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Commissioners receive update on Sandpoint Landfill — cells filling faster than expected, tire shredder in use
Summary
Landfill staff reported the active cell nearing capacity sooner than forecast, described operations, convenience stations and a county‑purchased tire shredder now used to create cover material; the county is exploring 80 more acres from BLM to extend life.
County landfill staff briefed the Eddy County Commissioner's Court on operations at Sandpoint Landfill, including active cell capacity, daily operations, tire‑shredding and plans to secure additional acreage for long‑term capacity.
Fabian Gomez, Sandpoint Landfill manager, told the court the site is currently using Cell 5 for most incoming commercial trash and finishing Cell 6’s initial “fluff” layer required by the New Mexico Environment Department before compacted waste can be placed. He said Cell 5 is roughly two‑thirds to three‑quarters full and has been receiving waste faster than earlier life estimates.
Gomez reviewed operational details: the landfill is open Monday through Saturday with a scale house that handles gate intake; the public address is listed on the county website; the facility enforces length limits on polypipe, lay flat waterline and cables to reduce equipment damage; and the county’s current commercial rate is $32 per ton for Eddy County customers and $60 per ton for out‑of‑county loads (tires priced separately).
Gomez said the county purchased a tire shredder (funded in fiscal year 2023‑24) and has used it to shred an estimated 95,000 tires; shredded tire material is permitted by the New Mexico Environment Department as cover material and has been hauled to the active cell top to replace purchased cover aggregate. He said maintenance on the shredder is ongoing and that a routine re‑face of cutter knives runs several thousand dollars.
Staff described an inspection by the New Mexico Environment Department that rated the landfill on litter control, permitting and documentation, traffic flow, safety, daily cover and other items; Gomez said the site achieved strong ratings and credited daily litter control, dust control and an upsized 8‑inch water line for improved operations.
County staff said convenience stations and rotating public bins across the county (about 48 containers, with the busiest locations identified) have reduced illegal roadside dumping, and staff highlighted recent moves to expand a container site near the fairgrounds in Artesia from four to eight bins, plus a tire collection area.
On future capacity, the county is conducting archaeological and land‑use studies with the Bureau of Land Management on an adjacent 80‑acre parcel. Staff said acquisition of that parcel would extend landfill life substantially — staff estimated on the order of decades if obtained — but emphasized the studies and approvals are ongoing.
No formal board action was taken; the presentation was informational and staff asked commissioners to note operational changes and continued attention to cell planning and maintenance.
