Frequently asked questions.
This page is specifically dedicated to the community's most common questions regarding the proposed landfill at 609 Scenic Road in Richfield, WI. If you do not see an answer to a question you have, please go to our "Contact Us" page and leave us a message. You will receive an answer to your question by e-mail from the group in a timely fashion.
1
Who is R.R.A.D.?
R.R.A.D. stands for Richfield Residents Against Dump. We are a community group who wishes to keep our rural way of life, the purity of our ground water, and nuisance free roads so that the numerous cyclists and pedestrians on our narrow and winding roads are safe. We agree with the Village of Richfield in stopping any and all landfills in our neighborhoods from becoming a reality.
2
I thought the pit was a done deal and that they are ready to start dumping?
Far from it. The only permits that the pit has obtained is a storm water run-off permit and a permit to widen the entrance of the driveway to 24' wide. The DNR has already stated that they would need local approval to begin filling the pit.
3
Didn't they go to court about this already?
Scenic Pit LLC sued the Village of Richfield and Village administrator Jim Healy. They also tried to obtain a restraining order against both to try to keep them from interfering with their plans. Both cases were dismissed by the judge. For details see the "News and Info" page.
A new court action was filed in Washington County Circuit Court on July 14, 2015 by Scenic Pit LLC (proponent of landfill) for a temporary injunction on the Village of Richfield. The community attorney, Alan Marcuvitz, intends for the community's concerns to be part of that new court action.
4
They said they were only going to fill it with clean fill. What's the harm in that?
“Clean fill” can include clean soil, brick, building stone, concrete or reinforced concrete not painted with lead-based paint, broken pavement, and wood not treated or painted with preservatives or lead-based paint are disposed (NR 500.08(2)(a)).. Concrete surfaces have often been treated with chemicals. Even in the absence of lead-based paint, painted concrete contains chemicals of concern. The exhaust from the many trucks traveling daily on our roads could be a source of ground water contamination (EPA). The trucks also cause noise, dust and smell. While all intentions are to allow clean fill to be dumped in the pit, there is no way to test every load for other potentially hazardous contaminates.The ground water we all rely on for drinking is located anywhere from 6-20 feet below the floor of the pit. Contamination of our ground water is a big reason for everyone who lives in the Village of Richfield to be concerned. Just to the north of us is a perfect example. The wells in Ackerville are now contaminated because of dumping that occurred when the HWY 164 bridge was being built. For details, see the "News and Info" page.
5
If I donate, what is the money used for?
100% your donation will go towards paying for the attorney the group has hired to represent the R.R.A.D. community as we continue to fight the landfill. We have hired the best attorney out there. He will be working for our group to put a stop to this sooner rather than later.
6
Does it matter how much I give?
No. All donations are welcome as well as needed. Whatever you are comfortable with is fine. Just remember what will happen if the landfill is allowed to proceed. Property values will drop. Noise, dust, and a constant barage of anywhere from 100-250 dump trucks DAILY, will plague our scenic back roads for the next 7-10 years. This is not meant to scare you, just to give you the reality of life living near a land fill.
7
Where do I send my donation and who is overseeing the donations?
All donations should be sent to: Richfield Residents Against Dump LLC
P.O. Box 202
Hubertus, WI 53033-0202
A bank account has been set up by a Certified Public Accountant for Richfield Residents Against Dump LLC. Rest assured, your donations will only go towards fighting the landfill.
8
If the village already has an attorney, why do we need another one?
The attorney for the village is working to address the concerns and rights of the village. The community has additional concerns to that of the village, and it is important that our concerns are voiced as part of the legal process. Like many people across the country, our houses are one of our largest investments and it makes sense to protect ourselves in the legal process.
9
What happens to the left over money?
All contributions to RRAD are being tracked by a CPA. When this matter is resolved, any funds left over will be returned to the contributors in the same proportion they were received. For example, if your contribution represents 10% of the total contributions received, 10% of any funds left over will be refunded to you.
We are dedicated to spending all of our hard-earned money in the most efficient and beneficial way possible and our attorney is very aware of this.
10
Where can I find out the agenda for the town hall meetings?
For information on agenda items discussed at the village hall meetings, visit The official site of The Village of Richfield by clicking here. (Session will open in a new window)