The Grady Road Landfill, located in Rockmart, Georgia, was in the spotlight after recent stories surfaced regarding asbestos disposal, reports The Fish Wrap. The stories pointed out that asbestos from a Rome demolition project were brought to the Grady Road Landfill for disposal.
In response to the stories, Polk County officials noted that, “incorrect information about asbestos disposal” and “misinformation” was being debated by bloggers online. Officials noted that the landfill isn’t a dump, and that it abides by Georgia’s rules and regulations.
County officials have also stressed that Subtitle D landfills can accept hazardous material, and that asbestos is only considered hazardous when its particles are breathed in.
Extended exposure to asbestos has been known to cause several diseases, including malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is the most rare and aggressive asbestos-related disease, known to affect the mesothelium.
Oncologists like Dr. David Sugarbaker and other specialists at mesothelioma clinics nationwide suggest patients undergo standard medical treatment in order to help battle their disease. Due to an extended latency period, however, most patients receive treatment in the later stages of their disease.
David W. Pepper, area landfill manager, Waste Industries, noted in a letter to Assistant County Manager Matt Denton, that the proper procedures for asbestos disposal are followed at the landfill. He also noted that when a load of asbestos-containing material is delivered, paperwork is checked to verify that records are kept.