Dive Brief:

• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials are investigating the Arrowhead landfill in Uniontown, AL. The site is being scrutinized for allegedly violating the civil rights of nearby black property owners.
• The complaint states that the Alabama Department of Environmental Managemen violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in 2011 by reissuing the landfill’s permit and in 2012 by approving a modification that allowed the landfill to expand by 169 acres. 
• The complaint alleges the landfill is emitting unpleasant smells, noise, dust, insects, and nuisance birds that could be carrying disease and parasites.

Dive Insight:

Adam Johnson of the Alabama Rivers Alliance said the site also has environmental problems. In 2013, arsenic was found in runoff waste from Arrowhead. This waste leaked onto neighboring property and into the local Chilatchee Creek, a tributary of the Alabama River.

According to the Washington Times, the EPA's decision to investigate the claims is striking since such allegations rarely result in a formal inquiry. In fact, less than 8% of all EPA civil rights abuse allegations filed since 2003 have led to an investigation.

“The EPA is committed to thoroughly evaluating all allegations accepted for investigation,” said agency spokesperson Jennifer Colaizzi. “While in Perry County, the investigators will interview the complainants and other witnesses, and inspect the community allegedly impacted by the landfill.”