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103 <br /> SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL <br /> I. DESCRIPTIVE DATA <br /> In January 1984, the Orange Regional Landfill Task Force <br /> recommended the purchase of the "Green Tract" based on a <br /> study conducted on alternative means of solid waste disposal <br /> for Orange County. In February 1984, the Orange County Board <br /> of Commissioners approved the resolution to authorize the <br /> purchase of the tract. It was purchased jointly by the Towns <br /> of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and Orange County with monies <br /> from the Orange Regional Landfill Fund. <br /> The Green Tract is located on a ridge south of Eubanks <br /> Road and directly west of the north-south railroad tracks. <br /> It is separated from the existing site by a 15 acre lot <br /> labelled "Neville Tract" which is proposed public/private <br /> open-space. The Green Tract has been designated "Potential <br /> Landfill -- Pending Further Study" to alert people of the <br /> potential for development as a landfill. However , use of the <br /> site for landfill purposes would entail the issuance of a <br /> Class A Special Use Permit and a public hearing. <br /> The existing landfill opened for operation in 1972. It <br /> • accepts residential and commercial waste as well as inert <br /> matters such as brick, blocks, and wood products resulting <br /> from demolition and construction. It operates in accordance <br /> with state regulations for sanitary landfills which prohibit <br /> the knowing acceptance of liquids and classified hazardous <br /> materials. According to Public Works' estimates, the present <br /> landfill will reach capacity in approximately seven years. <br /> Thus , the purpose of the Green Tract is to serve as an <br /> additional landfill site in anticipation of the county 's <br /> future solid waste disposal needs. <br /> It has been recommended that the present landfill be <br /> used for outdoor recreation or other type open space when it <br /> reaches capacity. If the same use is also made of the Green <br /> Tract, a significant area of public open space will <br /> eventually be created in Orange County. <br /> II. OANIITALTILSAIL <br /> The Green Tract contains 169 acres and was purchased for <br /> 11608 ,400 , or 113 ,600 per acre. The close proximity of this <br /> tract to the present landfill was determined to be the most <br /> cost-effective location for a new landfill site. Its <br /> purchase has eliminated the need for transfer stations and <br /> new approach routes , thus avoiding the disruption of other <br /> areas of the county that an alternative site may have caused. <br />