URBAN INFILLING IMPACTS ON FLORIDA’S SOLID WASTE FACILITIES

Debra R. Reinhart, PhD, PE, DEERoger Wayson, PhD, PE University of Central FloridaMarc Rogoff, PhD SCS Engineers

Landfill Siting Issues

The presumption is that the solid waste facility will be operated properly;

However off-site impacts may occasionally occur.

Siting Issues

Federal and state regulations setting siting criteria for solid waste facilities are primarily focused on protection of public health and safety and the environment based upon quantifiable and measurable standards.

Land use compatibility is generally considered a local decision.

Landfill Issues Identified by the Public

Water Contamination

Land Contamination

Odor Birds Rodents

Air Emissions Traffic Lower Property

Values Fire Problems Health

Project Rationale

As the nation becomes more urbanized, sites once considered remote are now located in areas increasingly ripe for development

Local governments have installed public works infrastructure such as roads and utilities near solid waste sites

We see lands adjacent to solid waste facilities being considered for development

The potential for nuisance complaints against the existing solid waste facility operations has become an increasing reality in many areas of the nation.

Some solid waste facilities have been forced to close their facilities prematurely

Project Objectives

To develop methodology to gather scientific and quantifiable data supporting set backs and buffer zones as a function of landfill and transfer station operations.

Appropriate recommendations for these setbacks will be made from case studies.

Methodology

Data collection regarding solid waste management experiences with local developments, and

Environmental impact measurements

Solid Waste Facility Database

Information will be gathered through an extensive desk research and survey program to gain “grassroots” insights about the issue, where solid waste facilities have been impacted, where setback or buffering ordinances have been implemented, and the experience of those communities who have developed such ordinances

Environmental Measurements

Small (~300 tpd) landfill (TBD)

Medium (~ 800 tpd) landfill (Seminole County)

Large (~1200 tpd) landfill (Pinellas County)

Data will be analyzed to produce geo-graphical contours

Noise Measurements

“A-weighted” sound level analyzers and 1/3-octave band analyzers.

Measurements will be made at varying distances to allow the local geometric spreading to be evaluated

The data will be analyzed using statistical software and a Traffic Noise Model that has been computer-ized.

Odor Measurements

Odor assessed based on organic emissions

Organic emissions will be measured at the surface of the landfills using flux chambers.

Ambient levels will be measured

Emission data will be used as input to CALPUFF

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Fugitive Dust

Particulate samplers will be placed at various locations around the facility sites for approximately one month.

Results will be compared to recommended airborne dust levels.

Litter

Litter will be collected, catalogued, and weighed. A statistically sound study will be designed accounting for wind impacts, collection vehicle routes, litter size and type, and land usage.

Litter study

FCSHWM survey methodology will be used

Random selection of sites Large litter and small litter

will be surveyed Study also accounts for

wind impacts, vehicle routes, and land usage

Bird Impacts

Spreading of debris by birds will be evaluated by identifying “typical” debris attractive to birds, such as bones, during the litter studies

Weather Station

Temperature, wind speed, and wind direction will be measured at two heights

Will aid in modeling noise, dust, and odor emission data

Analysis

Arcview GIS software will be used

Identifies relationships, patterns and trends.

Data will be more presentable

Work to Date

Literature survey of landfill impacts Based on the literature review, the odor

study will focus on area of the landfill most likely to generate odorous emissions such as freshly placed waste, open leachate storage areas, and gas vents.

The CALPUFF model will be used rather than the US-ISCST as originally planned.

Work to Date

Noise levels will need to be determined both at the landfill and off site. The measurements at the landfill will quantify noise levels from existing operations and specific equipment, while the off –site measurements will focus on ambient noise conditions at nearby sensitive receptors and validation of modeling efforts.

Specific recommendations for noise study have been made

Anticipated Benefits

… as urban infilling development or re-development continues solid waste managers, political decision makers and environmental/land use regulators will need reliable data and information to balance the needs for continued economic growth with protection of the long-term ability of solid waste managers to continue operation of these critical public facilities

Funding

Funds requested from FCSHWM Year 2

Matching Funds Pinellas County (confirmed) Palm Beach County (received) Dade County (under negotiation) UCF (foregone overhead)

Project Personnel

Questions?