EPA Research Partner Support Story: Assessing conditions at Bristol Landfill to determine the potential source of local odors
Partner: Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
Challenge: Assessing conditions at Bristol Landfill to determine the potential source of local odors
Resource: Technical expertise and support in reviewing and examining data and action plans
Project Period: 2022
In 2022, residents in Bristol, VA and Bristol, TN were complaining of odors suspected of originating from the Bristol Landfill, a likely culprit given the visible geysers of gas and leachate (landfill wastewater) as well as steaming chimneys observed from the landfill and its quarry sidewalls. Some gas collection wells installed to control landfill gas exhibited higher than normal temperatures, indicating the potential presence of heat-generating (exothermic) reactions that can have significant detrimental impacts to landfill operations, including foul-smelling emissions. To address these issues, the Virginia DEQ assembled an expert panel to review temperature and composition data from landfill gas wells and leachate composition. The expert panel was composed of professionals from academia, the public, and private sector, all with experience in evaluating elevated temperature landfills. Using data from the Bristol Landfill, they developed a plan to get address the facility’s elevated gas well temperatures.
"The Bristol Landfill is an unusually complex facility that necessitated a holistic approach to resolve issues affecting the community. DEQ and our expert panel appreciate the input from ORD scientists on the recommendations to address landfill temperature and odor concerns in Bristol." – Virginia DEQ Director Mike Rolband
EPA ORD in collaboration with EPA Region 3 (Mid-Atlantic) attended the expert panel meeting from March 21-22, 2022 as an observer. Based on a request from their Region 3 colleagues, ORD experts reviewed the documents provided at the meeting, and the subsequent recommendations of the panel to address local concerns about the landfill. EPA Region 3 provided ORD’s input to both VA DEQ and the city of Bristol, VA.
Based on that partnership, the panel’s recommendations—including temporarily ceasing disposal operations, covering and closing the site, enhancing the existing gas collection system, and closely monitoring the most impacted areas of the landfill—were put into action. The closure will reduce residents’ exposure to landfill gas and provide opportunities for the city to regain control and prevent offsite emissions before a possible re-opening in a few years.