Colon Road landfill decision looms as Lee County weighs pros and cons

Lee County Commissioners held a public hearing Oct. 20 on a request for a 117.2-acre landfill operation at 1751 Colon Road. The hearing lasted more than an hour, with multiple speakers offering contrasting views on the proposal’s economic and environmental impacts.

Liberty Waste Solutions CEO and co-owner Rick Prather presented plans for the construction and operation of a construction and demolition (C&D) debris landfill and recovery facility with an estimated operating life of 15-18 years.

The Unified Development Ordinance allows landfills under the property’s heavy industrial zoning. However, 5.5 acres is zoned residential agricultural (RA) and abuts Mount Calvary Baptist Church at 1867 Colon Road. The planning board advised Liberty Waste Solutions those 5.5 acres could not be included in landfill operations.

A northern portion of the property is within a Watershed Conservation Overlay District.

Liberty Waste Solutions Pitches Recycling-Focused Facility

Prather, a former resident near Wake County with Lee County connections, told commissioners his nearby Wake County property increased in value after the Green Hills County park development created a thriving area, a 36-acre park built on a former landfill site, suggesting the Colon Road property could similarly serve the community after the proposed 15-18 year operating period.

He emphasized Liberty’s focus on recycling rather than disposal. “This is not a dump, I repeat, this is not a dump,” Prather said. “It’s a highly regulated facility by the state.”

Prather explained that concrete would be crushed for rock, wood converted to mulch, and other materials processed into topsoil. He noted that 100% of Lee County’s C&D waste is currently exported.

Addressing concerns about environmental impact, Prather said Liberty would consume 42 of the 116 acres, allowing wildlife to continue thriving on the remaining land. “If not us, the property would be sold and not maintained in its current form,” he said, noting the state created zoning that would allow any company to develop the property.

Prather said the state asked Liberty to approach the commissioners to pitch a partnership, with the option to turn the facility over to the city, county, or a nonprofit after operations conclude. State regulations require 30-year post-closure maintenance.

The facility would create 12-18 jobs paying approximately $75,000 annually. However, Prather confirmed there are no tax incentives for recycling materials.

Prather submitted letters of support from Asheboro residents near Liberty’s Randolph County landfill, Mount Calvary Baptist Church neighbors, and a police section chief, along with the company’s compliance history.

Community has Mixed Responses to Landfill

Steve Malloy of Adcock Real Estate Services spoke in opposition during the public hearing.

“A dump by any other name is still a dump,” Malloy said.

While acknowledging the use is needed and offers economic advantages, Malloy warned that Colon Road is a growth area for Sanford with incoming industry, residential, and commercial development.

As a North Carolina real estate commissioner, Malloy said state law requires disclosure to buyers of factors that might materially affect their decision to purchase property. He warned that new subdivision buyers would be informed of the landfill’s proximity.

William Finch, who lives on Amos Bridges Road near the proposed site, raised concerns about road safety and existing problems on Colon Road.

Finch described Colon Road as a “drag strip to Deep River Road,” calling the curves among “the worst in Lee County.” Water inundates properties in the area, limbs routinely block roads, and properties become “knee deep with mud.”

Finch said Colon Road residents have been treated like “second-class citizens,” with roads that are not properly maintained and had “awful” railroad tracks. He spoke of two eagle nests behind his house, extending his arms as he described watching “a beautiful sight—an eaglet taking its first flight” alongside its parents.”This company shouldn’t be allowed to operate in this county,” Finch concluded. “Wanna see an eyesore? Add 4,000 pounds of dumping.” 

His remarks drew applause.

Another speaker noted there is a closed C&D landfill in Lemon Springs that is not at capacity, suggesting commissioners consider reopening that facility rather than building a new one.

Jimmy Randolph, CEO of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance (SAGA), spoke in opposition to the landfill’s proposed location.

Randolph clarified that the project introduced Sept. 15 is not a SAGA-led initiative or an official economic development project. “We are not convinced of the need to have it in Lee County,” he said.

If the county proceeds, Randolph said SAGA strongly suggests pursuing a location other than Colon Road. He described the corridor as “on the upswing,” citing SAGA’s successful recruitment of companies including Astellas and Bharat Forge, new residential development near the Colon Road bypass, and ongoing work with other industrial and advanced manufacturing companies.

“We’re just minutes from U.S. 1,” Randolph said, noting the area’s strategic value for economic development.

Randolph warned that placing a landfill on the prime industrial site could cost the county between $100 million and a quarter-billion dollars in lost economic development projects. “Granting a franchise for any entity would go against current and future SAGA development work,” he said.

When Randolph strongly recommended commissioners reconsider the location, applause erupted.

Former Lee County Commissioner Jim Womack, who also served as chairman of the statewide Mining & Energy Commission (now the NC Oil and Gas Commission), said he was neither for nor against the proposal.

Womack disclosed he owns property in two counties with C&D facilities where he disposes of construction materials free of charge. “We need one in Lee County,” he said, noting that without a local facility, waste is transported out of the county.

He noted the property is zoned heavy industrial with few potential uses. Womack said from 2012 to 2018, the county had considered the land for mining, energy, and oil and gas development, including plans for handling fracking wastewater.

“By turning this down, you’ll get something even worse,” Womack warned. “The owner of the property will do what he wants eventually.”

Womack urged commissioners to take time for thoughtful deliberation about all possible uses for the property. “Don’t rush to judgment,” he said. “Lord knows, in the last few years we’ve rushed and regretted it.”

Commissioners took no action following the public hearing. There was no motion requested, taken, or required. The matter will return to the board at a future meeting. It is at the board’s discretion when the application for the franchise will return for a possible vote.

Oct. 21, 2025

Diara J. Townes

Engagement Journalist

Diara is an award-winning journalist covering environment, government and business, with a focus on marginalized communities and local stories.

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