There's a growing controversy in Camden County as residents trash the idea of a landfill.

A Columbia- based company that would create the landfill has already passed the first step.

Bennie Kissinger has had two major strokes, and he very well may have another if his neighbors get to do what they want.

"It's ridiculous," says Kissinger.

A landfill is in the works, sort of. And that's making people worried, especially Bennie's wife, Inis. "It makes me sick to think there'll be a dump out there to look at," she says.

The landfill would take up about 86 acres in Camden County, in a pasture near Richland. Even though it's not official that a landfill is on its way, the testing has started to create one, and that's what has everyone concerned.

The Camden County Commissioners say they've looked into it and can't stop it.

"If this landfill would ever leak, it would leak into the Lake of the Ozarks," says commissioner Tom Gumm. "The Lake of the Ozarks is the lifeblood of Camden County, and that's why we came against it."

Right now, the water and land are being monitored by the Department of Natural Resources in a detailed site investigation. It's one of many tests--just ask Bennie. He's tested to his limits, and according to him, their tests that are also going downhill.

"As you can see, it's gotta go to the lake," says Kissinger as he points downhill to the pasture. "There's no way out."

Commissioners say they can't stop this because the land is outside of their planning and zoning district that protects lakes, and attorneys with the Missouri Association of Counties say an ordinance banning a landfill just wouldn't hold up in court.