MEADVILLE, Pa. — The Department of Environmental Protection signed a consent order and agreement Dec. 4 with Waste Management Disposal Services of Pennsylvania that requires the company to pay a $290,000 civil penalty and correct numerous violations at its Northwest Sanitary Landfill in Clay Township, Butler County.
Recurring violations
“Our inspectors found multiple recurring violations at the landfill,” DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch said. “The owners repeatedly failed to address and correct problems and deficiencies that staff discovered.”
The Consent Order and Agreement imposes fines for the violations and creates plans and monitoring requirements to ensure future compliance.
DEP inspections identified repeated violations of Northwest Landfill’s operating permit and odor control plan, as well as issues with daily and intermediate cover on disturbed areas, landfill gases, equipment maintenance and personnel training.
On several occasions, staff observed significant violations involving handling and storage of liquid wastewater, or leachate. The company failed to adequately collect and contain leachate in approved disposal areas, as is required by the Solid Waste Management Act and other regulations.
Worked with company
DEP worked with Waste Management to develop a consent order and agreement that requires the company to take major corrective actions, including air monitoring for hydrogen sulfide gas; implementing a revised Landfill Odor Control Plan; and covering exposed areas of the landfill that inspectors have identified as needing cover.
Additionally, the company must submit to DEP monthly progress reports that list corrective actions completed in the preceding month; conduct training for all landfill employees in waste handling activities; and repair or replace leachate tanks.
For more information, visit www.dep.state.pa.us or call 814-332-6899.
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