Overview
Oak Grove Landfill in Winder, Georgia, is an operational landfill owned and operated by Republic Services, Inc. It has been serving the area since 1978 and is expected to close in 2029.
Oak Grove Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill located in Winder, Barrow County, Georgia, United States. Operated by Republic Services, Inc., one of the largest waste management companies in the country, the facility has been in operation since 1978 and is scheduled to close in 2029. The landfill serves the surrounding communities in northeastern Georgia, managing a significant volume of solid waste annually. As a Subtitle D landfill under the U.S. EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Oak Grove Landfill is subject to federal and state regulations governing liner systems, leachate management, groundwater monitoring, and landfill gas control. The facility likely employs modern engineering practices such as composite liners, leachate collection systems, and gas extraction wells to mitigate environmental impacts. Georgia's solid waste rules align with federal standards, requiring regular reporting and compliance monitoring. The landfill plays a critical role in the region's waste management infrastructure, providing disposal capacity for residential, commercial, and industrial waste. Its closure in 2029 will necessitate planning for post-closure care, including long-term groundwater monitoring and gas management. The facility's proximity to Winder and surrounding areas underscores the importance of proper waste containment and community engagement.
Environmental context
Landfills in Georgia, like Oak Grove, operate in a humid subtropical climate with high rainfall, increasing the risk of leachate generation and potential groundwater contamination. The facility's location in Barrow County, with its mix of agricultural and residential areas, requires robust leachate management and groundwater monitoring to protect local water resources. Landfill gas, primarily methane, is a byproduct of waste decomposition; collection systems are essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate odor and explosion risks. Community proximity and truck traffic are additional environmental considerations, necessitating effective dust and noise control measures.
Frequently asked questions
Oak Grove Landfill is located at 967 Carl Bethlehem Road, about 3 miles southwest of Winder, Georgia, off SR 324, in Barrow County.
Oak Grove Landfill is owned and operated by Republic Services, Inc., a leading waste management company in the United States.
The landfill opened in 1978 and is scheduled to close in 2029, after which it will enter a post-closure care period.
As a municipal solid waste landfill, Oak Grove Landfill is regulated under the U.S. EPA's RCRA Subtitle D, which sets standards for liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and landfill gas control. Georgia's Environmental Protection Division enforces these rules.
The landfill is designed with composite liners and leachate collection systems to prevent groundwater contamination. Landfill gas collection systems capture methane for energy recovery or flaring, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Groundwater monitoring wells are used to detect any potential impacts.
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