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The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) will permanently cap 16 acres of the landfill, the agency said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The $7 million project came after years of complaints from nearby residents, especially in Absecon and Pleasantville.
The county board of commissioners approved the American Rescue Plan funding for the project, which hopes to improve landfill gas collection efficiency, reduce liquid runoff, and minimize offsite odors at the landfill, which opened in 1992.
"This funding allows us to complete this project five years ahead of schedule and continue to offer the lowest tip fee in the state," said ACUA president Matthew DeNafo.
Odor concerns from nearby residents were the focus of a community meeting back in January. Many people said the stenches and fumes were creating many issues, including health problems.
In response, ACUA has accelerated efforts to mitigate the issue, installing 32 gas collection wells, more than 24,000 linear feet of pipeline and airline, and two dewatering sumps in the fall.
"These investments are more than just figures," said DeNafo. "They will significantly increase gas collection capacity today and into the future as more waste is buried."
ACUA reported an uptick in odor complaints during cold, wet months that trap and concentrate odors during last winter, but complaints decreased after 19 more gas wells were installed in February.
"We’re confident that continual investment in these proven gas collection solutions will minimize the potential for odors to migrate off-site," DeNafo said. "We take the concerns of our community seriously and remain committed to meeting federal and state standards for health and safety."
In addition to the landfill improvements, ACUA is constructing New Jersey’s first renewable natural gas facility in partnership with South Jersey Gas and OPAL Fuels. Opening in 2025, the facility will transform landfill gas into natural gas to power homes, businesses, and vehicles while reducing emissions by up to 95 percent.
The ACUA website has a form that residents can fill out to file landfill odor complaints, along with information about the agency's odor control measures and projects at the landfill.
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