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But now several different companies are considering landfill sites in New Kent County, officials said. One or more county supervisors have been approached about locations in Providence Forge, Quinton and near Talleysville.

"We know that there are three potential sites, three different landfill companies looking to file their applications," New Kent Supervisor Mark E. Hill said.

A landfill in neighboring Charles City County opened in 1990 amid heated debate about the state's importation of out-of-state waste. About 2,000 tons, or 4 million pounds, of garbage is trucked to the site daily, some of it from outside the state, according to the landfill's operator.

New Kent Board of Supervisors Chairman W.R. "Ray" Davis Jr. said the board has discussed only one of the landfill proposals, for a site near Talleysville, which was brought to its attention nearly a year ago. Although the board's consensus appears to be against a landfill, Davis said, members must still consider any application.

"There's not a county around here that hasn't been approached, even recently, with talk of a landfill. There's money in it for the localities, but you have to make decisions," Davis said. "Right now, I don't think that there's support on our board for a landfill, but we also have to listen to them, just like we have to listen to everybody else."

Board Vice Chairman James H. Burrell agreed, adding that public comment will weigh heavily on his decision about a landfill.

"When an applicant comes forth, we at least should give them the professional courtesy of looking at it, whether we favor it or do not," Burrell said.

Hill, whose district includes one of the potential landfill sites, said he and most of his constituents are against the idea.

"The majority of the citizens I have talked to say no landfill is wanted anywhere in New Kent," Hill said. "I have heard those individuals. New Kent is not open for a landfill."

Supervisor Stran L. Trout said New Kent, unlike Charles City, has access to Interstate 64 and opportunities for economic development other than a landfill.

"I don't think it's a good fit for New Kent," Trout said. "If it's a landfill to take care of our own trash, that's one thing. But a major regional, East Coast landfill is something that would not be a good fit with the kind of development we have coming into New Kent and something we don't really need."

A year ago, county resident Melvin Belcher and his wife, Mary, built their dream home and started raising show horses in Talleysville, about 2 miles from one of the proposed landfill sites. In addition to affecting their quality of life, Belcher said, a landfill there would ruin the county's chances of attracting more desirable business growth to the area.

"They need to find a location for it that does not disrupt major economic development that could be in the county," Belcher said. "The prevailing winds will blow all that stuff toward Brickshire and Colonial Downs. I can't imagine wanting to watch the horse race and smell the garbage dump less than 2 miles or so away."

Last month, a group of developers sent the county a draft application and a letter expressing an interest in applying for a solid-waste management facility on a 410-acre site near Talleysville, on the southeast corner of Interstate 64 and state Route 106. The site would also be up the road from a proposed upscale residential development, The Farms of New Kent, that would feature vineyards, a winery, golf course, polo ground and 2,400 age-restricted and traditional homes.

SPF Investments LLC, the group developing the Talleysville site, said it intends to file a complete application for a landfill.

Hill said an application from another landfill developer is expected before the end of the month.

Richard Ellyson, New Kent's interim county administrator, said options apparently have been secured for a 500-acre site in Quinton with railroad access. Ellyson said the supervisors haven't been forthcoming about details of a site in Providence Forge.

Providence Forge and Quinton are among the most densely populated and commercially developed areas of the county. Quinton, in the western end of New Kent, includes the county's largest residential subdivisions. Providence Forge, situated along U.S. 60 and state Route 155, is one of the county's oldest village centers with businesses, a regional library and homes.

County Planning Manager Rodney Hathaway said his office has yet to meet with any groups interested in developing a landfill to discuss the application requirements. County code allows landfills only on agricultural parcels with a use permit.