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EPA allows Waimanalo Gulch Landfill to reopen Agency approval required as part of recent order

Release Date: 01/28/2011
Contact Information: Dean Higuchi, 808-541-2711, higuchi.dean@epa.gov

(01/28/11) HONOLULU – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today it has approved reopening of the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill, with conditions.

While Waste Management has not completed all tasks yet due in the Order issued by EPA on January 25, 2011, EPA recognizes that the continued closure of the landfill may create a risk to public health from the mounting accumulation of waste throughout Oahu.

EPA's approval followed the Agency's review and acceptance of the independent engineering report certifying that necessary repairs to the landfill were completed. In addition, the Agency considered other site stablization and stormwater management improvements conducted by Waste Management since January 13, 2011.

EPA's approval limits the location of waste placement within the landfill and requires the submittal of a revised contingency plan that describes how Waste Management will manage stormwater on-site.

Waste Management still needs to comply with the full terms of Tuesday’s order.

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