DeKalb approves Seminole landfill grassing contract; commissioners press for composting and odor fixes

The DeKalb County Public Works & Infrastructure committee approved a two‑year contract, with three annual renewal options, to stabilize slopes and continue grassing at the Seminole Road landfill.

Shravan Singh, assistant director of sanitation, said the county recommended Brown Management Services Enterprises for slope stabilization and grassing under a low-bid arrangement not to exceed $201,102. Singh shared comparative imagery showing improvements after prior work and said hydroseeding was considered but rejected for cost reasons; the selected approach uses tilling, seeding and matting designed for landfill slopes.

Commissioner Terry used the discussion to press sanitation staff on odor control and diversion strategies. "If we reduce the amount of food waste going into the landfill and divert that to a composting system, would that reduce odors?" he asked. Singh explained methane itself is odorless and that non‑methane organic compounds (NMOCs) and other compounds cause smells; he reiterated that daily cover, gas-collection maintenance and well tuning are routine controls and that the county operates a gas‑to‑energy plant handling part of collected gas while the remainder is flared.

Terry also proposed using perennial wildflower or meadow mixes to reduce repeated seeding and to create pollinator habitat and improved aesthetics. Singh said the department’s design-and-operations plan currently limits wildflowers but staff plan to propose additions to the county’s DNO plan renewal to Georgia EPD next year.

Commissioners asked that staff include cost comparisons for perennials vs conventional seeding when the plan is updated and to return with phasing and implementation details. The committee approved the grassing contract and directed staff to provide follow-up information to the commission.