Fines Possible at Amarillo Landfill Due to Venting Issues

For years, these vented pipes have been used at the Amarillo City Landfill to expel gas created by decaying garbage — a process approved by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for low-producing landfills. But as the city continues to grow, so does the amount of trash it throws away, and the vented orange pipes are no longer a viable way to deal with the excess gases. Last year, the Amarillo landfill exceeded the limits of gas production that allow it to use the simple venting system.

Because of that overage, a gas collection and control system must be installed, costing the city about $5.5 million.

As Amarillo City Council members are siphoning through nearly $1 billion in capital needs, prioritizing needs versus wants and what can be done now as compared to later, the millions needed at the landfill have been stamped as a priority.

“It’s a tough one,” Councilman Mark Nair said.