ordot dump and layon landfill
Closing the Dump: Significant Milestones
Closing the Dump: Significant Milestones
Prior to 1950:
The starting date for the use of the site as a dump is not documented. However, it is known that the Ordot Dump was in use during World War II. The dump was used as a disposal area by the Japanese when they occupied Guam from December 8, 1941, to July 21, 1944. After the liberation of Guam, the United States Navy continued to use the site as a disposal area. The ownership of the Dump was transferred from the U.S. Navy to the Government of Guam in 1950.
September 8, 1983:
The Ordot Dump was placed on the National Priorities List for action under the Superfund program.
March 26, 1986:
EPA found the Ordot Dump in violation of the Clean Water Act for discharging leachate into the Lonfit River. EPA ordered the Ordot Dump to cease such discharges.
July 24, 1990:
In response to discharges of leachate from the Ordot Dump into the Lonfit River that violated the 1972 Clean Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an administrative order directing the Guam Department of Public Works (DPW) to cease the discharge of pollutants from the Dump.
February 11, 2004:
With continued discharges and violations of the Clean Water Act, the District Court of Guam issued a Consent Decree (Civil Case No. 02-00022), in which the Government of Guam agreed, among other provisions, to cease the discharge of pollutants from the Ordot Dump, close the Ordot Dump within 45 months and begin implementation of a post-closure plan. In addition, DPW agreed to site, obtain permits for and begin operations of a new municipal sanitary waste landfill within 44 months.
March 17, 2008:
The District Court of Guam, noting lack of progress in complying with the 2004 Consent Decree despite the then Governor’s best efforts and those of DPW employees, appointed a Receiver, Gershman, Brickner & Bratton, Inc., to manage, supervise and oversee the Solid Waste Management Division of DPW and bring Guam into compliance with the Consent Decree.
March 17, 2008 to present:
Summer 2011 aerial view of Ordot Dump.
Working with employees of the Solid Waste Management Division, the Receiver made a number of improvements at the Ordot Dump, including:
- Tracked space volume usage and implemented interim fill plan;
- Improved dust and odor control at the Ordot Dump operations, benefiting neighbors and workers;
- Implemented a ban on materials at the Ordot Dump that has increased recycling and extended capacity of the Ordot Dump until the Layon Landfill could be completed;
- Added recycling at the Ordot Dump; and
- Installed a weigh scale to accurately measure the tonnage of waste disposed at the Dump.
August 31, 2011:
Ordot Dump closed! Layon Landfill opened September 1.
Frances M. Tydingco-Gatewood, Chief Judge, District Court of Guam, provides welcome remarks during ceremonies commemorating the permanent closing of the Ordot Dump.
Ceremonial Locking of the Gate
to the Ordot Dump.
Next Steps: Summary of Post-Closure Actions at the Ordot Dump
Brown and Caldwell, a highly qualified environmental and engineering design firm, is presently performing the first phases of the investigatory work around Ordot Dump. With direction and guidance of the Receiver, Brown and Caldwell interfaces with the regulatory agencies to obtain the required permit clearances and consultation to perform the work. The Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Guam Historic Preservation Office of the Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Land Management, and the Office of the Mayor – Ordot/Chalan Pago are just a few of the many agencies and officials working with the Receiver on the closure of Ordot Dump. The investigative work will support the closure design and future long-term monitoring at the site to assess the performance of the closure system, including leachate, gas monitoring and remediation of the site.
About the Layon Landfill
September 1, 2011 - Ribbon cutting ceremony.
The Layon Landfill is a high-tech, environmentally sound and highly controlled landfill for non-hazardous municipal solid waste. It was built with an engineered liner and a leachate collection and removal system that protect human health and the environment. With a capacity in excess of 15.8 million cubic yards, the Layon Landfill will service the island of Guam for more than 30 years.
The Layon Landfill uses the most current technology in its design, operation and construction. The landfill’s double liner system has a leak detection system that exceeds both Guam and federal requirements for environmental protection. The liners protect the groundwater from leachate infiltration and potential migration of landfill gases. The landfill is monitored on a quarterly basis for groundwater quality.
The landfill is also monitored for landfill gas production, and a landfill gas collection and removal system has been included in the design. When landfill gas quantities exceed the regulatory thresholds, the collection system will be installed. The landfill gas may be flared or used as a fuel source, depending on quality and quantity of the gas that is generated.
To control access and eliminate blowing litter, the Layon Landfill is secured by perimeter fencing and portable litter screens. The landfill will be covered daily with soil or tarps to control vectors, odors, blowing litter and scavenging.
The Layon Landfill is owned by the Guam Solid Waste Authority and operated by Herzog Environmental, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Herzog Contracting Corporation.
Layon Landfill Entrance facilities.
Graphic Cross-Section of a Modern Landfill
Source: http://science.jrank.org/pages/47787/landfill-techniques.html
Who may bring waste to the Layon Landfill?
Only commercial waste haulers may dispose of waste at the Layon Landfill. Residents may bring their trash and other solid waste to the three transfer stations at Dededo, Malojloj and Agat. Hours of operation are 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday – Monday.