A developer who has been trying for 31 years to build a central Indiana landfill says he's ready to start construction after receiving a state permit.

Residents who are against the 13-acre Mallard Lake landfill just northeast of Anderson say they aren't giving up the fight and plan to appeal the decision from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Anderson Mayor Kris Ockomon says the city remains opposed to the project. He says a local landfill is needed, but not at the proposed site

JM Corp. owner Ralph Reed says he believes the state permit will stand up to any appeal and that work on the landfill could start this spring. He says the landfill will save local residents money since trash wouldn't have to be hauled to out-of-county facilities.

IBJ detailed the long battle over the landfill in its Sept. 1, 2008 issue.