NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

Nov. 21, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 530

For more information contact Robert Hartman, Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Branch, 302-739-9403, or Melanie Rapp, Public Affairs, 302-739-9902.
                         DNREC Increases Environmental Controls
                              on the Closed Pigeon Point Landfill

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control issued a post-closure care permit Nov. 19 to the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) and the City of Wilmington that specifies care and monitoring of the Pigeon Point landfill near New Castle. The permit establishes controls that protect the environment and public health and allows the Department to better regulate the closed landfill.

The permit requires specific post-closure care activities, including environmental monitoring, cap maintenance, recordkeeping and reporting, and establishes controls for litter, odor, dust and access at the site. In addition, the permit specifically continues the prohibition on disposal of solid waste at Pigeon Point landfill, which has been in place since 1985.

The Pigeon Point landfill, located east of Holloway Terrace on Lambson’s Lane, was operated by the City of Wilmington (1968 - 1972), by New Castle County (1972 - 1980), and by the DSWA (1981 - 1985). The landfill was closed Oct. 21, 1985 in accordance with the DSWA’s Closure Plan and the solid waste regulations of the time. After concerns with ongoing maintenance, a multi-party agreement was signed Dec. 2005 that required DSWA and the City of Wilmington to submit a post-closure permit application to DNREC. DNREC held a public hearing Sept. 2007 on the permit application. On Aug. 27, 2008, DNREC Secretary John A. Hughes signed a Secretary’s Order that directs that the post-closure permit be issued.

The post-closure permit can be found on DNREC’s website at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/whs/awm/SHWMB/Pages/SolidWasteFacilities.aspx. The Secretary’s Order dated Aug. 27, 2008 can be viewed at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Info/Pages/SecOrders.aspx.