Chemical company pulls permit application for controversial landfill day before board meeting
HARRISBURG, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The company that was planning to construct a chemical waste landfill near a Harrisburg neighborhood has put those plans on ice — at least for now.
Harrisburg town leaders announced Monday that Venator Chemicals has officially withdrawn its Special Use Permit application for the landfill. Neighbors and town officials have expressed their concerns about the project proposed off of Phar Mill Road.
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With the announcement, the permit request has been removed from the March 4 Board of Adjustment meeting agenda.
Although the application has been pulled, the town says Venator still intends to submit the same or similar Special Use Permit request at a future date.
'I believe Venator is irresponsibly manipulating the process, deliberately canceling meetings at the last minute in an attempt to wear down public engagement,' Town Manager Rob Donham said in a statement. '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.'
Venator produces chemicals for everything from cosmetics to cars, and neighbors have previously noted to Queen City News about the company's good stewardship with regards to noise or smells. But now, Donham is wary of the last-minute change.
'The Town of Harrisburg remains committed to responsible land-use decisions and ensuring your voices are heard,' said Donham.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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