalene, and carbon tetrachloride were detected, although at lower concentrations. The report has sparked renewed calls for the closure of the landfill, which residents claim is the primary source of these pollutants.
State legislators, such as Rep. Steve Unger and Rep. Robin Lundstrum, have voiced their concerns about the situation. Unger has requested funding for the University of Arkansas to conduct extensive tests for pollution in the water around the landfill, while Lundstrum questions why the routine air quality monitoring did not detect these chemicals earlier. The health and safety of local residents remain a priority, with demands for swift action to address these environmental hazards.
The existence of these toxic chemicals has broader implications, as they have the potential to impact not only Tontitown but also surrounding communities. The need for further testing and a comprehensive plan to mitigate these hazards is crucial to ensuring the well-being of local residents.
An independent environmental firm, CTEH, has been involved in the testing process, providing critical expertise in assessing the environmental risks. The city of Tontitown and local residents are currently appealing the state’s approval of an expansion that would extend the landfill’s operations for another 10 years.
The ongoing situation highlights the need for continued vigilance and comprehensive testing to ensure the health and safety of communities near industrial sites like the Eco-Vista Landfill.
