Colliss Ranch Site Illegal Dump - Landfill in Tomales, California, USA

Colliss Ranch Site Illegal Dump is a landfill facility located at 26150 HWY 1 in Tomales, Marin County, California. It is classified under NAICS code 562212 (Solid Waste Landfill) and is currently operational. The facility serves the solid waste management needs of the surrounding area, including rural and agricultural communities in western Marin County. As a landfill in California, this facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D for municipal solid waste landfills, as well as California's stringent state regulations. The state's landfill standards include requirements for liner systems, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and landfill gas management. California also has ambitious goals for reducing organic waste disposal under SB 1383, which affects landfill operations. The environmental significance of this facility lies in its role as a disposal site for solid waste generated in the region. Landfills in coastal California face unique challenges related to groundwater protection, methane emissions, and proximity to sensitive ecosystems. Proper management of leachate and landfill gas is critical to minimize environmental impact.

Tomales is located in a rural coastal area of Marin County, near the Pacific Ocean and the Point Reyes National Seashore. The region's Mediterranean climate with wet winters and dry summers influences landfill operations, particularly leachate generation and gas production. Groundwater protection is a key concern due to the area's agricultural and ecological sensitivity. Landfill gas management, including methane capture, is important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and complying with state air quality regulations.