DEXTER — Although a construction permit for the expansion of a Dexter landfill which accepts trash from local cities was recently denied, there’s no need to worry of a closing anytime soon.
The state recently denied a permit for a horizontal expansion of Lemons Landfill in Dexter, which accepts trash from towns from Fruitland through Cardwell and Charleston through Puxico.
“Most landfills apply for these things way ahead of time,” said Andrea Morrow, public information officer for the Solid Waste Management Program through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, which approves the permits. “They’ve got some empty cells now that they can still fill and they’re not in danger of running out of space anytime soon.”
Dan Rigazio. general manager at Lemons Landfill, agreed. “We plan for an expansion several years in advance,” he said.
The lifespan of the current space varies from day to day. “It depends on how much volume we’re bringing in,” said Rigazio. However, he said that, based on volume from 2007, the landfill should have about 10 more years of space in it.
But, Rigazio also pointed out that less waste was transported to the landfill last year than in 2006, so he estimated there to be closer to seven or eight years of space remaining at the Dexter location.
Lemons currently has 75 acres permitted for landfill disposables, and has held a permit since 1994, according to Rigazio. The permit asked for an additional 33 acres of airspace, which would make the L-shaped landfill more of a rectangular shape, he said.
It’s not too common for permits to be denied — typically, the DNR nixes one a year, said Morrow.
She said the permit was denied for a few reasons, but primarily that the landfill did not prove it had enough liner-quality soil. “That’s the soil that is used to create the liner of expansion,” she explained.
When building a landfill, there are two feet of compacted clay lined by a puncture-resistant plastic sheet, about the same thickness as a compact disc. These liners are intended to keep liquid from rotting garbage from seeping into the groundwater.
When the DNR denied the permit, officials sent a letter explaining what the landfill needs to do to ensure the permit is correct and addresses all the problems when it reapplies.
“Obviously, if they can get enough soil and show us that they have enough liner soil, that would help,” said Morrow, noting the landfill can reapply at any time.
Rigazio said the changes that need to be made to the application were clearly defined. “We’ll respond to the DNR’s questions and concerns and resubmit within 30 days,” he said.
After it is submitted, the DNR has 12 months to approve or deny the construction permit. But it’s not the only step, she pointed out. Following construction, the landfill must apply for an operating permit. But Morrow said the landfill shouldn’t encounter any problems in getting that approved “as long as they follow all the guidelines.”
