kill-the-fill-photo-3
kill-the-fill-photo-3

Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Stop the Lies! Stop the Landfill!

Stop the Lies! Stop the Landfill! is a resident-led campaign to prevent the plan by KC Recycle & Waste Solutions to build a 270-acre landfill at Kansas City’s southern border with Raymore. Research shows that there are significant public health implications of landfill sites, including the risk of congenital malformations in children born to families living within one mile of landfill sites. Residents risk facing toxic gases, water contamination, litter, flies, odors, smoke and noise. More than 4,100 people live within a 1-mile radius of the planned facility and 19,100 people live within a 2-mile radius. The proposed site would be in close proximity to multiple schools, including Creekmoor Elementary, Lee’s Summit Elementary school, Summit Pointe Elementary and Timber Creek Elementary. Residents within these communities are predominantly low-income families, already exposed to environmental hazards and considered disadvantaged by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.

Residents gathered at Creekmoor to hear an update on the opposition to the landfill, from Rep Mike Haffner, Sen Mike Cierpoir and Mayor of Raymore, Kris Turnbow. Photo: Stop the Lies! Stop the Landfill!

The Stop the Lies! Stop the Landfill! campaign unites residents from every walk of life who will be impacted by the proposed landfill facility. Under previous Missouri law, a landfill can’t be built in Kansas City within half a mile of an adjacent city unless that community approves the project. Community members were calling for that buffer zone to be increased to one mile. Representative Mike Haffner, responded and sponsored legislation to increase the buffer zone, but couldn’t get past a filibuster in the Senate. However, after a year-long effort by determined residents, city officials revealed that they had struck a deal wherein KC Recycle & Waste Solutions would scrap their project, and the buffer zone legislation would pass and receive Governor Mike Parson’s signature. This triumph for communities would not have been reached without the tireless work of residents applying their voices, energy, talents and time to advocate for the health of their communities and environment.

A campaign sign raising awareness of the proposed landfill facility. Photo: Chase Castor, The Beacon

Contact
Laurie Ward, Founder
Climate impacts
Wildfires
Strategies
Nature-based solutions and green infrastructure, Legal/permit challenges to development/contamination/pollution etc., Community farms/gardens, Renewable energy, Political activism including protests/petitions/lobbying, Art activism including murals/performances/photography/videography, Community organizing and education, Legislation/policy reform
Environmental Justice Concerns
Incinerator/dumping/landfill, Lead contamination, Hazardous/toxic sites, Noise/light pollution, Groundwater contamination, Air pollution, Fighting development/destruction of wildlife/extinction of species, watershed contamination
501c3 Tax Deductible
No
Accepting Donation
No