Appreciates landfill research Kudo’s to The Daily Iberian for the research and persistence in following the serious landfill issue. Prior to the increasing complexities surrounding Acadiana Regional Airport, the problem was basic. Aircraft crashes due to birds reached a peak with the Hudson River incident. New York State representatives battled and won the elimination of a landfill at the end of the runway at LaGuardia Airport. When human life is at risk there is only one choice, and that is to do what is safe. There have been numerous arguments, including someone could put in a crawfish pond that would attract birds. Too many distractions from the main issue have flooded the news but the bottom line, Senator Hebert’s bill would have prevented future development of an 80- acre landfill at the end of Acadiana Regional Airport which could have catastrophic results. The fact that Iberia Parish officials lobbied against Senator Hebert’s bill persuading the majority of the Natural Resources committee that the bill was a local issue not state/national issue is disturbing. The bill was an insurance policy to the parish existing contract. Although several pilots testified locally, and nationally pilots testified that 80 percent of bird hits are not reported. The bill that would have saved lives became controversial. The fact that state representatives voted against the bill although Senator Hebert’s bill addressed a national issue in our state is unconscionable. A plane crash is a horrendous sight. Body parts are scattered in trees, bushes, roofs, everywhere. You never want to witness such an event. Thursday night the Department of Environmental Quality will have a public hearing at the Iberia Parish Courthouse. Senator Hebert’s bill failed due to politics. You have the opportunity to help stop the creation of a landfill at the airport simply by being present. The residents of Iberia Parish and the safety of pilots and passengers that fly in and out of our airport, including our military is paramount. Progressive development of the Acadiana Regional Airport will be adversely affected if the existing landfill is expanded. The DEQ can stop further development of the landfill. Your presence Thursday night can make the difference between saving lives or keeping a business person happy. Nara Crowley NEW IBERIA |