BASIN SWDS Landfill - Telluride, Colorado Solid Waste Management Facility

BASIN SWDS is an operational landfill located approximately 3 miles east-southeast of Dry Creek Basin Store in Telluride, Colorado, United States. The facility serves the solid waste management needs of San Miguel County and the surrounding region, operating under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D, which governs municipal solid waste landfills. The landfill is classified under NAICS code 562212 (Solid Waste Landfill) and is subject to federal and state environmental regulations, including landfill gas management and leachate control requirements. In Colorado, landfills must comply with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's solid waste regulations, which align with RCRA Subtitle D standards for liner systems, groundwater monitoring, and post-closure care. As a regional disposal facility in the mountainous terrain of southwestern Colorado, BASIN SWDS plays a critical role in managing waste from Telluride and nearby communities. The site's location in a high-altitude environment necessitates careful management of leachate and landfill gas to protect local water resources and air quality. Proper operation ensures compliance with environmental standards and supports community health.

The Telluride area is characterized by high-altitude mountainous terrain with sensitive watersheds. Landfills in such regions must carefully manage leachate to prevent groundwater contamination, as precipitation and snowmelt can increase leachate generation. Landfill gas, primarily methane, requires collection and control to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and odor impacts. Proximity to communities and recreational areas also necessitates traffic management and dust control measures.