EPA, Public, Private Groups Agree to Landfill, Recycling Improvements In Puerto Rico

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the owner/operator of a landfill in Moca, Puerto Rico, have agreed to steps to improve the landfill operationally and environmentally, and to expand the municipal recycling program.

Moca Eco-Park Corp. and the Moca municipality have agreed, with EPA oversight, to improve landfill operations, enhance the local recycling program, protect a sensitive ecosystem and plan for the future closure of the landfill, according to an EPA news release.

Moca also will create a composting program for the municipality. It will be designed by the EPA with community input and will be aimed at minimizing the disposal of recyclables, white goods, and food and yard waste. Moca also will develop an educational program to instruct the public about the recycling initiative.

Improvements at the landfill include managing storm water and installing a landfill gas control system. The public and private sector organizations will inspect incoming loads to keep hazardous waste, appliances and other unwanted materials out of the landfill. And it will not expand the landfill into environmentally sensitive areas, including the Karst Forest.

The landfill receives an average of 300 tons of waste per day, from several municipalities and private waste haulers.

During inspections, the EPA determined that the landfill lacked adequate security and environmental controls.