Monitoring Controls

Leachate Collection and Management System

Leachate is liquid, primarily rainwater, which passes through the waste. The leachate collection zone, which is comprised of a 24-inch layer of sand and a series of collection pipes that are surrounded by an aggregate envelope, conveys the flow of leachate over the liner so it can be efficiently removed from the landfill. The leachate is drained to collection sumps where automated pumps remove it and transport it to an above-ground holding tank. This non-hazardous liquid, is then hauled offsite to a wastewater treatment plant for proper treatment and disposal.

The facility further ensures groundwater protection by routinely sampling and analyzing groundwater collected from onsite from monitoring wells.

Storm Water Runoff

Silt fence, rock dams, sediment ponds, erosion control mats, mulch and other best management practices are routinely used to manage storm water runoff at the Turkey Run Landfill. Furthermore, surface or storm water is routinely monitored in accordance with the Georgia Storm water Permits.

Landfill Gas Collection and Control System

Waste Management uses the most advanced gas monitoring equipment to ensure landfill gas emissions do not exceed the Georgia Environmental Protection Department (GEPD) and EPA regulations. Landfill gas is a greenhouse gas and is generated through the decomposition of waste in landfills and offers a clean renewable energy resource. Pine Bluff Landfill collects the gas through a network of gas extraction wells. The collected gas is used as a renewable energy resource to power local business operations in the area.

Odor Control

The Turkey Run Landfill seeks to minimize odors in many ways. Because landfill odors may be created by the decomposition of waste, the landfill employs a dynamic gas collection and control system. This system uses multiple gas extraction wells to safely collect and remove naturally forming methane gases from waste. Gases collected through the extraction system is used as a renewable energy resource to power to power local business operations in the area or burned by high-temperature flares located on the site. Pine Bluff further minimizes odors by covering newly deposited waste with a thick layer of soil, operating deodorized mister systems and by monitoring potentially odorous wastes deposited at the site.