Desert Shores DS Landfill - Thermal, California Solid Waste Management

Desert Shores DS is a landfill facility located in Thermal, California, within Riverside County. It is currently operational and serves the solid waste management needs of the surrounding region. As a landfill, it plays a key role in the disposal of municipal solid waste in the area. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D, which governs municipal solid waste landfills, as well as the Clean Air Act's landfill gas rules. California's stringent environmental standards further guide its operations, including requirements for landfill gas collection and leachate management. The facility's NAICS code 562212 indicates it is a solid waste landfill. Desert Shores DS contributes to the solid waste infrastructure of Riverside County, a region with growing population and waste generation. Proper landfill management is critical to minimize methane emissions and protect groundwater resources in the arid climate of the Coachella Valley. The facility's location near the Salton Sea area underscores the importance of environmental safeguards.

The landfill is situated in the Coachella Valley, a desert region with high evaporation rates and limited water resources. Groundwater protection is a key concern, as leachate from landfills can potentially impact local aquifers. Landfill gas, primarily methane, must be collected and managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The facility's proximity to agricultural areas and communities necessitates careful traffic management and odor control.