Company pulls Cabarrus County chemical landfill application. But the proposal will return
A chemical company withdrew its permit application to build a controversial landfill in Harrisburg Monday, but some fear the fight against the chemical waste site is far from over.
The Town of Harrisburg was set to have a public meeting Tuesday evening to discuss a special use permit request by Venator to construct a chemical waste facility in the town, but the company withdrew its application the day before. Some, including Town Manager Rob Donham, believe the company is trying to avoid public backlash.
“I believe Venator is irresponsibly manipulating the process, deliberately canceling meetings at the last minute in an attempt to wear down public engagement,” Donham said in a news release. “This is a calculated effort to exhaust our residents, hoping they won’t show up when it matters most. The town will not allow Venator to push this through unnoticed.”
The company originally planned to have a public hearing in front of the town’s Board of Adjustment on Jan. 15, but received an extension after it claimed it did not receive a document within a reasonable time before the meeting was scheduled, according to the Town of Harrisburg website. The town states it provided the two-page public document two days ahead of the scheduled hearing.
In a March 3 news release, the day before the rescheduled hearing was set to take place, the town stated Venator withdrew its application and would “no longer be constructing a landfill” in the Cabarrus County town.
But an update to the news release indicates town officials aren’t certain a landfill is off the table.
“The Town of Harrisburg is aware of Venator Chemicals’ intent to submit the same or similar Special Use Permit request at a future date. If and when this happens, the Town will notify the community to ensure full transparency and engagement,” the release states. “The Town of Harrisburg remains committed to responsible land use decisions and ensuring your voices are heard.”
Venator said in a statement to the Observer Wednesday morning it plans to resubmit the permit application and withdrew to allow more time for community engagement and “to align with the schedule to prepare the proposed location on the property.”
The company said in an email it is committed to working in good faith with Harrisburg leaders.
Venator’s intent is to construct the landfill on Pharr Mill Road. Town members have said they worry about the noise, pollution and environmental and safety risk of having the waste site close to residential areas, according to the town website. The town has been opposed to granting the permit since the application was filed, but the decision is left to volunteer Board of Adjustment members that make decisions based on compliance with state laws and local ordinances.
“The Town of Harrisburg continues to prioritize the health, safety, and environmental well-being of our community,” a news release states. “The voices of our residents have played a crucial role in demonstrating this collective commitment to preserving the safety of our town.”
This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
