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County landfill updates: DEQ monitoring changes increase lab costs; staff recommend timing for closed-cell seeding
Summary
Rocky Mountain Environmental and county landfill staff told commissioners that new DEQ data-validation and narrative requirements will raise groundwater monitoring costs (roughly 30%); staff reported tire shipments, ongoing equipment repairs, and urged timely seeding of closed cells before muddy season.
Jefferson County received an update on landfill groundwater monitoring and operational matters from Rocky Mountain Environmental and county landfill staff.
Rocky Mountain Environmental explained that the Department of Environmental Quality expects more detailed narratives and statistical data validation in groundwater monitoring reports. The change will add laboratory and analysis cost, which the vendor estimated could increase reporting expenses by roughly 30 percent; county staff said the increased cost is still far less than assessment monitoring, which requires testing for many more constituents.
Landfill manager Brandy reported the county shipped unrimmed tires to Liberty Tire and is exploring options for on-site cover material (a sand/gravel pile); she recommended caution on trading or selling the pile unless the buyer certifies material composition. Brandy also said a DEQ inspector is scheduled to visit and that biosolids shipments have been delayed by truck availability and temperature constraints. Commissioners discussed timing and seed choices for seeding closed cells; staff recommended seeding before the mud/snow season to protect cover integrity and worker safety.
The board asked staff to continue monitoring DEQ requirements, push for cost-effective monitoring frequencies (twice yearly if possible) and report back on any required changes to the landfill operating plan.
