Leadville Solid Waste Disposal Site - Landfill in Leadville, Colorado

The Leadville Solid Waste Disposal Site is an operational landfill located 1.7 miles south of Leadville, Colorado, in Lake County. As a municipal solid waste landfill, it serves the local community and surrounding areas, providing essential waste disposal services in the Rocky Mountain region. Operating under the US EPA's RCRA Subtitle D regulations, the facility must comply with federal standards for landfill design, operation, and closure, including groundwater monitoring and methane gas management. The landfill's NAICS code 562212 indicates it is a solid waste landfill, typically handling household and non-hazardous commercial waste. The facility plays a key role in managing waste for Leadville and Lake County, a region known for its mountainous terrain and outdoor recreation. Proper waste management is critical to protect local water resources and minimize environmental impact in this sensitive alpine environment.

The Leadville area's high-altitude environment and proximity to headwaters of the Arkansas River make groundwater protection a priority. Landfill operations must manage leachate to prevent contamination of local aquifers. Methane gas from decomposing waste is a concern due to its greenhouse gas potential; gas collection systems are typically required under EPA regulations to reduce emissions and mitigate explosion risks.