Flathead County Landfill - Kalispell, Montana Solid Waste Management Facility

Flathead County Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill located at 4098 Hwy 93 N in Kalispell, Montana. Operated by the Flathead County Solid Waste District, the facility has been in operation since 1971 and is projected to remain open until 2060. It serves the waste management needs of Flathead County and surrounding areas. The landfill operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D, which governs municipal solid waste landfills. Key requirements include liner systems, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and landfill gas management. As a landfill in Montana, the facility must also comply with state-level environmental regulations and air quality standards for methane emissions. As a long-serving regional waste disposal site, Flathead County Landfill plays a critical role in managing the community's solid waste. Its extended operational timeline through 2060 underscores its importance for future waste capacity. Proper management of landfill gas and leachate is essential to minimize environmental impacts on the surrounding area, including groundwater protection and air quality.

Located in the Flathead Valley near Kalispell, Montana, the landfill operates in a region with significant groundwater resources and proximity to the Flathead River. Landfill gas management, particularly methane capture, is critical to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Leachate control and groundwater monitoring are essential to protect local water quality. The facility's location in a rural area with growing population requires careful management of traffic and odor impacts on nearby communities.