Why is Green Ridge Virginia building the Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility in Cumberland County?

Green Ridge selected Cumberland County because the locality is an ideal location for the facility. Green Ridge Virginia mostly services central and southwestern Virginia, which makes Cumberland County geographically attractive. Also, there are a number of other facilities in the central Virginia region that are quickly approaching their maximum capacity, increasing the demand for new disposal capacity within the region. In addition, the County has previously recognized the significant economic and other benefits that a sanitary landfill would bring to the County, as well as the competitive advantage a facility would provide Cumberland County in attracting business and industry, especially as other area facilities reach capacity.

Why did Green Ridge Virginia choose this particular site in Cumberland County?

The Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility site will be located on the far eastern side of Cumberland County. Traffic from the east will account for 80-85 percent of the volume, so the location of the site minimizes the amount of traffic passing through the rest of the County. Beyond just the geographical location, the land at the site has historically been repeatedly harvested timberlands. It is located in the Piedmont Physiographic province, making the site’s topography suitable for a landfill. Additionally, Green Ridge's Engineers conducted extensive research and analysis on at least four other sites across the County and determined that this location is the ideal location for the facility.

How much land will the landfill utilize?

The Green Ridge property consists of approximately 1,200 acres, of which only 104 acres will be used for waste disposal under the pending DEQ permit. In addition to the landfill disposal unit, acreage will be needed for borrow areas, stockpile areas, stormwater management, leachate and gas management, scales and scale house, offices and maintenance facilities, parking and trailer storage, citizen convenience and recycling center, roads, and compliance monitoring. The acreage of the ancillary activities necessary for landfill operation is estimated to be 200 acres, with the remaining 850 acres used for buffers, roads and other non-landfill activities. Final acreage of the layout of the facility will depend on DEQ permitting.

What will the dimensions of the landfill be?

The shape of the disposal unit will be irregular. The dimensions of the disposal unit are anticipated to be approximately 5,000 feet long and between 600 and 1,300 feet wide. The final configuration will be determined through the design and permitting process. The disposal area will be constructed in smaller phases or cells. Conceptually, at this time, each cell will be approximately 30 acres, but actual sizing will be based on DEQ permitting. Per DEQ regulations, the outer slopes of the landfill can be no steeper than 3:1 and the top of the landfill can be no less than 5%.

Will the facility impact the property value of neighboring landowners?

A number of studies have been conducted on the impact of landfills on property values with varying conclusions. Impact is a function of existing land use, tonnage, operations and buffers. Given the current requirements of the Conditional Use Permit, Green Ridge believes that there will be limited impact on property values to the adjoining properties, and Green Ridge will diligently work to prevent a reduction in adjacent property value. Green Ridge will make every effort to ensure we are exemplary neighbors by making certain that any and all potential impacts are monitored to the best of our ability.

As a testament to its commitment to its neighbors, Green Ridge agreed to a property value assurance program, which was utilized by nearly half of all eligible participants.

Where can I see a site plan of the facility?

The plan can be reviewed on the Virginia DEQ Website. Additionally, a paper copy of the pending site layout is available at the County Administrator’s Office.

Who owns Green Ridge Virginia?

The Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility landfill will be owned by a subsidiary of GFL Environmental, Inc.

Who is on the Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility landfill management team?

The Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility landfill management team consists of Jerry Cifor, who is the Officer and Director, and Jay Zook, who will serve as the General Manager. This team will also be supported by professional design engineers, professional geologists and environmental scientists during the design, permitting, construction and operation of the facility.

What experience does Green Ridge Virginia have in managing landfills?

While Green Ridge is a newly formed company and has never, as an entity, owned or operated a landfill, almost everyone on the company’s management team has extensive experience in managing landfills. Jay Zook, who will be the General Manager for the landfill, was the former operations manager at the Shoosmith Landfill in Chester, Virginia – a 5,000+ ton per day landfill. Jerry Cifor, who will be the Officer and Director for the landfill, previously worked for Waste Management and managed 19 different landfills in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Between them, Jay Zook and Jerry Cifor have over 30+ years of experience in operating and managing landfills.

Furthermore, this team will be supported by professional design engineers, professional geologists and environmental scientists during the design, permitting, construction and operation of the facility. TRC (formerly Draper Aden Associates), the engineering firm for the facility, has extensive experience in all aspects of solid waste management, including design/permitting/construction of landfills, landfill operations and environmental compliance. TRC has worked on over 1000 solid waste projects including more than 200 landfill designs, 70 landfill closure projects, and 50 materials recovery/transfer/convenience center projects. They have designed groundwater monitoring programs at more than 100 facilities, including over 60 landfills and have conducted groundwater corrective action at more than 50 sites. In total, TRC has over 35 years of involvement in the solid waste field and is supported in-house through their surveying, geotechnical, structural and site planning teams.

How long will the landfill operate?

How long the landfill will operate depends on the incoming waste stream, tonnage, compaction and final design. At 1,500 tons per day, the landfill would have a lifespan of approximately 15 years.

What type of waste will Green Ridge receive?

The facility will only receive nonhazardous solid waste, which is predominately comprised of municipal solid waste and construction and demolition debris as defined in the DEQ regulations, 9VAC20-81-10. The types of wastes that can be accepted will be identified in the Facility’s permit. The Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility will NOT accept medical and infectious waste, and has agreed not to accept industrial or wastewater treatment plant sludge or processed Construction and Demolition Debris materials that contain processed sheetrock because of the odor that such processed sheetrock can emit. The DEQ has a process to evaluate future waste types if they are considered special wastes to assure compliance with the permit.

Will the facility operate at night?

As currently permitted, the facility will not operate at night.

What are the hours of operation?

The facility will operate daily Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On Saturday, the landfill operations will run from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The landfill will be closed on Sundays. Green Ridge will provide drop off stations for household waste, limited agriculture waste, and recyclables free of charge to County residents and the County government. The drop off station, known as a Convenience Center, will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on Saturday from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Is the open trash area covered each day?

Yes. Per the requirements of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the open trash area will be covered each day.

Can Green Ridge Virginia sell the facility to some other company at any time?

Yes. It is possible that someone could acquire the Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility, but that is not our intention at this time. We expect to be operating in Cumberland County for decades. A change of ownership will require a minor permit modification with DEQ, especially if there are changes in the service area or tonnage.

Where would most of the waste come from?

The waste that would be received by this facility would predominately come from central and southwestern Virginia. Furthermore, a majority of the waste will come from the existing Green Ridge Virginia collection operations within the Commonwealth. No waste will be accepted from outside of Virginia.

Who will be able to use the facility?

The Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility will include a Convenience Center for use by residents of Cumberland County as well as the County itself. For safety reasons, residents will not be allowed onto the working face of the landfill. The Convenience Center will include facilities for collection of bulky waste items, MSW, scrap metal and some recyclables. County residents will not be charged to use the Convenience Center but they will have to cross the scales and weigh in.

Are there any restrictions on what type of material can go into the landfill?

Yes. The type of material that can be received by the landfill is strictly dictated by the restrictions laid out by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (see 9VAC20-81-140), as well as the Host Community Agreement with Cumberland County and conditions in the Conditional Use Permit. With that said we are refusing to accept any hazardous waste, medical or infectious waste, fly ash or industrial/wastewater treatment sludge as well as reprocessed sheet rock.

Will TENORM (technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material) be disposed of at this facility?

While it is possible that Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility could receive Coal Fly Ash, which is considered a TENORM product, it will not be accepted as waste. TENORM is predominately a byproduct of resource extraction, and there is a minimal amount of that occurring within the general vicinity of this landfill.

How will the site be secured?

The facility is required by the DEQ to be secured. A combination of fencing, gates and natural barriers will secure the site. Surveillance systems will be used as needed. Security is needed to protect infrastructure, equipment and the landfill operations. The general public will not be allowed to access any part of the landfill disposal area.

Will there be regular trash clean up along the roads from trash blowing off of trucks?

The roads that will be under the company’s control will be kept clean and clear by the facility management team, but it is our hope that any loose trash will be minimal given that most of the waste that this facility will receive will be coming from secured (“tarped”) tractor trailers. We believe that we will be able to prevent as much loose trash as practically possible, and Green Ridge will sweep the entrance road daily on days it is open.

How will the landfill be regulated?

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality will regulate the landfill as outlined in the Virginia Solid Waste Management Regulations, 9VAC20-81. DEQ will conduct scheduled and unscheduled inspections as they deem necessary. Furthermore, Green Ridge will also be funding a local full-time County engineer employed by and answerable only to the County to serve as a liaison and landfill monitor. The DEQ Air Division and Water Division will also be overseeing various aspects of the operations.

How does the approval process work?

The approval process is a multi-stage process with multiple opportunities for public input. Generally, this is the process Green Ridge has been following.

• The law requires that the facility developer and local government forge a Host Agreement which outlines various conditions of development and operation of the facility.
• The facility developer requests the property be rezoned (if necessary) and seeks a conditional use permit from the Board of Supervisors for the development of the landfill and its associated infrastructure. This process is conducted in accordance with the locality’s land use ordinances and requires approval by the County Board of Supervisors.
• Upon approval of the conditional use permit, the developer can file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), notifying DEQ of the intent to permit a landfill. The NOI carries very specific submittal requirements, which are found at 9VAC20-81-450.B. In particular, the NOI must include a statement from the locality that the location and operation of the facility will be in accordance with all applicable local ordinances and in accordance with the solid waste plan. The NOI must also include a statement describing the steps taken to seek comments from the residents of the area where the landfill is proposed to be located regarding the siting and operation of the landfill. (There are many other requirements for submittal, which can also be found in the citation above.)
• Once the NOI is filed, the developer then prepares and submits the first part of the formal DEQ permitting application. The first part is identified as the “Part A”. This application provides the information essential for assessment of the site suitability for the proposed facility. Information on submittal requirements can be found at 9VAC20-81-450.C and at 9VAC20-81-460. Key to this submittal is the preparation of the site hydrogeologic and geotechnical reports, the landfill impact statement and an adequacy report from VDOT relative to transportation impacts.
• Once the Part A is approved, the developer prepares and submits the second part of the formal DEQ permitting application. The second part is identified as the “Part B.” This application involves the submission of the detailed engineering design and operating plans for the proposed facility. Information on submittal requirements can be found at 9VAC20-81-450.D and at 9VAC20-81-470. Key to this submittal is the development of detailed design plans, preparation of supporting calculations, development of descriptive narratives and identification of the financial assurance instrument to be used for the facility to address future closure and post closure care activities.
• The regional solid waste management plan must be modified to address the new facility and approved by the regional members and DEQ prior to final approval of the landfill permit.
• The DEQ permit application is coordinated with other regulatory agencies by DEQ.
• If the application is found to be technically acceptable and in full compliance with the regulations, a draft permit is developed by DEQ and a public comment period advertised. A public hearing shall be advertised and held by DEQ for a new facility.
• A decision to permit, to deny a permit or to modify the draft permit shall be rendered by the DEQ within 90 days of the close of the hearing comment period.
• Site Plans and Land Disturbance permits must be submitted to the local government and approved prior to construction.
• DEQ air permit application must be submitted and approved prior to construction.
• VDOT permit applications must be submitted and approved prior to construction.

How long will the approval process take?

The approval process for this landfill site can take anywhere from 12 to 36 months.

How can I get involved in the development process?

There have been, and will continue to be, opportunities to engage in discussion. Public notices will be made and distributed so that everyone in the community will be informed when and where the meetings will be taking place.

How can the public provide input on the proposed project?

There are prescribed opportunities through the permitting processes for public comment. In addition, at any time throughout the approval process, the public is encouraged to comment either through written comment or in-person during the Cumberland County and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality public meetings.

Will the facility create local jobs?

Yes. There will be a significant number of construction jobs related to the landfill. In addition, under the current permit the Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility will require approximately 16+ personnel in their operations. Any future expansion of the landfill could see up to 20 additional personnel required. Positions will include administrative staff, laborer, mechanics, equipment operators, and licensed CDL truck drivers. Green Ridge will give preference to qualified local residents when considering job applications. Green Ridge has also agreed to partner with the local community college to help set up a CDL and Mechanic education program, using the facility’s vehicles.

How many jobs will be created?

As currently permitted the Green Ridge Recycling and Disposal Facility will employ approximately 16 individuals for their operations. Jobs will include clerical, laborer, mechanics, equipment operators, and licensed CDL truck drivers Between constructing the facility and third-party ancillary services, there will be approximately 25 additional jobs. In addition, it is anticipated that over the lifetime of the landfill, construction costs will range from $125 million to $150 million, creating a significant opportunity for those in the construction industry.

What types of jobs will be onsite?

The landfill will require heavy equipment operators, licensed CDL truck drivers, mechanics, engineers, management and administrative staff, as well as general laborers.

What are the salary levels of employees?

The average annual salaries for our employees will exceed $60,000 per year with full benefits.

How many truckloads per day will there be?

Under the current permit we expect around 75 truckloads on average each day.

How will waste be transported to the site?

Waste will primarily be transported to the facility by tractor trailers from Green Ridge Virginia transfer stations; however there will also be several routed trash trucks per day and carloads from local residents from Cumberland County.

Will trucks be parked along the side of the road waiting to get in?

No. In fact, the Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) that was conducted for the entrance off Pinegrove Road showed that the traffic at the entrance road did not even warrant a turn lane into the facility (meaning that queuing onto Pinegrove Road was minimal).

Will dirt and mud be tracked onto the road from trucks leaving the site?

The access road from State Route 60 to the landfill is approximately 8,000 feet long. Green Ridge will keep this road free from dirt and mud through proper housekeeping within the facility and by sweeping the road periodically as needed. Because of the length of the access road and the ability of Green Ridge to keep this road clean, minimal mud should be tracked on to public roads.

What is being done to limit the odor from the facility?

While municipal solid waste consists of putrescible materials that will decompose and create methane gas and potentially odors, the use of sufficient daily cover and other operational methods (immediately covering a particularly odiferous waste, like a dead animal) is the best way to minimize odors from the landfill. Even more importantly, many, if not most, odor problems arise because landfills accept industrial or wastewater treatment plant sludges and reprocessed wall boards. Green Ridge will not accept either of these. Nor will Green Ridge recirculate its leachate. Control of the incoming waste stream, in particular these three items, will greatly minimize odor. In addition, there are mechanical systems that can control odor. The most important one is an active gas control system that removes gas from the landfill and flares it, eliminating odors. In addition, there are odor suppression systems that can be installed to provide additional odor management. Green Ridge will install an active gas system as soon as practical (dependent on waste volume and fill configuration) and consider the installation of other odor management systems if needed.

What will be done to control methane gas on the site?

Landfill gas is produced as putrescible/organic waste materials in the landfill decompose. Landfill gas is approximately 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide with a small amount of non-methane organic compounds. The rate of decomposition and the production of landfill gas is a function of the amount of waste material, moisture and temperature. Typically, in the first year of waste placement, the waste is under aerobic conditions and landfill gas will not be produced. However, at some point in time, conditions will become anaerobic and landfill gas will be produced. The rate of decomposition can be controlled through facility operations and management of the incoming waste stream. However, the facility will produce methane gas and the permit requires that the landfill have a gas management plan. Green Ridge will control the off-site migration of landfill gas through the liner and cover systems and is required to install a subsurface monitoring system at the property boundary. It will also install an active gas system as soon as practical (dependent on waste volume and fill configuration) that removes gas from the facility and flares it or utilizes it beneficially for energy production. The active gas system must be permitted and will be part of the facility’s air permit.

How will leachate be managed at the site?

Leachate is defined as the fluids that are generated by precipitation into the landfill. Green Ridge is required by regulation to have a leachate management plan (See 9VAC 20-81-201 and DEQ Submission Instruction 10). The plan must outline all design parameters for the leachate collection system (within the landfill cell), provide design for the leachate handling and storage system outside of the landfill cell, provide estimated quantities, outline storage requirements and provide design for the storage facilities, and identify any on-site or off-site treatment facilities. It is probable that this facility will collect their leachate and haul it to a permitted wastewater treatment plant. The facility or facilities have not been identified at this time. However, the permit for the facility must contain information from the receiving facilities that leachate from the facility will be accepted in the quantities projected. The receiving facility will set any testing requirements.

Any on-site treatment, which is not currently anticipated, would have to be fully permitted under the DEQ – VPDES permitting program with appropriate public notification.

How will Green Ridge manage stormwater at the site?

Stormwater management is a key element of the landfill permit as well as local site planning. Stormwater management will include appropriately sized conveyance channels and stormwater basins as well as erosion and sediment control elements. Design of the stormwater management system is based on DEQ and local requirements. Prior to construction, the County will also need to approve the stormwater management system for that aspect of construction.

Under 9VAC25-35-120A, the facility will be required to have a VPDES – General Stormwater Permit for Industrial Activities – Sector L or an individual permit for point source stormwater runoff. The VPDES permit includes monitoring and reporting requirements for characterization of stormwater runoff from identified point source discharges, typically the outfall from the stormwater basins. The VPDES requires the preparation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan which includes additional inspection requirements.

How will runoff from heavy rainfall events be managed?

Sizing of all stormwater management structures must meet specific criteria for prescribed weather events. Care will be given to all control structures to assure adequacy in the case of significant rainfall events. Storm water by permit and local ordinance must be collected in basins prior to discharge off-site and the adequacy of off-site receiving channels verified.

What happens if the liner leaks?

Landfill liner systems are prescribed by US EPA and DEQ regulations. The liner systems outlined in the regulations were developed by noted scientists and engineers prior to becoming regulation. These systems offer the highest level of protection and have been adopted not only in the United States but also across the world. Liner designs are certified by a professional engineer registered in Virginia. Liner installation is also completed under a rigorous quality control/quality assurance program and final documentation must be certified by a professional engineer that the work was completed in accordance with all permit conditions and the regulations.

A key component of the liner system, in addition to the membrane and clay protective layers, is the leachate collection system, which is designed and maintained to remove fluids that could leak through the liner system. By regulation, the depth that fluids that can “pool” on the liner is minimized to reduce the potential to create pressure that could cause a leak.

With that said, the US EPA and DEQ require an “early warning system” should the liner leak. This system consists of a series of groundwater monitoring wells, scientifically located based on the subsurface conditions identified in the Part A, to intersect any potential contamination from a leak in the landfill liner system. Should evidence of a leak be identified the facility will be required to develop a corrective action plan that will assure the protection of human health and the environment.

What are the chances that it could leak?

In establishing regulations relative to landfill liner design, the US EPA and DEQ have acknowledged that it is possible but improbable that a landfill liner will leak at some time. The liner system is designed as a composite system with an underlying clay component and an overlying membrane with a leachate collection and removal system. A puncture or seam failure in the membrane would be “sealed” by the underlying clay liner and the leachate collection and removal system would be sufficient to draw large quantities of fluids away from the leakage point. In addition, there is an early warning groundwater monitoring system in place to identify any changes in the groundwater. Thus, while there is a small chance that the liner could leak, it is highly unlikely, and there are redundant systems in place to monitor and mitigate impact to human health or the environment from any leakage.

Will the facility have bright lights?

Green Ridge will have several different types of lighting requirements. They are identified as follows:

• Lighting along access road
• • Lighting at scales and office area, maintenance facility and other key areas (e.g. leachate management system; active gas collection system.)
• Lights at the working face of the landfill

The Conditional Use Permit addresses lighting requirements for the facility. The County will have the opportunity to approve lighting plans when final site plans are submitted for review.

What measures will be taken to ensure that a facility fire can be put out quickly?

To ensure that a landfill fire can be put out quickly, daily cover material (dirt and Rusmar foam) is stored close to the landfill’s working face which will allow for any potential fires to be quickly extinguished. Also, all of the heavy equipment on the landfill site will be equipped with fire extinguishers on board with the operators. There will also be an on-site water truck (mainly used to suppress dust), that can be utilized if need be to help extinguish any potential fires. A fire contingency plan must be included in the facility’s operations manual and placed on file with first responders.

How long is Green Ridge responsible for leaks or other damage after the site is closed?

Green Ridge is responsible for monitoring and maintaining the landfill site in accordance with its permitted Post Closure Care Plan for at least 30 years after closure is certified. Under the DEQ regulations, the owner of a disposal facility is responsible for posting Financial Assurance with DEQ in an amount sufficient to cover the post closure care period should the owner fail to meet its permit obligations. Financial Assurance regulations are found under 9VAC20-70.

Who owns the land once the landfill is closed?

Green Ridge will continue to own the land after the landfill is closed, with the exception of the 25 acres that will be donated to Cumberland County for recreational purposes.