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County weighs joining landfill methane rulemaking coalition; rents Tana shredder amid equipment constraints
Summary
Commissioners discussed joining a multi-county coalition to respond to Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE) proposed methane rules and considered an initial pledge; staff also confirmed rental of a Tana shredder to maintain landfill operations.
Montezuma County staff briefed commissioners on a multi-county coalition being organized to participate in CDPHE landfill methane rulemaking and asked the board to pledge funds to support outside counsel and coordinated technical response. Staff also reported that the county will rent a Tana shredder to meet current operational needs.
Coalition and rulemaking: Staff said Mesa County and Garfield County are leading a coalition of public entities that own landfills to coordinate rulemaking response and to hire outside counsel experienced in CDPHE rule processes. The coalition offered tiered pledge levels: a bronze up-to-$10,000 level, a silver $10,001–$20,000 level, and a higher ($20,000–$30,000) tier that guarantees a steering-committee seat. Staff recommended an initial pledge of $10,000 and asked commissioners to authorize a pledge by June 13.
Staff and commissioners discussed the substance of the proposed rule and its implications for Montezuma County. Staff said an upcoming Tier 2 methane test required in 2026 will show methane levels at the landfill; on an EPA scale the county’s current reading is about 3 compared with a 34 threshold cited for requiring a gas-collection system. Staff warned that the draft rule could require installation of collection systems based on “waste in place” regardless of measured methane generation, a step that would carry high capital and operational costs and could be legally contested.
Shredder rental and operational notes: Staff said the county is down to one viable shredder make/model for its landfill work (the Tana), and that the county will rent a Tana unit through 4 Rivers (which purchased a regional dealer) to complete near-term work. The unit was being moved into position and will be rented for roughly one month; staff said rental and insurance paperwork was being finalized.
Why it matters: If the final CDPHE rule requires gas-collection systems based on waste-in-place, it could force costly capital investments on smaller county landfills even where methane production is low. Participating in the coalition allows the county to share legal and technical expertise and to influence rule language.
What’s next: Commissioners said they would examine available funds and consider a formal pledge at the next meeting. Staff will follow up with a proposed pledge amount for approval and noted the coalition deadline for an initial pledge and focus items was June 13.
Ending: The county paused on a final financial commitment while agreeing to pursue coalition participation; landfill staff secured short-term equipment rental to maintain operations.
