Since receiving the Ohio EPA Final Findings & Orders on May 3, we have been working diligently and have completed several key action items meeting all compliance dates. As promised, we will continue to keep you all informed as we continue to comply with the Final Orders. Construction site activities are coming along nicely with many nearing completion.
Synthetic Cap Extension Near Completion: In accordance with the order we have nearly completed the extension of the synthetic cap. This is a proactive measure that should further enhance our control of odors. Construction activities include soil grading, laying geotextile and seaming panels of the synthetic material over the area and placement of the green wind defender material over the top. Photos capturing the work have be posted on the website showing our progress. The cap will be completed no later than August 31st. During this week, we are conducting additional construction in the area which may contribute to periodic odors. Work is being done quickly as possible and we anticipate it will provide additional odor control.
Drilling Complete for Necessary Updates to the Gas Well Collection Network: While the new landfill gas extraction wells in the next phase of the proposed cap area were completed and vacuum applied in late June, as part of our normal construction process, we are continuing with well installation in other areas of the landfill. No drilling work is occurring over weekends but employees are on site for daily inspections. All drilling should be completed by early September.
Air Monitoring Enhancements: We continue with sampling of our ambient air monitoring, adding more monitors and conducting more laboratory testing to ensure the air in and around the landfill is safe for our employees and our neighbors. RAPCA is conducting periodic monitoring in the community during these activities. RAPCA has updated their website with the ambient air monitoring data and community air monitoring data and will update the site with new results as they are received and after they have undergone Ohio EPA review. More information can be found at http://www.rapca.org/programs/air-quality-monitoring/stoney-hollow-sampling.
Odor Surveillance: We continue to conduct odor surveillance three times a day, seven days a week. Results are maintained on site and available for agency inspection. Since activating the cap in late January, we have seen promising results. The third-party consultant has reported a decrease in intensity and scope of odors in the daily odor surveys. As we continue construction and maintenance work, we issue potential odor alert notifications when we expect the potential for off-site odors.
Odor Management Plan: The order sets clear guidelines and measurement criteria that must be met before the Ohio EPA will give approval for any changes.
Here is a link to the orders on the Ohio EPA public document website: http://edocpub.epa.ohio.gov/publicportal/ViewDocument.aspx?docid=616708