Landfill Danger Zone Briefing: Myra, Pike County, KY

 Landfill Danger Zone Briefing: Myra, Pike County, KY

Overview

This briefing outlines the health, environmental, and regulatory risks associated with the proposed 1,500-acre landfill near Myra, Kentucky. It integrates technical siting violations, health risk zones, and regional impact data for use in public meetings, legislative outreach, and regulatory challenges.

1. Landfill Footprint and Buffer Zones

Landfill Size: 1,500 acres

Location: Centered near Myra, KY

Buffer Zones:

250 feet: Immediate Hazard Zone (violations likely)

1,000 feet: Highest Health-Risk Zone (increased cancer risk)

1–2 miles: Extended Impact Zone

4 miles: Regional Exposure Zone

2. Regulatory Violations (401 KAR 48:050)

Streams: Waste cannot be placed within 250 feet of intermittent or perennial streams

Residences: Must be 250 feet away from any home

Mine Voids: Prohibited within zone of collapse or critical angle of draw

Karst Terrain: Must avoid sinkholes, caves, and subsurface channels

Property Lines: Minimum 250-foot setback required

3. Health Risk Zones

Immediate Hazard Zone (250 ft):

Direct exposure to leachate, airborne particulates, and noise

Includes stream corridors and residential proximity

Highest Health-Risk Zone (1,000 ft):

Elevated cancer risk from airborne toxins and groundwater contamination

Includes homes, schools, and businesses

Extended Impact Zone (1–2 miles):

Odor, traffic, and economic degradation

Psychological stress and property devaluation

4. Regional Context

Nearby Towns: Myra, Virgie, Dorton

Roads: KY-610, KY-805

Waterways: Shelby Fork and tributaries

Topography: Steep slopes, mine voids, and stream corridors

5. Mapped Hazards

Stream Overlays: Blue lines indicate water bodies within 250 ft

Residences: Black squares mark homes at risk

Mine Voids: Black circles indicate subsurface collapse zones

6. Action Items

Demand full siting compliance maps from developer

Submit public comments citing 401 KAR 48:050 violations

Distribute health risk maps at public meetings

Request 911 address and business data from Pike County GIS or KY 911 Board

7. Visual Assets Available

Landfill footprint map with buffer zones

Health risk overlay map

Combined regional impact map

Prepared by

The Future of Eastern Kentucky (TFEK) For use in public outreach, legislative briefings, and regulatory challenges