During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing challenges related to debris management from the Upper Canyon and Salt Fires at the Otero GreenTree Landfill. Joe Lewandowski, a representative from the landfill, provided an update on the situation, emphasizing that while no immediate action was required from the commissioners, staff would continue to manage the debris influx.

Lewandowski clarified that the landfill is not solely owned by the city of Alamogordo but is a collaborative effort between two solid waste authorities: the Green Tree Solid Waste Authority and the Otero County Solid Waste Authority. This partnership, established in 1993, has allowed for efficient management of waste from multiple municipalities.

The recent fires and subsequent flooding have resulted in significant damage, with approximately 1,400 structures affected—far exceeding the 300 structures impacted during previous incidents. Cleanup efforts have been ongoing since July, with the landfill receiving debris since that time. Lewandowski noted that the volume of debris has been unprecedented, prompting the need for an evaluation of the landfill's capacity after 60 to 90 days of operations.

Despite the overwhelming workload, Lewandowski praised the landfill staff for their exceptional performance, even while operating with limited resources. He highlighted the necessity of constructing a new cell at the landfill to accommodate the increased waste. The planning for this new cell began prior to the fires, with engineering work already underway.

The construction of the new cell is expected to take 12 to 18 months and will involve a complex process, including environmental reviews and a bidding process for contractors. The estimated cost for this project ranges from $1.3 million to $1.5 million. Lewandowski reassured the commissioners that there is currently sufficient airspace in the existing cell to manage waste until the new cell is operational.

Overall, the meeting underscored the landfill's critical role in managing debris from natural disasters and the collaborative efforts of local authorities to ensure effective waste management in the face of increasing challenges.