Buck Meadows Disposal Site - Operational Landfill in Mariposa, California

Buck Meadows Disposal Site is an operational landfill located in Mariposa, California, United States. Situated on Highway 120, approximately 2.7 miles east of Smith Station, this facility manages solid waste for the surrounding area. As a landfill, it operates within the regulatory framework of the US EPA, including RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste and Clean Air Act rules for landfill gas management. The facility is classified under NAICS code 562212 (Solid Waste Landfill). Landfills in California typically range from small community sites to large regional facilities. The site's location in Mariposa County suggests it serves a rural to semi-rural population, with waste volumes likely moderate compared to urban landfills. Operations are subject to state and federal regulations governing leachate management, groundwater monitoring, and methane gas collection. Environmental significance includes the management of landfill gas, which contains methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Proper gas collection systems reduce emissions and may enable energy recovery. Leachate control is critical to protect local groundwater, especially given the site's proximity to natural areas in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Community proximity and truck traffic are also key operational considerations for this facility.

The Buck Meadows Disposal Site is located in Mariposa County, California, within the Sierra Nevada foothills. This region features Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters, influencing leachate generation and groundwater recharge. The site's proximity to natural habitats and potential water bodies necessitates robust leachate management and groundwater monitoring to prevent contamination. Landfill gas collection systems are essential to mitigate methane emissions, a key concern in solid waste management. Community proximity and traffic from waste hauling also require careful operational planning to minimize local impacts.