“This isn’t just shady — it’s downright insulting.”
A proposed landfill facility in Salem County is facing growing backlash after questions surfaced about whether the public was ever properly notified — a critical step required under New Jersey law.
According to state regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:26-6.10), any new landfill proposal must be publicly announced through two consecutive weekly newspaper notices, with the second notice appearing at least 10 days before a public hearing. This process is meant to give residents a fair opportunity to review the plans, voice concerns, and participate in decisions that could impact their community for decades.
To date, no clear record has been produced showing that such notices were published in the South Jersey Times or any other widely circulated local newspaper. Without proper public notice, many Salem County residents were left completely unaware of a project that could alter their environment, property values, and quality of life.
“They tried to pull a fast one on us — like we wouldn’t notice another landfill getting shoved down our throats,” said one furious Salem County resident, who asked to remain anonymous.
Another resident was even more direct: “If they think they can play games with our land and our lives without even telling us, they’re going to find out real fast that Salem County doesn’t roll over for anybody.”
If the notice was never properly published, it would represent a violation of both the spirit and letter of New Jersey’s solid waste management laws — and could open the door for legal challenges demanding the process be restarted with full public transparency.
Beyond this specific proposal, the situation highlights a broader issue: the failure of outdated notification methods, like obscure newspaper ads, to meaningfully inform modern communities. While legal boxes may be checked, the reality is that most residents remain unaware until it’s too late — exactly what public notice laws were supposed to prevent.
The next public hearing on the landfill proposal is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the offices of the Salem County Improvement Authority, 286 Welchville Road, Alloway, New Jersey 08001.
Residents are encouraged to attend, speak out, and ensure their voices are heard.
For Salem County, the message from residents is clear: this fight is just beginning. And this time, the public is paying attention.
Any current updates about the facility proposal can be found on the Salem County Community Preservation and Development Facebook group.
First & Jenn 
Leave a comment