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Commission presses for solutions after leachate outbreaks; slip-lining and stent options discussed
Summary
Commission staff and Republic engineers described repeated leachate outbreaks in module A, discussed monitoring limits and proposed fixes including slip-lining a 6-inch pipe with a 3–4-inch liner or using a stent/rod to restore flow.
County and contractor representatives told the commission they have documented leachate outbreaks and a likely disconnect in a leachate conveyance that could allow leachate to pond above the liner in module A.
County staff summarized the technical concern: a connector appeared to be “disconnected and broken” and CCTV images show a band holding the connector “hanging loose.” She said the regulator’s response assumed the permittee knew about the issue; staff said that assumption is incorrect.
Staff warned the commission the state rule allows one foot of leachate on a liner and that, without a riser, the commission cannot reliably measure leachate depth in module A. She explained the risk: “the concern, basically, that leachate can be building up, building up, building up in there, compromising the liner and or leaking or doing pushing its way out into other places, and there’s no way to measure it or know if it’s over a foot or less than a foot until something has really built up and potentially is problematic.”
Engineers and vendors described two technical repair approaches: a slip-line in which a smaller, slotted pipe (a vendor recommended a minimum 3-inch steel slotted liner) is advanced through the existing 6-inch pipe and grouted in place to provide a pass-through; and a stent (rod) approach to re-align or pierce the apparent disconnect. Staff said the slip-line approach is intended to allow “full, you know, screening pass through of anything that is in the waste column.”
On inspection and maintenance: staff proposed quarterly cleaning and jetting of risers and side risers for long-term monitoring, describing the intent to “budget for” quarterly cleaning of the side risers and cleanouts to reduce the chance of blockages.
No new formal engineering authorization was adopted at the meeting; staff said Republic’s engineers will propose options and cost estimates and that temporary pumping or other non-disruptive fixes may be feasible while construction continues. Staff said they expect Republic to return technical proposals before the next meeting.
Ending: Commissioners asked to be provided camera evidence, sampling and monitoring updates, and any proposed repair plans in writing before the next meeting.
