It’s Time to Put the Landfill to Rest

As a resident of the River Ridge Community in Oxnard, I would like to express my opposition to the proposed lease extension of the Bailard Landfill. The current lease expires December, 1993, and the proposed extension, if passed, could delay closure until December, 1997.

There are four factors that should concern all residents of Oxnard, not just those who live in my community:

* The emissions. Not only are the odors a nuisance but they actually contain microscopic particles of the source of the odor.

* The threat of contamination to our underground water supply.

* The constant levels of dirt and dust in the air created by the landfill, evident by the incessant need to wash our cars, windows, and screens, etc.

* The position of the landfill as a welcome mat at one of the gateways to Oxnard. What a wonderful way to greet visitors to our city--by first showing them our garbage dump.

It’s time we put this landfill to rest. Landfills are not intended to be so close to populated areas and certainly not at the entrance to a city--especially a city struggling with so many social and economic issues.

And yes, there are alternatives, contrary to what some will have us believe. Weldon Canyon would be a perfect site, and environmental impact reports have proven that there would be no impact whatsoever on residents of surrounding areas. Obviously, the people who oppose it are concerned only with the impact on their egos.

JoVonna Kingkade

Oxnard