EPA orders firebreaks to be installed at landfill
The Times-Reporter
EAST SPARTA - Countywide Recycling and Disposal Facility in Pike Township, Stark County, has been instructed by Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director Chris Korleski to install a firebreak between cells 8A and 8B.
The letter from Korleski was sent Monday. In the letter he instructed Republic Services of Florida, Countywide’s parent company, to install a firebreak as an interim fire suppression measure.
Countywide submitted data on March 28 in correlation with the OEPA director’s final findings and orders. Analysis of the data led the director to conclude that the fire is migrating beyond the original 88 acres and possibly into the expansion area (cell 7). Cell 8B is a new cell being prepared for future waste disposal.
Korleski said the firebreak is required to be installed to protect human health, safety and environment.
According to the information provided, OEPA has not yet determined an ultimate remedy for the continued underground heating. Ohio EPA and Countywide officials plan to meet next week to work out the details on installing the firebreak.
According to Mike Settles, OEPA’s media relations coordinator, the firebreak does not mean excavating waste from the site.
“The liners and leachate system are connected to the original site and they must be separated to stop underground heating from eating through the new waste,” Settles said.
Countywide was given 180 days, beginning in March, to submit updated engineering plans and other information needed to modify the landfill’s permit. Korleski has extended that deadline to April 1.
“It could take longer than the April 1 deadline to get all the data in order,” Settles said.
In another matter, Countywide’s quarterly air report stated that air sampling results indicate no evidence of a chronic or acute threat to public health from chemical reactions. Independent contractor Lawhon and Associates of Columbus performed the tests.
An odor update on the OEPA’s Web site states that Countywide occasionally is drilling into former waste disposal areas. While the company is taking measures to control odors, the drilling activity has the potential to cause noticeable odors off-site.
Settles also said the OEPA has received more than 100 comments concerning the 36 projects proposed by the community for funding via the Community Benefit Project fund. Korleski will evaluate the proposals and make a decision on which projects to fund.
Countywide officials were not available for comment.
