Prioritizing County Landfill Odor Mitigation

Letter from the County’s new Department of Sustainability & Solid Waste Management Director:

As director of the county’s new department of Sustainability & Solid Waste Management, my first order of business has been centered on working with landfill and state environmental officials to identify solutions for odors experienced around the County landfill. An important first step was to have a meeting with the landfill operator, Casella Waste Systems, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Region 8 staff to discuss landfill operations and the reported odors. At our first meeting held on Tuesday, January 15 we all agreed that odor management is our top priority.

Two separate studies are presently under way involving landfill operations that are intended to shed light on recent odors. In December, the Ontario County Board of Supervisors approved a contract with SCS, an independent environmental engineering firm based in Suffern, NY, to conduct an assessment of landfill odors. Additionally, Casella has initiated a study involving specialized engineers to investigate the odor issue. The studies will involve a thorough review of key landfill procedures, industry best management practices, complaints, and types of waste accepted. Study results are anticipated in March.

As soon as we receive the study recommendations, I will report findings to the Planning & Environmental Quality Committee and to the community. Until then, I will continue to meet with the landfill operator and the NYSDEC and will be reporting news of significance as warranted.

Please use the Landfill hotline (888-230-2004) to report odor concerns about the landfill. Contact us at recycle@co.ontario.ny.us  for questions or comments about Ontario County’s solid waste management program. And, subscribe here so you receive up to date information from me and the department: Notify Me.

Best Regards,

Carla Jordan