Remediation Update

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The following information relates to the on-going remediation of the Countywide Recycling and Disposal Facility and the steps to manage odors from the landfill.

Reaction Remediation Update - June 2009

Isolation Break Completed

The excavation of an isolation break between landfill cells five and seven has been completed.

The isolation break is designed to prevent the reaction in the original 88 acres of the landfill from further moving into additional landfill space not affected by the reaction. The isolation break is a “v-notch” shaped valley. The valley creates a physical barrier between landfill cells 5 and 7 preventing further movement of the reaction. There is no evidence of the reaction moving into cell 7.

Air, groundwater, and odor monitoring continues through cooperation with the Ohio and US EPA. As a confirmatory measure, monitoring has not revealed any public health issues of concern. However, these efforts will continue.

Additional completed remediation efforts include the installation of 69 acres of temporary plastic capping and a gas extraction system including numerous gas wells, pumps, collection lines, and flares.

Future remediation work slated for 2009 includes development and implementation of an operation and maintenance plan for landfill cells 1-6 and temporary capping on cells 1-3.

Check in with our website for future monthly remediation updates.

Isolation break photos:

Reaction Background

Odors from a landfill are the byproduct of the decomposition process as waste breaks down inside of the landfill.  As part of this decomposition process, the landfill settles over time.  In 2006, Countywide experienced a rapid breakdown of some waste in an older portion of the landfill.  This rapid decomposition process resulted in excessive landfill gas and a settlement of the landfill that was more rapid than expected (typical landfill settlement occurs over a 30 - 40 year period).  There is no environmental threat or public heath threat from the rapid decomposition or settling of waste within the landfill. 

The management team at Countywide took immediate action to control odors at the landfill.  Actions included:

• Installing additional landfill gas recovery wells to collect excess landfill gas from the landfill.
• Expanding the landfill gas management system by connecting the wells to a landfill gas vacuum extraction system which effectively removed excess gas from the landfill.
• The landfill gas collection wells are continuously adjusted in an effort to maximize extraction while minimizing air intrusion.
• Installed an extensive odor neutralizing system around the landfill.

These measures were effective in controlling odors from the site.  Countywide will continue efforts to reduce odors.  We work closely with experts from the Ohio EPA to carefully monitor the site to ensure an environmentally sound operation.