Ridgeville Site II Landfill - Norwalk, Wisconsin Solid Waste Management

Ridgeville Site II is a landfill facility located at 20448 Junco Road in Norwalk, Wisconsin, within Monroe County. Operated by Monroe County Solid Waste, WI, the site has been operational since 2002 and serves as a key component of the county's solid waste management infrastructure. As a landfill, it handles municipal solid waste generated by local communities and businesses. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specifically RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste landfills, which sets standards for location, operation, design, and groundwater monitoring. Additionally, it must comply with Clean Air Act regulations for landfill gas emissions. The landfill's design includes liners and leachate collection systems to protect groundwater, and gas collection systems to manage methane emissions. Ridgeville Site II plays a vital role in Monroe County's waste management strategy, providing a disposal option for non-recyclable waste. Its location in a rural area of Wisconsin helps minimize community proximity issues, though traffic from waste hauling remains a consideration. The facility's long-term environmental impact is managed through post-closure care requirements, including groundwater monitoring and gas management.

Landfills like Ridgeville Site II must manage methane gas generated by decomposing waste, which is a potent greenhouse gas. The facility likely employs gas collection systems to capture methane for flaring or energy recovery. Leachate management is critical to prevent groundwater contamination, especially given the site's location in Wisconsin's Driftless Area, characterized by porous soils and karst topography. Proximity to rural communities requires careful traffic management and odor control.