Who monitors what is dumped here?

To the editor:

Most days, it smells like hydrogen sulfide outside in my yard. At least that is what the lady from the DEC said.

She came out two days after I called the Palmer Fire Department in December to investigate the extremely strong-smelling smoky odor emanating from the reclamation site that is conveniently hidden from the public view off Rebarchek Road just south of the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Today, the odor is a little stronger than normal because it is cold and there is no wind. Other days, it may be a less distinct smell, but it is constant. I know it is coming from this site because when I walk, run or ski and turn the corner by the fairgrounds, a wall of stench will sometimes hit me in the face.

I have been reassured (or have I?) that they are only dumping inert construction waste materials there. The lady at the DEC said the dump is a full 20 feet above our water table, which feeds my water well. She said that according to code, only 10 feet is required. Really? Wow, that makes me feel safe that the water table that many of us use in south Palmer is protected. But this is supposed to be inert material. Yet, it is decomposing, thus producing the constant hydrogen sulfide gas smell. My question to the city of Palmer is who monitors what is dumped there? Who monitors our drinking water? Does anyone really know how close the bottom of this old gravel pit really is to the water table? If it pollutes the air, what is all this waste doing to the ground?

I sure would be disappointed to see another dumpsite be located in south Palmer. Sure, Central Monofill Services may have all the answers regarding groundwater contamination and blowing debris, but what if they are wrong or under estimated? They are dumping waste and it will decompose to some degree over time. It will be there a long time, causing odors, possibly contaminating the soil, water and making permanent changes. Please let your voices be heard to the Mat-Su Borough Assembly members, planning commission and city of Palmer before we have another stinky unpredictable site on our hands.

Teresa Beck

Palmer