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Montezuma County weighs joining landfill coalition to challenge state methane rule; rental shredder secured to remain compliant
Summary
County staff said they will join a coalition led by Mesa County to participate in CDPHE landfill methane rulemaking and discussed an immediate rental of a shredder to meet operational needs; the county considered an initial $10,000 pledge but deferred a final funding commitment.
Montezuma County staff told commissioners they intend to join a coalition of counties and public-entity landfill operators planning to participate in Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) rulemaking on landfill methane monitoring and control.
Staff reported they discussed the proposed rules at a recent Colorado Counties, Inc. meeting and that Mesa County is leading the effort to form a unified public-entity position and to hire outside counsel. Authorities leading the coalition presented three contribution tiers; staff said an initial “bronze” pledge of up to $10,000 was a reasonable starting point and recommended the county consider joining the steering committee at higher pledge levels to secure a formal role.
The county’s landfill manager said the proposed rule could require significant operational changes — including gas collection system requirements triggered by “waste in place” calculations rather than measured methane generation — and that the new rule would increase compliance costs. The manager said the county must perform a scheduled tier 2 methane test in 2026 and described limits of practical mitigation options such as intermediate cover.
Commissioners and staff discussed financing options if the landfill enterprise fund lacks budgeted funds for coalition contributions; staff suggested pledges would be shared among participating counties and that a definitive county pledge was needed by June 13. No final monetary commitment was approved at the workshop.
Separately, staff said the county is renting a Tana shredder locally through 4 Rivers to replace equipment previously available through another vendor. The manager said the machine was en route to the county and that rental insurance and paperwork were being finalized; staff reported this rental is already budgeted in landfill operations and does not require additional board approval.
Staff said they would return to commissioners with a final pledge amount for the coalition and any related budget adjustments for formal action at an upcoming meeting.
