Iowa City Sdp Odor Complt 2-09 (2)

February 4, 2009

Dave Elias Superintendent Iowa City Landfill 4366 Napoleon Street SE Iowa City, IA 52240 RE: Odor Complaint Investigation Complaint No.’s 01/09-10, 01/09-13, 01/09-14 Landfill Permit No. 52-SDP-1-72-P Dear Mr. Elias: On January 26, 2009, three odor complaints were filed with my office, against the Iowa City Landfill. All three complainants stated the same basic complaint, that gaseous/hydrogen sulfide odors are easily detected in and around their homes on days with westerly winds (there is a subdivision ~1 mile, directly east of the landfill). On January 30, 2009, I investigated the complaints by meeting Jon Thomas, Landfill Operator and yourself. This investigation started by discussing what the landfill staff feels is the cause of the odors that the complainants are describing. You stated that although odors are and have been noticeable at the landfill, they are not normal landfill odors. You stated that you and your staff have done extensive investigations, and have only detected odors from Cells FY02 & FY06 (the only active cells), and not from the working face. (“working face” means a designated area within a cell that receives solid waste on a daily basis). A test was conducted using a 4-gas monitor, attempting to locate sources of gases at the ground level, across the entire landfill property. Hydrogen Sulfide gas was detected in Cells FY02 & FY06. Cells FY02 & FY06 are the only cells at the landfill that have not been connected to the currently operating gas collection system. The gas collection system is hooked up to a flare, where the gases are burned off. Plans have always been to extend the gas collection system into these two cells. Cells typically do not generate enough methane and other gases to require hooking into the overall gas collection system for five to six years after a cell first accepts waste. The gas collection lateral expansion into Cell FY06 was not scheduled until 2011, however, the landfill is currently working with their engineering firm to plan for the expansion sooner than projected. You stated that you feel the primary reasons for the extra-ordinary odor is due to large volumes of flood waste that was land filled (specifically wastes such as wet gypsum board and food waste) and increased precipitation in the spring of 2008. These two reasons, coupled with the use of spray-on alternative daily cover which promotes inflow and infiltration of precipitation which probably means faster breakdown of the waste materials and faster generation of gases. Therefore, at this time, gases generated in Cells FY02 & FY06 are escaping through the cover soils. Another source of odor, as you have discovered, is around the old man-hole covers associated with the leachate system. Approximately twenty new man-hole covers have been ordered and will replace the older covers to keep the odors from mixing with the ambient air. Environmental Services Division, Field Office #6, 1023 W. Madison, Washington, Iowa 52353-1623 Tel 319-653-2135 Fax 319-653-2856 WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING / DES MOINES, IOWA 50319 515-281-5918 TDD 515-242-5967 FAX 515-281-6794 www.Iowadnr.com

You have explored seven different methods of minimizing the odors that are present, all of which are expensive and nothing more than a short term solution. However, in order to provide some short term relief, two chemical foggers have been ordered and Iowa City Landfill Page No. 2 will be positioned around the landfill and operated when conditions are optimal. The foggers emit an extremely fine mist of solution that will work to neutralize odiferous odors. Although you do not know exactly when the primary fix will be completed (extending the gas collection in Cells FY02 & FY06), it appears as though you, your staff, and your environmental consultants are and have been working to resolve this odor issue. If you have any questions or would like further explanation of any part of this letter, please contact me at 319-653-2135 or [email protected]. Sincerely, FIELD SERVICES & COMPLIANCE BUREAU

Kurt Levetzow Environmental Specialist Senior Klevetz\SW\2009\Iowa City SDP odor complt 2-09.doc Picture Filenames: Iowa City SDP odor complt 1-30-09.jpeg xc: Matt Phoenix, Waste Mgt Bureau - DNR Iowa City SDP File Complainants (3)