Ohio EPA grants landfill expansion

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has granted a permit to Tunnel Hill Partners LP for an expansion of its landfill in New Lexington, Ohio. The state EPA also agreed to a modification of its wastewater discharge permit.

The final solid waste permit allows for a lateral and vertical expansion of the 544-acre landfill. It will bring the landfill’s footprint to 118 acres from its current 11.7, although it was previously approved for 49 acres, the Ohio EPA said in a statement.

The permit also increases the landfill’s maximum authorized daily waste receipt to 8,000 tons from 5,000. If it took 8,000 tons a day, it would have a life of 11.5 years.

The modification of the landfill’s wastewater discharge permit was required because the surface area contributing storm water runoff to the sediment pond will change. Landfill leachate is not permitted to go to the sediment pond.

The landfill is in Perry County in southeast Ohio and spans Pike, Harrison and Clayton townships.