Carson Hill Mine Landfill - Altaville, California Solid Waste Management Facility

Carson Hill Mine is a landfill facility located at 4795 South Highway 49 in Altaville, California, within Calaveras County. The facility is currently operational and handles solid waste disposal for the surrounding region. As a landfill, it plays a key role in the local waste management infrastructure. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specifically Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) which governs municipal solid waste landfills. Additionally, it must comply with Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations for landfill gas emissions. California has its own stringent state-level regulations that supplement federal requirements, including the California Integrated Waste Management Act. Landfills like Carson Hill Mine are significant for managing waste while minimizing environmental impact. Proper landfill gas collection and leachate management are critical to reduce methane emissions and protect groundwater. The facility's location in a rural area of the Sierra Nevada foothills influences its operational considerations, including community proximity and traffic from waste hauling.

The landfill is situated in a rural area of Calaveras County, California, within the Sierra Nevada foothills. This region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with seasonal rainfall, which can affect leachate generation and groundwater management. The proximity to natural habitats and water bodies necessitates careful environmental controls. Key concerns include methane leakage from landfill gas, leachate containment to prevent groundwater contamination, and managing community impacts such as odor and traffic.