Jonathan Reahl

St. Luke’s Hospital, a beacon of health and wellness in Pennsylvania, has taken a firm stand against the proposed expansion of the Bethlehem Landfill in Lower Saucon Township. This decision, not just a mere act of opposition, represents a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship and public health, two areas critically relevant to both college students and the wider Pennsylvanian community.

Location of proposed landfill

The contentious issue revolves around the rezoning of 275 acres of woodlands, a move by the Lower Saucon Township Council that permits landfill use, thus lifting conservation easements that have long protected these lands. This proposed landfill expansion by Bethlehem Landfill Co., a subsidiary of Waste Connections, Inc., is alarmingly close to St. Luke’s Anderson Campus, a site known for its organic farm, walking trails, and sunflower fields. Rick Anderson, President & CEO of St. Luke’s, emphasizes, “The proposed expansion would compromise the special healing environment that defines our Anderson Campus.”

For college students, this expansion is not just a distant corporate decision; it directly impacts their future. The landfill, located between Interstate 78 and Route 22, will forever change the landscape of the Lehigh Valley, affecting the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.

Moreover, the landfill’s proximity to the Lehigh River and the potential impacts on water quality, air purity, and the overall ecosystem should be alarming. St. Luke’s has consulted experts who warn of foul smells, water pollution, and the attraction of scavenger birds, all of which could degrade the quality of life and the environment in the region.

The implications of the landfill expansion are not just environmental. St. Luke’s involvement in the community, through programs like Get Your Tail on the Trail and the St. Luke’s D&L RaceFest, highlights the landfill’s potential impact on recreational and health-focused activities. The landfill expansion could deter these events, which are integral to the community’s physical and mental well-being.

The fight against the landfill expansion is also a fight for student and community rights. St. Luke’s, joining hands with local municipalities and residents, has embarked on legal challenges to defend these rights. Anderson urges, “Your voice on this issue is essential,” calling for active participation from the community, including students.