Hundreds of people crowded into the auditorium at Reid State Technical College in Evergreen for a public hearing held in reference to the application for a 5,100-acre landfill proposed by Conecuh Woods developers.

Conecuh Woods Landfill Developer Jimmy Stone addressed the Conecuh County Commission and those in attendance at the hearing.

Because landfills have the potential for creating gas energy, Stone said the landfill could be a draw for new or expanding industry in the area.

“Conecuh Woods will not be a dump,” Stone told the crowd. “Conecuh woods will be an incentive for new industry to locate because green energy lowers costs.”

In response to concerns voiced prior to today’s hearing, Stone said the lining of the landfill would be sufficient to keep hazards at bay. He said a liner system planned for Conecuh Woods would be 9 feet thick when in place.

“A simple line may leak,” Stone said. “Liner systems don’t leak.”

Public opinion was plentiful as area residents opposing the landfill were given an opportunity to speak.

Ruth Harrell, a member of the Coalition for a Healthier Escambia County, spoke in response to Stone’s claim a liner for the landfill would not leak.

“There is no manmade liner that will not leak,” Harrell said.

Billy Smith, of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, agreed.

“I don’t care how you wash it,” Smith said. “It is going to come downstream.”

For additional details concerning today’s public hearing in Evergreen, see the Saturday edition of The Atmore Advance or check our Web site at www.atmoreadvance.com.