Calhoun County Class 4 Landfill - Hampton, Arkansas Solid Waste Management Facility

Calhoun County Class 4 Landfill is a permitted solid waste disposal facility located in Hampton, Arkansas, United States. It serves Calhoun County and surrounding areas, operating under the regulatory oversight of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the U.S. EPA. As a Class 4 landfill, it is designed for municipal solid waste, with a focus on environmental protection through liner and leachate management systems. The facility operates under the U.S. EPA's RCRA Subtitle D regulations for municipal solid waste landfills, which mandate groundwater monitoring, methane gas control, and post-closure care. Arkansas state regulations align with federal standards, requiring leachate collection and treatment to prevent groundwater contamination. The landfill's NAICS code 562212 indicates it is a solid waste landfill, typically handling moderate volumes of waste from residential and commercial sources. Environmental significance includes the management of landfill gas, which is generated by decomposing waste and can contribute to methane emissions if not captured. The facility's location in rural Arkansas, with a relatively low population density, reduces community proximity risks but requires ongoing monitoring of groundwater and air quality. Proper operation ensures that waste is contained and environmental impacts are minimized, supporting local waste management needs.

The landfill is situated in a rural area of southern Arkansas, where groundwater resources are important for local communities and agriculture. Leachate management is critical to prevent contamination of shallow aquifers, and the facility must comply with groundwater monitoring requirements under RCRA Subtitle D. Landfill gas, primarily methane, is a byproduct of waste decomposition; while collection systems may be in place, uncollected methane contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The site's distance from dense populations reduces immediate community exposure to odors and traffic, but long-term environmental stewardship requires diligent operation and eventual closure planning.