OEPA Recommends Stark County Propose to Deny License
For Release: February 21, 2007
Media Contact: Mike Settles, (614) 644-2160
Citizen Contact: Andrea Zacharias, (614) 644-2160
Countywide Landfill's Annual Operating License
In a letter to the Stark County Health Department, Korleski determined Countywide Landfill (3619 Gracemont Street S.W.,East Sparta) is not in substantial compliance with Ohio's environmental laws. Specifically, the facility continues to emit nuisance odors; has failed to immediately extinguish or control a subsurface fire; and has experienced landfill temperatures that exceed performance standards.
Korleski also announced he intends to draft Findings and Orders that would require the facility to take aggressive measures to eliminate the unusual underground conditions and nuisance odors.
"My primary objective is to eliminate nuisance odors that have plagued local citizens and prevented them from enjoying their homes and communities," said Korleski. "If Republic Services agrees to new orders, I would consider the company to be on a schedule to achieve compliance."
In order to receive an annual license, Ohio landfill operators must be in substantial compliance or on a legally enforceable schedule to attain compliance. The Stark County Health Department will make the final determination regarding Countywide's license.
Korleski's recommendation comes after Ohio EPA previously ordered Republic Services to correct Countywide's odor nuisance. While Ohio EPA and the Canton City Health Department have noted some reduction in the intensity and frequency of nuisance odors, they continue to be emitted from the facility at unacceptable levels. In addition, the Agency has determined that the exothermic oxidation of aluminum waste buried within portions of the landfill and the related rapid thermal decomposition of solid waste constitute a subsurface fire.
"While I recognize efforts undertaken by Countywide Landfill to reduce the odors, I still think there is more work to be done," said Korleski. "We must strive to abate the odors and extinguish the subsurface fire which have been of such concern to the impacted citizens and communities."
Director Korleski's letter to the Stark County Health Department may be viewed at: www.epa.state.oh.us/pic/media/countywide.pdf.
