Stark County Officials Warn Public Against Trespassing at Osnaburg Township Landfill Over Safety Concerns
STARK COUNTY, Ohio — Local authorities in Stark County are urging residents to steer clear of the Osnaburg Township Exit Landfill, citing significant safety and environmental risks. The Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the Stark County Health Department issued a joint warning after discovering recent unauthorized activities, including ATV tracks, on the property.
The landfill, officially closed in 2002 by the Stark County Board of Health, was previously used for construction and demolition waste. Now classified as an “orphan landfill,” it has no private owner and is managed jointly by the Stark County Health Department and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Officials emphasized the importance of the landfill’s protective clay cap, installed in 2005, which prevents rainwater from seeping into the buried waste. If compromised, this barrier could fail, potentially leading to the release of hazardous leachate—a toxic liquid formed when water filters through waste materials.
“ATV traffic and other unauthorized activities could damage the landfill cap,” said Paul DePasquale, Director of Environmental Health at the Stark County Health Department. “This could result in costly repairs and pose a serious public health risk if leachate escapes the site.”
The landfill’s wooded surroundings may appear inviting for recreational activities like hiking or ATV riding, but officials warn that the terrain is unstable and the leachate system remains active. Unauthorized access not only endangers individuals but also threatens the environment.
Stark County Sheriff Eric Weisburn echoed these concerns, stating, “The terrain is unpredictable, and unauthorized activities put both people and the environment at risk. Trespassing is prohibited, and our goal is to prevent harm rather than punish offenders.”
To enforce these restrictions, the sheriff’s office has ramped up patrols in the area. Trespassers caught on the property will face arrest, but authorities emphasize that their primary aim is to protect public safety and preserve the landfill’s integrity.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity at the site by calling the sheriff’s non-emergency line at 330-430-3800.
DePasquale stressed that protecting the landfill is a shared responsibility. “Staying off the property is the most effective way to prevent environmental damage and avoid potential hazards,” he said.
The Osnaburg Township Exit Landfill remains a critical site requiring careful monitoring to ensure both public safety and environmental health. Officials hope their warning will deter unauthorized access and prevent further damage to the site.
— Reported by Nexio News
