Landfill expansions continue to prove controversial in states like New York and Florida as major facilities go through the permitting process for potential expansions. Meanwhile, odor complaints cause problems in California and elsewhere.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable landfill news developments in recent weeks:
Republic Services ordered to improve odor mitigation at California landfill
The South Coast Air Quality Management District in California is requiring Republic Services to adopt enhanced odor mitigation practices at its Sunshine Canyon Landfill after an escalating amount of odor complaints. The authority said wet conditions and erosion at the landfill have contributed to problems flagged by residents.
Since the start of 2023, the district has issued more than 138 air quality violation notifications to the landfill owners. It reported receiving an escalating number of odor complaints in recent years, from 650 in 2022 to 2,100 in 2024.
The landfill has been permitted to receive up to 12,100 tons of MSW per day, but that limit was upped to 15,000 tons per day following the Los Angeles County wildfires in January. The waiver increasing the limit lasts for 120 days, until May 24. On a typical day prior to the fires, the landfill received about 9,000 tons of waste per day.
To remedy the odor issues, SCAQMD is proposing a series of mitigation steps. The district is requiring the use of methanotrophic bacteria in the landfill cover to help break down gases that seep through the surface. The district is also requiring an enhanced methane monitoring effort at the landfill as well as twice-daily odor patrols.
SCAQMD has required the Sunshine Canyon Landfill operator to mitigate odor issues in the past, starting in 2009. The Sunshine Canyon Landfill Local Law Enforcement Agency also officially formed in 2008 to conduct oversight of the facility, and received approval from CalRecycle for such activities in 2010.
Waste Connections landfill expansion in New York proceeds despite protests
The town board of Seneca Falls, New York, opted not to reopen its vote approving a host agreement and expansion permit for Waste Connections' Seneca Meadows Landfill on Tuesday. That was despite residents protesting what they say was an improper vote last month to extend the facility's permit due to administrative errors.
The operator of the landfill, New York's largest, has been working with officials in Seneca Falls to update its host agreement and permit. Waste Connections is seeking to build a “valley infill” expansion between two elevated portions of the landfill, which would comprise roughly 47 acres and further increase the landfill's vertical height. Waste Connections estimates the project would add 15 years of life to the landfill, pushing out its projected closure date to 2040.
In a host agreement approved by the town board in March, Waste Connections would pay Seneca Falls $150 million over 15 years and waive disposal fees. It also agreed to implement odor mitigation measures and create a complaint system for residents.
Members of the group Seneca Lake Guardian have opposed the expansion project, saying it would add to complaints about odors and pollution coming from the landfill. The group has argued that the town board's vote on March 4 to approve the host community agreement and permit was invalid because the board failed to properly introduce or second resolutions relating to the permit, according to a release.
The town clerk has sided with the local group, but the town supervisor disagrees. The permit still must be approved by New York's Department of Environmental Conservation, which is expected to occur at some point this year.
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Other landfill news:
- The town of Coconut Creek, Florida, escalated its fight against Broward County’s approval of the expansion of WM's Monarch Hill Landfill, filing complaints and a lawsuit in Broward County Circuit Court. (TAPinto Coconut Creek)
- Residents are concerned after the Win Waste Landfill in Fostoria, Ohio, reported a contaminated water spill, though details remain murky. (The Courier and WTOL 11)
- Republic Services is urging an expansion of the Bondad Landfill in La Plata County, Colorado, estimating the facility has seven years of life left as permitted. (The Durango Herald)
- Peoria County, Illinois, is preparing to shutter its Landfill 2, operated by WM, on April 19 amid plans for a new GFL Environmental-operated landfill under construction. (WCBU)
