I'm declaring Victory, thank you all for standing together and standing strong on this issue!

 

 

We still have a long way to go and need all of the support possible!

Update 

02-24-2026

 

In a special meeting tonight, the Pike County Fiscal Court voted 3–1 to rescind the contract with USA Waste & Recycling. Judge/Executive Ray S. Jones cast the sole vote to keep the agreement, but the majority of the court aligned with the clear will of the people.

 

 

 I want to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who played a role in this effort—those who researched, those who informed their neighbors, those who signed the petition, and those who stood firm in defense of our community.

 

 

 This moment demonstrates the strength of a united people. We are not defined by political labels. We are Pike County. We are Eastern Kentucky. And when we stand together, we protect our future.

 

 

Thank you for your commitment, your courage, and your love for this place we call home. TFE

K — The Future of Eastern Kentucky

 

By Ray Ratliff 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Petition of Public Opposition to the Proposed Pike County Landfill

 

We, the undersigned residents, landowners, workers, and supporters of Pike County and Eastern Kentucky, hereby state our firm opposition to the proposed landfill development in Pike County, Kentucky.

 

This petition represents a unified community voice calling on local and state officials to reject any zoning, permitting, or regulatory approvals that would allow this landfill to move forward.

 

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Why We Oppose the Landfill

 

1. Environmental Risk

Pike County’s steep terrain, fractured geology, and high rainfall make it one of the most unsuitable locations in Kentucky for a large‑scale landfill. The risks include:

- Leachate contamination of creeks, wells, and groundwater  

- Landslide and slope failure  

- Flood‑driven waste migration  

- Long‑term environmental liabilities that fall on taxpayers  

 

2. Property Value Decline

Landfills cause measurable reductions in:

- Residential property values  

- Commercial investment  

- Tourism and outdoor recreation  

 

This weakens the tax base and harms long‑term economic growth.

 

3. Economic and Infrastructure Burden

A landfill brings:

- Heavy truck traffic  

- Road degradation and increased maintenance costs  

- Public health burdens  

- Multi‑generational monitoring obligations  

 

These costs persist long after the operator leaves.

 

4. Incompatibility With Pike County’s Future

TFEK and community partners are working toward:

- Clean industry  

- Mixed‑use development  

- Outdoor recreation  

- Modern waste‑to‑industry systems  

 

A landfill undermines these efforts and signals that Pike County is a dumping ground rather than a destination for opportunity.

 

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Our Demand

We call on all relevant officials and agencies to reject the landfill proposal in full and protect the health, safety, and economic future of Pike County.

 

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Offices and Departments to Be Notified

 

Pike County Government

- Pike County Fiscal Court  

- Pike County Judge/Executive  

- Pike County Planning Commission  

- Pike County Solid Waste Department  

- Pike County Health Department

 

Kentucky State Agencies

- Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet  

- Kentucky Division of Waste Management (DWM)  

- Kentucky Division of Water  

- Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection  

- Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (for traffic impact concerns)  

- Kentucky Department for Public Health

 

Elected Officials

- Kentucky State Senator (District covering Pike County)  

- Kentucky State Representative (District covering Pike County)  

- Governor’s Office  

- Kentucky Attorney General’s Office

 

Federal Delegation (for environmental and infrastructure oversight)

- U.S. Representative for Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District  

- U.S. Senators for Kentucky

 

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Petition Statement

 

By signing below, I affirm my opposition to the proposed landfill in Pike County, Kentucky, and I urge all local, state, and federal officials to deny any and all approvals related to this project. I support responsible, modern waste solutions that protect our land, water, property values, and long‑term economic future.

 

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Name: _

 

Address: _

 

City/Community: _

 

Phone/Email (optional): 

 

Signature: _

 

Date: _