Sludge Watch ==> Michigan - sludge (Toronto) slides around landfill - settlement reached $94K

[Maureen Reilly]

Sludgewatch admin:

Yes...sludge can become like a lava flow of stench..roaming the 
landfill....heading offsite.
Toronto sewage sludge (and some other sludges) were put into the Carleton 
Landfill
and have caused the neighbors there so much affront that they have a class 
action lawsuit.

To learn more call: Greg Morrow.... Michigan Dept Env Quality 586 753 3833

............................................

http://www.michigan.gov/som/0,1607,7-192-45414_45416-171230--,00.html


Settlement Reached with Republic Services at Carleton Farms Landfill
Contact:  Robert McCann (517) 241-7397
Agency: Environmental Quality




June 27, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality has reached a settlement with 
Republic Services of Michigan I, LLC, to resolve alleged violations of 
Michigan's solid waste regulations and the operating license for the 
Carleton Farms Landfill in Wayne County. The administrative order signed by 
the two parties provides for a compliance program to correct the alleged 
violations, a civil fine of $94,000, and the reimbursement to the state of 
$5,500 in costs.

In July 2006, instability of the waste mass occurred on the west slope area 
in a portion of the landfill resulting in the movement of solid waste 
outside of the area authorized by the landfill's operating license. This 
incident additionally caused cracking of the daily and interim cover, 
exposed waste, the escape of landfill gas and odors, infiltration of storm 
water into the waste, and an inability to ensure proper leachate levels in 
the landfill cell. Republic responded by constructing a clay buttress to 
stop the movement of the waste mass, suspending leachate recirculation at 
the landfill, and initiating studies regarding the causes of the movement 
and effectiveness of the corrective measures.

The order calls for Republic to conduct further studies and take actions to 
address the impacts resulting from the movement of wastewater treatment 
plant sludge and other solid waste outside of the cell. These actions 
include implementing plans to remove excess liquids in the cell and 
monitoring the moisture content and stability of the waste mass. Under the 
order, Republic will also inspect and maintain the cell's interim cover, 
evaluate the leachate collection system, address the waste outside the 
licensed area, and design and construct a landfill cap over the waste mass 
to limit the infiltration of precipitation and creation of additional 
leachate in the areas of the landfill affected by the waste movement.

Republic will continue to address the release of landfill gas and odors 
under an administrative order entered in June 2006. In addition, Republic 
must conduct an evaluation and demonstrate that stability will be maintained 
as part of any application to reinstate the acceptance of sludge or 
recirculation of leachate at the landfill. Republic will submit a final 
report detailing the corrective actions taken, verifying their 
effectiveness, and certifying the construction of the cap.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet 
home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised June 27, 2007 by Pat Watson