Lynn Schenkman

Charles City, Va. -- State environmental officials are listening to public comments this week regarding garbage barges that will begin traveling the James River to a Charles City landfill later this year. Although residents can do nothing to stop the garbage barges, they will be permitted to comment on how the state can ensure the water transport of the refuse is as environmentally sound as possible. Barge traffic was halted in 1998 when Coast Guard officials discovered trash juice leaking on the banks of the river.