As we approach a significant milestone in the Hillside Landfill closure project, we wanted to take a minute to give you another update on our progress.

By September 30, the entire western one-third of the landfill will be filled to capacity and capped. In short, this section will be closed for good. This is noteworthy because this part of the landfill has been a primary source of odor in the past.

The cap that is currently being installed will keep rainwater out of the landfill, using many layers of plastic tarps, clay and filters that will act as a barrier. Furthermore, the cap will keep gas and liquid from escaping from the landfill.

In addition to waste filling and capping, we have installed a toe trench around the western perimeter of the site, which will keep gas from leaving the boundaries of the landfill. Lastly, we have installed 40 new vacuum wells that will capture gas and liquid that is created from decomposed waste.

Although odors will not completely disappear until after the entire landfill is capped in 2008, we do expect to see an overall improvement once this western section is closed on september 30. in the coming months, we will repeat this entire process in the remaining sections of the landfill. This will take place in two phases as shown on the map below. As always, we appreciate your patience throughout this process.

As the closure project progresses, we will continue to keep you updated. Also, please visit www.LandfillClosing.com for ongoing updates and to view a photo gallery of the current work being done.

(Click on the map to view the map enlarged)