Keystone Sanitary Landfill plan to correct violations

Nico Rossi
·3 min read

LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Within the last few months The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has suspended Keystone Sanitary Landfill’s (KSL) Settlement Accommodation plan and issued KSL several violations.

In response to one odor violation in December, and a “malodor” violation weeks later KSL has created the following proposed plan and schedule they believe will reduce emissions at the site.

While KSL respectfully disputes DEP’s findings and notice of violations, KSL says they’re dedicated to working cooperatively with DEP to address legitimate local concerns.

Keystone Landfill Public Hearing_69438312-159532
Keystone Landfill Public Hearing_69438312-159532
Keystone_Landfill_Findings_11_am_0_20171219161413
Keystone_Landfill_Findings_11_am_0_20171219161413
Trash Talk - Landfill Keystone_69990821
Trash Talk - Landfill Keystone_69990821
Keystone Landfill Air Monitoring_20160315221022
File Image

DEP issues violation against Keystone Sanitary Landfill

  1. Accelerated Installation of new Gas Wells and Other Collection Devices

    • KSL plans to immediately install new gas wells or other collection devices after a 10-day re-monitoring and an exceedance is observed. By addressing and installing the additional control devices within the accelerated 30-40 day time frame well before the allowed 120 days, KSL believes that emissions at the site be reduced.

  2. Accelerated Installation of Permanent Cap

    • KSL anticipates an additional 25 acres of permanent cap for installations that will be completed by May 2024, which will help with the collection of gas, reducing emissions and potential odors.

  3. Installation of Temporary Geomembrane Liner

    • KSL is proposing to utilize temporary geomembrane liners in active areas of the landfill that do not have, or that are not scheduled to have permanent caps installed. These areas experience emissions that are detected during routing surface scans or drone flights.

  4. Aerial Drone Methane Detection

    • KSL, in cooperation with Archaea Energy, will be using an aerial drone with a methane imaging laser. Using a methane detection drone will allow KSL to scan the entire site in a 4-5 hour time period, which then generates a same-day map, increasing the effectiveness of identifying emissions, correcting them, and reducing potential odors.

  5. Installation of Leachate Storage Tanks

  6. RO Concentrate Treatment and Disposal

    • KSL has invested extensively in state-of-the-art reverse osmosis (RO) systems to treat landfill leachate. RO systems are the best available technology to treat landfill leachate and produce effluent that meets drinking water standards. Three RO trains have been installed and are operating and a fourth RO train will be installed and operational by March 2024.

  7. Engaging Additional Independent Contractors

    • As part of KSL’s commitment to maintaining an efficient comprehensive gas collection system, KSL has recently engaged two independent contractors to assist KSL’s staff in constructing horizontal collectors, vacuum lines, shallow collectors on slopes, condensate management controls, traps, etc. The retention of these additional independent contractors will free KSL staff to further focus on balancing the site’s overall gas collection system, thus reducing potential emissions and odor.

View KSL’s proposed plan in its entirety below:

KEYSTONE LANDFILL RESPONSEDownload

KSL would like to arrange a meeting with DEP to review the proposed plans and welcome any input to further address the Notice of Violations.

For more information on the rules and regulations visit DEP’s website.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.