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DEQ: elevated landfill temperatures, leachate and wall stability drive urgent risk
Summary
DEQ told the board elevated temperatures at the Shoesmith Landfill are increasing leachate production and odor, changing gas chemistry, and adding pressure to a 50–60 foot retaining wall; DEQ said these conditions make leachate removal and capping urgent.
DEQ Director Mike Roban told the Chesterfield board that the Shoesmith Landfill shows an elevated-temperature condition that increases leachate production, causes anaerobic chemistry and odors, and reduces methane production that otherwise could be sold. "We had temperature readings that started getting too high ... and this condition ... creates all sorts of problems," Roban said, adding that leachate removal is required to cool the waste mass and lower risks to the retaining wall and nearby homes.
Officials showed photos of seeps and gas wells and described a mechanically stabilized earth wall adjacent to gaining streams and nearby houses. Roban said recent consultant surveys did not show movement in the wall but warned that leachate-driven internal changes could increase pressure on the structure; DEQ and the trustee continue monitoring groundwater, surface water and the wall itself.
