Groundwater & wells
Nearby families, farms, and businesses rely on groundwater. A complete hydrogeologic and leachate-risk analysis must show how drinking water will be protected during operation, storms, closure, and decades of post-closure care.
Flagler County, Florida
Stop the
Flagler Dump
Project Butterfly proposes a regional Class I landfill on approximately 610 acres at 518 County Road 45, west of Bunnell. Our community deserves full disclosure, independent study, and a meaningful voice before this moves any further.
Information last reviewed September 22, 2026
610 acresProposed landfill site
3–1 voteSpecial exception approved
Appeal underwayFlagler County is challenging the decision
What we know
The proposal and its current status
01
A regional Class I landfill
The application describes a solid-waste facility on about 610 acres of land currently used as a sod farm and zoned Agriculture and Silviculture.
02
Details were disclosed late
The applicant waived confidentiality at 10:46 a.m. on August 31—little more than one day before the September 1 public hearing.
03
It is not cleared to build
The special exception was an important first approval, but it does not authorize construction. State environmental permits and major-site-plan review are still required.
04
The approval is being challenged
Flagler County commissioners agreed to appeal the decision, citing compatibility, comprehensive-plan concerns, and limited time for public review.
Why residents are concerned
This decision could reach far beyond the property line
These issues require evidence, not promises. Residents are asking for independent, publicly reviewable studies before any additional approval.
Truck traffic & safety
A regional landfill could add heavy-truck traffic to local roads and State Road 100. Residents deserve truck-count projections, routes, operating hours, crash analysis, road-wear costs, and enforceable limits.
Odor & air quality
Landfill odor depends on waste, operations, weather, and wind. No credible public evidence currently defines an odor boundary for this proposal. Site-specific air-dispersion modeling and enforceable odor controls should come first.
Crescent Lake & Dead Lake
These lakes support fishing, wildlife, recreation, and local businesses. The public needs a watershed and groundwater-connection study that specifically evaluates whether the project could affect either lake.
Agriculture & food production
The proposed site is surrounded by working agricultural land. Review must address runoff, birds, litter, pests, dust, water supply, and other potential impacts on neighboring farms.
Homes & quality of life
Residents have raised concerns about noise, lighting, odor, truck traffic, and property values. Those impacts should be studied openly and weighed alongside any claimed economic benefit.
Before any further approval
What the public should demand
- Independent water analysisGroundwater flow, wells, leachate, stormwater, flood conditions, and specific review of Crescent Lake and Dead Lake.
- Independent traffic studyDaily truck counts, routes, hours, safety, emergency access, pavement damage, and who pays for road improvements.
- Air and odor modelingSeasonal wind data, expected emissions, odor-control standards, monitoring locations, complaint response, and enforceable penalties.
- Full public disclosureOwnership, financing, waste sources, capacity, operating life, host agreement, closure plan, and financial assurance.
- Meaningful public reviewEnough time for residents and independent experts to read the studies, ask questions, and respond before another vote.
How we got here
A fast-moving public process
Project details become public
The applicant waived confidentiality at 10:46 a.m., shortly before the scheduled hearing.
Special exception approved 3–1
The Bunnell Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board approved the request after a packed hearing and widespread opposition.
Flagler County moves to appeal
County commissioners agreed to challenge the approval and prepare for formal dispute resolution.
Major reviews still remain
The applicant would still need environmental permitting and major-site-plan approval, including additional studies and public review.
Remember the public record
Who voted on September 1
This was a vote of the Bunnell Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board—not the Bunnell City Commission.
Voted yes
Gary Garner
Voted yes
Coury-Paul Romaniuk
Voted yes
Francena Koch
Alternate member participating in the vote
Voted no
Chelsea Herbert
Also moved to deny and later to delay the decision
Chair Gary Masten and Vice Chair Lyn Lafferty were absent and excused. Local reporting states that Lafferty is associated with ownership interests in portions of the proposed property. Follow the source links below for the complete reporting and official records.
Your voice matters
Speak up. Show up. Stay informed.
Ask officials to oppose the landfill and require independent, public studies before any further decision. Keep your message respectful, specific, and part of the public record.
Bunnell City Commission meetings
Generally the second and fourth Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Board Chambers, 2400 Commerce Parkway, Bunnell
Always confirm the current agenda, date, and location on the official city website.
Read it yourself
Sources and public information
Palm Coast ObserverPZA approval, vote record, proposal details, and remaining reviews
Palm Coast ObserverFlagler County’s appeal of the landfill approval
FlaglerLiveInitial reporting on the proposed 610-acre landfill and property interests
City of BunnellOfficial PZA Board information, agendas, and minutes
U.S. EPABasic information about municipal solid-waste landfills
StopFlaglerDump.com is a community information and advocacy website. It is not affiliated with the City of Bunnell, Flagler County, or any government agency. Information will be updated as official documents and credible reporting become available.