HUBBARD City told to clear out part of its dump

The city needs to haul about 3,000 truck loads of material out of its dump.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- The Army Corps of Engineers has ordered the city to clean up a portion of its dump or face large fines and added costs.
Auditor Michael Villano told city council during its caucus session Monday that removal of about 19,000 tons of debris will cost an estimated $117,000 for a landfill to take the material.
In addition, the city will have to pay an additional $50,000 to $80,000 in equipment and labor to move the debris from the wetlands behind Maple Grove Cemetery.
Villano said some of the debris had been moved and the work was approved by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Trumbull County Health Department.
He explained that the corps inspector wants more material moved. If it isn't done, the issue will be turned over to the U.S. EPA.
If that should occur, Villano explained, the U.S. EPA could fine the city $100,000 and order the city to remove an additional 20,000 to 30,000 tons.
"This could be financially devastating to us," Villano cautioned lawmakers, suggesting the city comply with the corps' demand.
One of the problems, Villano said, is the city has disposed of leaves and tree limbs at the dump for years, but no one knows what's under that fill.
Villano said it will take about 3,000 truck loads of material to meet the corps' criteria. The city has six trucks, with two currently being used for leaf pickup.
The only other alternative to doing nothing or doing what the corps requires is to apply for a federal permit to fill in the wetlands.
Villano said it would be a "major nightmare" filled with complex engineering and paperwork to get such a permit.
Other matters
In other business, Councilman William Williams, D-at large, chairman of the utilities committee, said the city will be applying for $710,000 in state Issue II funds.
The city needs $335,000 to place a liner inside the West Liberty Street sanitary sewer to prevent storm water from getting into the lines.
Another $375,000 is needed, Williams explained, to upgrade 131 manholes throughout the city.
Councilwoman Bonnie Viele, D-1st, told council that Hubbard Township Trustee Fred Hanley is asking if city council wants to present a united front in opposing a proposed dump along Mount Everett Road in the township.
The only access to the facility is over Drummond Avenue.
Although lawmakers gave Viele no firm commitment, Law Director Gary Gilmartin said he and the township's attorney can oppose the landfill by filing with the Ohio Environmental Board of Review.
In addition, Williams suggested the crosswalk on West Liberty Street at the Hubbard Public Library be removed.
Williams made the recommendation after Safety Director Robert Paterniti reported the crosswalk lights haven't been working properly and the company that built them is no longer in business and parts are no longer made.
Williams said the walkway should not be in the middle of a block where motorists don't expect to see it.
yovich@vindy.com