Brundidge residents will have one final opportunity to ask questions or express concerns about BFI Waste Systems' request for a modification to the Brundidge Landfill.

BFI has presented a request to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management that their landfill permit be increased from the maximum daily volume of 1,500 tons per day to 7,500 tons per day.

In addition, BFI has requested an increase in its service area to include the State of Louisiana and all states east of the Mississippi.

The last date for residents to respond to the request is Feb. 21, 2003.

Cornelius Burrows said those wishing to comment may do so in writing to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Attention: Russell Kelly, Chief Permits and Services Division, P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, AL 36130-1463.

After consideration of all written comments, review of any public hearing record and consideration of the requirements and policies of the Solid Wastes Disposal Act and the applicant regulations, the state department will make a final determination regarding permit issuance, Burrows said.

The Brundidge City Council has voted in favor of both the increases in the average daily tonnage and the increased service area.

Burrows said by increasing the tonnage and service area of the Brundidge Landfill, BFI would be able to increase the livelihood of other landfill facilities.

&uot;The maximum daily average allowed at the Brundidge Landfill now is 1,500 tons a day, but they are only averaging about 440 tons a day,&uot; Burrows said. &uot;The city receives a set amount per ton and a different amount for special wastes.

&uot;The city also receives 10 cents a ton for road maintenance and repair to the road leading to the landfill and 10 cents a ton for industrial development. The amount the city receives fluctuates, but the average is about $1,000 a month for both road maintenance and industrial development.&uot;