Residents urge Washington County to oppose proposed Moss 3 landfill in neighboring Russell County

Three residents used Washington County’s public‑comment period on May 28 to press the Board of Supervisors to object to Russell County’s proposed host agreement to convert the Moss 3 coal site into a large landfill.

Julianne Miles (384 Oakmont Drive, Abingdon) said the proposed facility — referred to in testimony as the Carbo / Moss 3 landfill — could accept up to 10,000 tons per day and would pose risks to tourism, property values and water quality if leachate reaches the Clinch River. She asked the board to send a letter or pass a resolution asking Russell County not to approve the host agreement.

Mary Lynn Tate (Hillcrest Drive, Gladespring) described geological and safety concerns she believes are unique to using a former coal‑mine site for municipal solid waste, raising methane, subterranean stability and seismicity as risks. Tate urged the board to "write a letter telling them it's too dangerous" and to oppose bringing out‑of‑region trash to the site.

Susan Stansell (300 Grove Terrace Drive, Abingdon) urged the board to use its influence with neighboring counties, characterizing Washington County as a regional leader that can exercise peer pressure on Russell County.

Board members did not take immediate formal action in the meeting to send a letter or adopt a resolution; public speakers asked the board to engage Russell County and consider a formal expression of concern. The county clerk opened the public‑comment roster and allowed speakers five minutes each; the three speakers used their time to request county engagement and protections for the Clinch River watershed.