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The National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA) has written a paper entitled, Managing Solid Waste Facilities to Prevent Odor.  (To read entire document, please see ACALnews.org.)  According to the NSWMA, landfill odors are caused by three sources: landfill gas, trash at the “working face” and leachate.

Landfill gas is made up of mostly methane and carbon dioxide (both odorless), but also includes small amounts of odorous compounds that people can smell.  The NSWMA states, “Since landfills may produce a large amount of gas, offsite odors can result if gas management systems are not installed in time and operated effectively.”

Trash at the  “working face” includes all garbage being moved around a landfill site.  If the garbage is not managed appropriately it will stink.

Leachate – or the liquid produced from decomposing garbage – can cause odor if it is not managed properly or escapes through venting systems.

Factors that influence the strength of odor emitted from a landfill include the type and volume of waste collected, the time it takes to unload and cover fresh garbage, meteorological and topographic conditions, the size of the “working face”, and the time day.

Some wastes are more offensive in smell than others.  Sludge, animal wastes and composted yard wastes smell the worst.  Large amounts of garbage that are not quickly covered and properly managed will also result in increased odors from a landfill.  The NSWMA says, “The longer the waste is left exposed, the more odor can move offsite.”  The larger the “working face” the more difficult it is to control odors.

Weather conditions, precipitation, prevailing winds and the contour of the landfill site can facilitate unwanted odors being carried to nearby homes and communities.  According to the NSWMA, “In terrain with hills and valleys, cooling air in the evening and early morning travels down hills, carrying odors with it.”

The NSWMA lists several techniques for effectively controlling landfill odors.  They include the following:

- Installing landfill gas controlling and collection measures BEFORE odor problems arise

- Properly design and install a gas collection system, which is monitored and maintained by a trained technician

- Continuously check the ends of leachate pipes, cleanouts and manhole covers

- Ensure there are air-tight seals on all gas collection devices and equipment

- Improve stormwater management, including proper grading and drainage to manage water infiltration, which increases the production of landfill gas

- Keep the size of the “working face” manageable so it can be covered quickly.

- Find alternative “working face” locations on days with adverse weather conditions, taking into account prevailing winds

- Only accept the worst smelling waste when weather conditions are most favorable

- “Review or adjust waste types accepted”, especially when odors are a problem

- “Establish odor compliant procedures – Formal odor complaint and investigation procedures help operators make adjustments to prevent or minimize odors.  A complaint log, with information on the day, date, time, weather conditions, and odor characteristics, can be a good tool.  Establishing a simple on-site weather station that records data on weather conditions can be used to compare complaints with operations information to determine possible causes.” (NSWMA, Controlling and Preventing Odors at Landfills)

- Use cover materials that are better quality, such as soil, that can filter odor, control gas and decrease the amount of water infiltration

-Temporarily cap the landfill to control bad odors 

- Frequently field monitor and measure landfill odors with new portable devices, such as the olfactometer

According to the NSWMA, “An effective landfill gas collection and control system, proper operations, and good housekeeping practices will minimize odors.”

Since ACAL is unaware of a complaint procedure offered by the Authority, we would encourage folks to begin documenting their own complaint logs.  Please include your name and location (address) the day, date, time, weather conditions, and specific odor characteristics.  Documented complaints can be forwarded to ACAL via email at acalnews@gmail.com or sent to ACAL PO Box 202, Boonville, NY 13309.  It is recommended that complaints be documented for an entire month then forwarded to ACAL. 

OTHER IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION

To report an environmental violation, call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332) or email r5dsptch@gw.dec.state.ny.us  or go through this link: http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/67751.html

To report a chemical or oil spill, call the DEC spill hotline 1-800-457-7362

To report other environmental problems, contact DEC Region 6 Headquarters, 317 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601 or phone (315) 785-2239

To contact the EPA online, go to http://www.epa.gov/tips/

If you smell the landfill at your home or place of business, call or write to your local town supervisor and/or mayor and file a formal complaint.