URBAN INFILLING IMPACTS ON FLORIDA’S SOLID WASTE FACILITIES

1. URBAN INFILLING IMPACTS ON FLORIDA’S SOLID WASTE FACILITIES Debra R. Reinhart, PhD, PE, DEE Roger Wayson, PhD, PE University of Central Florida Marc Rogoff, PhD SCS Engineers

2. Landfill Siting Issues • The presumption is that the solid waste facility will be operated properly; • However off-site impacts may occasionally occur.

3. 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.

4. Water Contamination Land Contamination Odor Birds Rodents Air Emissions Traffic Lower Property Values Fire Problems Health Landfill Issues Identified by the Public

5. 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

6. 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.

7. Methodology • Data collection regarding solid waste management experiences with local developments, and • Environmental impact measurements

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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

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

16. Weather Station • Temperature, wind speed, and wind direction will be measured at two heights • Will aid in modeling noise, dust, and odor emission data

17. Analysis • Arcview GIS software will be used • Identifies relationships, patterns and trends. • Data will be more presentable

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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

21. Funding • Funds requested from FCSHWM Year 2 • Matching Funds • Pinellas County (confirmed) • Palm Beach County (received) • Dade County (under negotiation) • UCF (foregone overhead)

22. Project Personnel

23. Questions?