Pennsylvania landfill operator seeks permit modification, facility expansion

Environmental & Recycling Services Inc. (ERSI) has applied for a permit modification at the ERSI Construction and Demolition (C&D) Landfill in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.

ERSI has proposed a redesign of the approximately 51-acre Phase IV Expansion in accordance with the permit renewal issued Oct. 13, 2021.

The proposed redesign includes both protective liner and leachate collection system modifications. Additional site improvements would include creation of a new storm water management basin and reconstruction of portions of the site access road. No increase to the permit area, volume to be accepted or waste types have been proposed.

ERSI has not actively disposed of C&D onsite since 2007. Current operations have been limited to processing small volumes of C&D waste and sending the remaining waste to another landfill for disposal, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says.

The application was submitted to DEP on June 3 and the application was accepted as administratively complete June 5.

DEP says its waste management staff will monitor the landfill with regular and unannounced inspections, reviewing ERSI’s monitoring reports for daily intake and leachate management to ensure the landfill is operating within the guidelines and conditions outlined in its permit. The department says it also will monitor the landfill to assist in minimizing odor, litter and fugitive dust. 

DEP will hold a public meeting Aug. 28 and subsequent hearing to answer questions and accept comments regarding the modification application.