In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the operational challenges faced by the local landfill following an influx of debris from recent fires and floods. Under normal circumstances, the landfill processes between 60 to 70 vehicles daily, handling approximately 70,000 tons of waste annually. However, since July 1, the landfill has seen a significant increase in activity, processing 3,879 loads of fire-related debris over 65 workdays, totaling nearly 40,000 tons.

This surge translates to an average of 600 additional tons of waste per day, nearly doubling the typical volume. The landfill's operations have been strained, as the weight of the fire loads is almost twice that of regular garbage truck loads. In just three months, the landfill accepted 56,000 tons of waste, which is equivalent to nine months of standard operations.

Officials highlighted the importance of managing space within the landfill, particularly in Cell 5, to accommodate both the increased fire debris and regular waste. They noted that while other landfills, such as those in Roswell and Mesa Verde, are accepting some debris, their intake is minimal compared to the local facility.

The meeting also addressed the unique requirements set by FEMA, which mandates the removal of six inches of topsoil along with debris, contributing to the heavier loads. As the situation evolves, officials indicated the possibility of implementing a cap on the number of fire-related vehicle loads to ensure sufficient space for ongoing waste management needs.