Oahu landfill operator settles EPA lawsuit over toxic gases
The state Supreme Court on Friday struck down a state Land Use Commission restriction barring the Waimanalo Gulch landfill in Nanakuli from accepting garbage after July 31. The city is in the process of finding a new site.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Honolulu and the operator of the city’s only landfill are agreeing to make changes that will reduce the risk of a fire breaking out at the Waianae coast site.
The EPA said in a statement today the steps agreed to in a settlement will protect the community from exposure to toxic gas.
Waste Management of Hawaii Inc. spokeswoman Lily Quiroa says the settlement calls for implementing enhanced monitoring of landfill gases. She says the company also has a contingency plan and will react quickly if those gases exceed certain levels.
Waste Management is also paying a $1.1 million fine.
The EPA says the settlement resolves allegations Waste Management and the city failed to design and build a landfill gas collection and control system.
Civil Action Lawsuit: United States of America vs Waste Management of Hawaii Inc. by staradvertiser
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