DEM fines landfill operators for smell

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management has fined the operators of the state's Central Landfill $55,000 for failing to prevent an odor problem.

The fine is part of a Notice of Violation that the DEM has issued to the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation.

Back in October residents who live near the landfill began to complain about a foul smell emanating from the landfill, and state inspectors say that they "detected objectionalbe odors beyond the property line of the Central Landfill" on seven occasions from October to December.  Some communities in Massachusetts have complained about the smell and the DEM says the widespread smell violates air pollution regulations.

The second part of the Notice of Violation was for the RIRRC's failure to report the breakdown of a gas flare system in November.  The gas flare system is designed to burn off excess gases from the landfill; the DEM says one of these units broke down on November 23rd and the DEM wasn't told for five days.


BroadRock Gas Services LLC installs and operates the gas collection system and was included in the Notice.

The NOV also orders RIRRC and BroadRock to stop using construction and demolition debris as cover material on the landfill; the debris contains sulfur which is contributing to the stench.  Both companies must also file a plan and schedule to implement recommended changes to the gas collection system, file regular reports on gas collection, and regular reports on the maintenance of the gas collection system.