The fight over a proposed landfill in Flagler County is heading back to the Bunnell City Commission.

Eighteen appeals have been filed challenging the project’s initial approval, and commissioners are now preparing to take another look at the proposal from the beginning.

Known as “Project Butterfly,” the plan would bring a 610-acre landfill to County Road 45, west of Bunnell. Concerns from residents span a wide range of issues — including groundwater contamination, traffic, odors, agricultural impacts and property values.

Much of the controversy also centers on how locals say the project was kept secret. The proposal became public just hours before a Sept. 1 planning board meeting. The applicant had kept it under wraps during the site selection process, citing Florida’s economic development protections.

Despite limited public notice, the city’s planning board voted 3-1 to approve a special exception for the landfill.

A Bunnell resident, who gave only her first name, Nadine, said the lack of transparency was unacceptable.

“To have something like a landfill populating a residential area in the middle — without the residents even knowing or voting on that — I find that ridiculous,” she said.

The 18 appeals — including one filed by Flagler County itself — challenge that decision. The county’s appeal questions whether Bunnell followed proper land-use rules and whether officials had adequate time to review the project.

Interim City Manager David Brannon described the upcoming hearing as a fresh start for the process.

“The full commission will then deliberate, you know, what their decision is or will be,” Brannon said. “They’ll also be taking public comment as well just prior to that. And then once they deliberate, they’ll reach a decision and make that announcement there in that meeting.”

The applicant, those challenging the project and members of the public will all have an opportunity to present their case before a decision is made. The special hearing is set for Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 9 a.m.