The Waste Management Eco-Vista Landfill located in Tontitown, Arkansas, is proceeding with its expansion plans after receiving approval from an Arkansas commission, even though it has been a source of continued discord.
In March, state regulators granted a permit for the landfill's expansion, but a month later, the City of Tontitown filed an appeal with the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. While the city awaits a hearing on its appeal, the commission has authorized Waste Management to keep expanding the area of the landfill designated for construction and demolition debris.
Mayor Angela Russell expressed frustration with the situation, saying, “They're not even, in my opinion, abiding by their own rules. Where's the protection for the citizens? Who is protecting the people in Tontitown in the surrounding area from the gases and the vapors?”
“The commission’s action to lift the stay allows WM to reopen the class four landfill to customers and continue to support the infrastructure growth in Northwest Arkansas,” commented Waste Management on the decision.
WM bought the landfill more than 20 years ago. The property includes a 60-acre Class 4 Construction and Demolition Debris (C&D) landfill, composting area, recycling drop-off station, landfill gas-to-energy facility, and a certified wildlife habitat area, as well as a 147-acre Class I Municipal Solid Waste Landfill.
Methane gas extraction has occurred at the Eco-Vista Landfill since 2010. The resulting electricity feeds directly into the municipal power grid.
A group of citizens have hired an attorney to file an appeal to the Arkansas Pollution Control and Ecology Commission. They are concerned about gases and odors emanating from the landfill.
WM has made investments in numerous projects with the goal of minimizing odors at the landfill. The company installed an Atmos daily cover system at the working face as well as an upgraded odor control system. According to WM, it also conducts routine odor surveys—internally and with third parties—and has installed 400 trees at the facility's boundary.
Public input on the expansion of the Eco-Vista Landfill is welcomed at a meeting on Thursday, May 25.