Lower Saucon EAC Votes Against Landfill Rezoning

Citing environmental concerns for a proposed landfill expansion, the Lower Saucon Township Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) voted Tuesday against recommending a zoning change to land near Applebutter Road, WFMZ reported.

The change to the zoning map, which would help pave the way for a proposed expansion of IESI Bethlehem Landfill, was recommended last month by the township planning commission.

In September 2012, the same planning commission voted against recommending the rezoning.

More recently, the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission sided against the proposed rezoning, which would allow the near-capacity landfill to expand westward and continue to operate for an additional decade or so.

Lower Saucon Township Council will have the final say on the rezoning matter, and a public hearing about it is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. in the Audion room at Saucon Valley High School.

The EAC voted 6-1 against recommending the proposed rezoning, with member Tom Maxfield—who also serves on council and the township planning commission—casting the sole vote in favor of it, the WFMZ story indicated.

The township currently receives more than $2 million per year in host fees and tax revenue generated by the landfill.

Supporters and opponents of the landfill's expansion plan have been outspoken at recent meetings related to the rezoning proposal.

Photo: IESI Bethlehem Landfill in Lower Saucon Township (file photo)