Landfill operator works to suppress C&D odors amid complaints, fines

Operators at Allied Waste Services, who oversee a 377-acre landfill in Niagara Falls, New York, have been fighting to suppress odors in the face of persistent complaints from area residents, a report by The Buffalo News says. Allied Waste Services General Manager Joseph Zwirecki has told Town of Niagara officials that the company has taken steps to rectify the problem, but that there is “no simple fix.”

The site, which accepts nonhazardous construction and demolition (C&D) debris, has drawn complaints regarding a sulfuric, garbage-like odor emanating from the premises. Due to the smell of the decomposing debris, Allied was fined $75,000 by the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) this past October.

Although the debris cover is topped with six inches of soil, Allied has had to take more proactive measures to suppress fumes. Zwirecki told Town of Niagara officials Dec. 6 that the company is working with the DEC to complete daily odor patrols to monitor the issue. Allied is also working to fix loose or cracked pipes as part of their facility maintenance.

Allied has invested $10 million since 2015 to cap 45 acres of the property. The company has earmarked an additional $5 million for enhancements to the facility. Additionally, Zwirecki says the company installed 17 carbon filters in 2017 at an investment of $200,000, while a gas-collection system has been burning gas for the past week in an attempt to suppress the debris fumes.

Complicating the matter is Allied’s proximity to other industrial complexes, which may be contributing to the smell. According to Deputy Supervisor Charles Teixeira, who recently toured Allied’s facility, “I don’t believe it’s (the smell) all from one source,” The Buffalo News says.

Officials from the Town of Niagara will be meeting at Allied next month to discuss the issue.