Transylvania County says Phase 7 landfill cell about 60% complete; $7M state grant covers most of $9.9M project

Interim Solid Waste Director Chad Owenby told the Transylvania County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 23 that construction of the Phase 7 landfill cell is roughly 60% complete and is scheduled to finish “on June 8, 2026, weather permitting.” The project’s total budget is $9.9 million, and Owenby said $7 million of that comes from a state grant.

The new cell is permitted for approximately 536,000 cubic yards of capacity. Owenby explained that the estimate of about six years of remaining capacity assumes typical compaction efficiency and current waste volumes, and he cautioned that compaction rates, waste type and operational practices can materially change the lifespan.

The presentation compared Transylvania County’s 2025 municipal solid waste tonnage (about 30,700 tons) with higher volumes in neighboring counties, noting that the county’s smaller operation yields higher per-ton disposal costs. Staff told the Board they will complete a series of studies to evaluate long-term disposal options over a 20–25-year planning horizon, including transfer stations, incineration and continued landfilling; those studies will consider capital and operating costs, revenue potential and impacts on service levels or fees.

Board members asked about timetables and the assumptions behind the six-year estimate. Owenby said staff will continue to monitor compaction, tonnage trends and grant opportunities and will return to the Board with updated projections as needed. He also noted the county has a seven-year history of minimal state inspection deficiencies for the landfill.

The presentation concluded as part of the FY 2027 budget kickoff; no formal action on the Phase 7 project was required that evening.