Waste is brought to the landfill by vehicles that collect it from households and businesses throughout the county. Vehicles are weighed at the scales and directed to the proper area, for disposal.
The waste is compacted by large machines to insure maximum utilization of air space.
At the end of each day the waste is covered with dirt by landfill personnel. This process continues for six days a week, 310 days a year.
Over a period of time the waste that is in the landfill emits landfill gas which is a common occurrence in nature when material decomposes. This gas, which is known as methane, contributes to global warming. Cumberland County Solid Waste Management in its efforts to be good steward's of the environment enlisted the help of DTE Biomass Energy to collect methane gas.
A leachate pond collects liquid that has been filtered through the decomposed waste in the landfill. This liquid is then drained off and deposited into the leachate pond. This waste goes into the sanitary sewer and is processed by PWC. These ponds are an important aspect of landfill operations otherwise, the liquid could possibly get back into the water table.
Sedimentation ponds are a necessity of landfill operations. They collect rain water run off. The water is filtered through a riser pipe ensuring that silt (cloudy water with dirt particles in it) does not get into the rivers and streams.
This picture depicts on the left -- the current cells of the landfill (where the waste is deposited); on the right -- the old landfill (it was closed in 1998); and in the center -- the land to be used for the new cells.
The landfill is being developed in phases; new cells are constructed as needed. Prior to construction, testing is performed to determine ground water level and materials that can be used in the construction of the new cells. Once this information is determined, the area is excavated and lined with clay and plastic liners. When construction of the cells is completed, then waste may be disposed of in the cells.
