Landfill compliance update: new cell complete, gas flow and Muskego HHW site remain issues
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Summary
At its Jan. 5 meeting, the Muskego City Landfill Standing Committee heard that a new landfill cell is complete but awaiting DNR approval, gas quality has been low, soil deliveries from a Journal Sentinel project are being used for cover, and efforts to restore a permanent Muskego HHW collection site remain stalled despite vendor negotiations.
The Muskego City Landfill Standing Committee received operational updates Jan. 5, including completion of a new cell that is not yet approved, lower‑than‑expected gas quality readings, and continued use of incoming soils for cover and slope work.
The compliance officer reported that the new Phase 7 southwest cell is built but remains pending DNR document review before final approval. "Phase 8 has filled enough where we're only really gonna see overlay," the compliance officer said, adding that side‑slope changes for Phase 5 east were approved and that contractor work will use soils to prepare for the final cap.
Committee members were told gas quality has "been a little low," with delivery reported in the transcript as "between 918 hundred CFM" (as stated by staff). Tonnage deliveries have increased but remain below the 2,000‑ton daily level that had previously been discussed. A GFL representative said trucks are bringing landfill‑direct soils from the Journal Sentinel building at 41st and Burnham, and that the material is being used for cover and to maximize remaining airspace in Phase 6.
Well testing was completed; staff said results were mailed Dec. 15 and that 11 residents elected to participate after more than 35 letters were sent. Contractors are exporting clay stockpiles from Cell 8 work as part of broader soil management.
On household hazardous waste collection in Muskego, staff summarized several years of efforts to identify a new permanent site after Emerald Park closed in 2023. Waste vendor negotiations (with Waste Management and Veolia) required revisions on collection frequency, insurance/subrogation, monitoring expectations and cost allocation. Staff said the county and vendors have now completed major edits and the agreement has been vetted by corporation counsel and risk managers; it is with vendors for their approval.
Committee members pressed for interim options — one‑day or periodic collections — but staff cautioned that temporary events carry the same licensing, insurance and staffing obligations as permanent sites and can be costly. Members pointed to other communities that run successful one‑day collections, but staff said those communities often have DPW drop sites and vendor facilitation that Muskego lacks.
Mayor (unnamed in the transcript) also announced that Mark Slocombe resigned from the committee after 27 years of service; the mayor said the city attorney will review the process to fill the committee seat and the chairmanship.
The committee reviewed payments with no questions and confirmed the next meeting for April 13. No further action was taken on establishing a Muskego HHW permanent site at this meeting.
