ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A proposal to develop a stump dump and mulch-processing site off New Leicester Highway is drawing mixed reactions from nearby residents.
Riverside Stump Dump Inc. has applied for a special use permit to operate a facility at 7 Brookshire Road and 9999 New Leicester Highway that would process organic and vegetative debris, including tree stumps and brush, and convert it into mulch.
The company has notified adjacent and nearby property owners of a virtual community meeting scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, when details of the project and the permit application will be discussed and questions addressed.
According to the notice, the site would comply with North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality requirements, including a 100-foot buffer, along with an additional vegetative buffer intended to minimize impacts on neighboring residential properties. Most operations would be concentrated in the center of the property, the company said. No permanent structures are planned, aside from a non-permanent office shed, and there would be no site lighting.
The proposal has generated a range of responses on social media.
Some residents expressed concern about long-term environmental and quality-of-life impacts, including dust, air and water quality, noise, traffic and potential effects on property values.
“I think we need to think about the long-term harm this can do,” wrote Bruce Snelson, who said he had experienced dust issues at another stump dump location.
Others raised questions about truck traffic on New Leicester Highway, noise from grinding operations, possible contamination of soil and well water and fire risk.
“The dump doesn’t bother. What bothers me is all the flooded trees and wood that goes into it,” wrote Gary Edmonds, referring to storm-damaged and flooded wood. “What kind of chemicals is going to turn up 20 years from now?”
Others voiced support for the project, citing the ongoing need to dispose of storm debris and the convenience of having a nearby mulch facility.
“There are a lot of trees down from the hurricane still,” wrote Will Padrino Boyd. “Something has to be done with them.”
Brandi Mizilca welcomed the proposal, saying she regularly gets mulch from the company, while another commenter said the site could reduce travel to Asheville for similar materials and bring tax revenue to the area.
The special use permit application will ultimately be reviewed through the county’s planning process, which includes public input before any final decision is made.