Illinois EPA Approves Disposal of Wastes in to Southern Illinois Regional Landfill

SPRINGFIELD -Laboratory results from air samples, and from samples of the solidified waste that caused significant odor problems in December, have been reviewed and found to contain no contaminants at levels of concern.  The Agency now believes it is safe to remove the solidified liquid waste from the mixing containers and bury it in the landfill. 

 

Discussions between the operator of the Southern Illinois Regional Landfill, Jackson County officials and the Agency have concluded that the landfill can proceed to prepare and implement a work-plan to safely unearth the waste and move it into the landfill for final disposal. 

 

Once the work plan has been approved by the Illinois EPA and the Jackson County Health Department, the Landfill will be able to dispose of the currently contained, solidified liquid waste at the Landfill.  Jackson County Health Department will be present to oversee the process.

 

The wastes generated by Tri Rinse, St. Louis, and delivered to the landfill by Illini Environmental, Caseyville were determined to be the source of strong odors that lead to complaints several miles from the landfill.  The odors caused some nearby residents to leave their homes, and the temporary closure of Highway 149 between Murphysboro and DeSoto.   

 

According to reports and information gathered during inspections, around midday on December 17, 2010, the Landfill received approximately 4,345 gallons of liquid waste from Tri-Rinse for solidification.  The material was then solidified using fly ash.  By the end of the operating day, the material had not solidified adequately, so it was left in the solidification unit.  Shortly after 5 p.m. that same day, local responders began receiving odor complaints.

 

Jackson County Sheriff's Department, DeSoto Township Fire Protection District, Jackson County Ambulance Service, Jackson County Emergency Management Agency, Jackson County Health Department, and the Illinois EPA Emergency Response Unit all responded to the incident. 

 

Landfill personnel quickly secured the odor-emitting material, and properly contained and covered the mixing container with several feet of soil to prevent additional odors from escaping.

 

Illinois EPA continued to monitor the site for the next few days, and obtained samples. Laboratory sample results did not indicate the presence of contaminants at hazardous waste levels.  Although extensive testing was conducted, the exact cause of the strong odor could not be conclusively determined.  Based on the results of the samples, and the investigations that were conducted, no chemicals were identified at concentrations that would be of risk to the health of those in the surrounding area who noticed the odor.

 

The Illinois EPA issued violation notices to the Landfill for violations of the Environmental Protection Act and Illinois Regulations. Subsequently, violation notices were also issued to the generator, Tri-Rinse of St. Louis, and to the transporter, Illini Environmental of Caseyville. Responses to the violation notices have not yet been received; Illinois law allows the recipients 45days to respond. 

 

The Illinois EPA will continue to provide technical guidance, as needed, and both Illinois EPA and the Jackson County Health Department will continue to conduct regular inspections of the Landfill.