Old Rock Island Gravel Pit Landfill - El Paso County, Colorado Solid Waste Management

Old Rock Island Gravel Pit is an operational landfill located in El Paso County, Colorado, United States. It is classified under NAICS code 562212 for solid waste landfill operations, indicating a focus on municipal or industrial waste disposal. The facility is situated in a region with a growing population and significant industrial activity, which influences waste generation and management demands. As a landfill, the facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA, including RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste landfills and Clean Air Act requirements for landfill gas management. Typical landfill operations involve waste compaction, daily cover, and systems for leachate collection and gas extraction. It likely handles a moderate volume of waste given its location in a populous county. The environmental significance of Old Rock Island Gravel Pit lies in its role in managing waste from surrounding communities. Landfills in Colorado must comply with state and federal regulations to minimize groundwater contamination and methane emissions. The facility's location in a semi-arid climate may influence leachate generation rates and gas management strategies.

The landfill is situated in El Paso County, Colorado, a region with a semi-arid climate and proximity to the Arkansas River watershed. Key environmental considerations include methane leakage from waste decomposition, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, and leachate management to protect groundwater quality. The facility's location near residential areas may also raise concerns about odor, traffic, and air quality. Regulatory oversight under RCRA Subtitle D and state programs aims to mitigate these impacts through liner systems, gas collection, and monitoring.