We want to give you an update on our work at the Congress Landfill in Hillside now that the final cap has been constructed and placed over the landfill. Completion of the final cap was an important milestone since it will keep rainwater out of the landfill and allow the newly installed gas and leachate* collection systems to work as designed.
In addition to the final cap, there are a number of other features that will enhance our ability to minimize odor. Specifically, we installed another high-temperature enclosed flare that provides more capacity to efficiently burn larger quantities of gas, while also controlling odors. You may have noticed that the open-flame flares are no longer in service. The new enclosed flare began operating around Thanksgiving and is teamed with the previous enclosed flare at the site. Both are running smoothly. We also finished construction of a new leachate plant designed to monitor and ensure that any leachate collected from within the landfill meets the appropriate standards before it is discharged. The leachate plant is fully operational and discharging at standard levels.
In the fall of 2008, we obtained a permit from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to construct an improved leachate extraction system. Construction on the new leachate system began last year and is scheduled to be completed this summer. This new system will increase our ability to collect even more leachate from within the landfill, which in turn will enhance our gas collection efforts over the long term.
To ensure that we are prepared for the unlikely event of an extended power outage, we have begun constructing three backup power stations that can power the flares, the gas and leachate systems, and the leachate plant if necessary. This extraordinary step will help ensure uninterrupted service under almost any circumstance.
While much has been accomplished at the site, there is still more work to be done. Some of you may have recently noticed a minor and temporary increase in odor levels due to some repair work at the site and you may have received a pre-recorded telephone call explaining the situation. While increased odor levels are not expected, they do happen from time to time during all landfill closings. Be assured that we are prepared to take quick action to resolve any odor issues if they arise.
We have a lot of work planned for this year to improve the functionality and the appearance of the Congress Landfill. Some of that work includes installing new landscaping and fencing around the perimeter of the landfill as well as planting seed grass on the hill.
Allied Waste aims to create a positive legacy that can make all of our neighbors proud. We will continue to update you on Congress Landfill developments as the project continues. Please visit www.LandfillClosing.com for new information about the project.
* Water inside a landfill is known as “leachate.”