Ben Lomond CYA Disposal Site - Landfill in Santa Cruz, California

Ben Lomond CYA Disposal Site is an operational landfill located at 13575 Empire Grade Rd, Santa Cruz, California, within Santa Cruz County. As a landfill facility, it plays a key role in the region's solid waste management infrastructure, handling municipal solid waste disposal for the surrounding communities. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA RCRA Subtitle D, which governs municipal solid waste landfills, and the Clean Air Act's landfill gas rules. California's stringent state regulations further enforce environmental compliance, including leachate management and groundwater monitoring. The landfill likely employs modern liner and gas collection systems to mitigate environmental impacts. This landfill serves the Santa Cruz area, a coastal region with significant environmental sensitivity. Proper waste management is critical to protect local groundwater and reduce methane emissions. The facility's operational status ensures continued service to the community, supporting public health and environmental sustainability.

Santa Cruz County features a Mediterranean climate with coastal proximity, making groundwater protection and leachate management critical for landfill operations. The facility must manage landfill gas to reduce methane leakage, a potent greenhouse gas. Community proximity and traffic from waste hauling are also key environmental considerations, requiring careful operational planning to minimize local impacts.