SEMCO - Southeast Iowa Multi-County Sanitary Landfill: Richland, Iowa Landfill Facility

SEMCO - Southeast Iowa Multi-County Sanitary Landfill is an operational landfill located at 29997 IA-78 in Richland, Keokuk County, Iowa. As a multi-county facility, it serves as a key solid waste disposal site for the southeastern region of the state, handling municipal solid waste under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's RCRA Subtitle D. The facility operates under the NAICS code 562212 (Solid Waste Landfill), which covers the disposal of non-hazardous solid waste. In the United States, landfills of this type must comply with federal regulations including landfill gas management and leachate control. The landfill likely employs standard practices such as daily cover, gas collection systems, and groundwater monitoring to mitigate environmental impacts. As a regional disposal site, this landfill plays a critical role in managing waste from multiple counties in southeast Iowa. Its operational status ensures continued service to local communities, while regulatory oversight aims to minimize risks associated with methane emissions and groundwater contamination. The facility's location in a rural area may reduce community proximity concerns compared to urban landfills.

The landfill is situated in a rural area of Keokuk County, Iowa, where groundwater protection is a primary environmental concern. Leachate management and methane gas collection are critical to prevent contamination of local water resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The facility's proximity to agricultural land and small communities necessitates careful monitoring of odor, traffic, and potential runoff to maintain environmental and community health.