Simmons Sanitation Non-Municipal Solid Waste Landfill - Kamiah, Idaho

Simmons Sanitation Non-Municipal Solid Waste Landfill is located at Milepost 4 on Highway 162 within the Nez Perce Reservation in Kamiah, Lewis County, Idaho. This operational landfill manages non-municipal solid waste, serving local industrial and commercial generators. As a non-municipal facility, it focuses on waste streams from businesses and institutions rather than household waste. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA, including RCRA Subtitle D for solid waste management and Clean Air Act landfill gas rules. In Idaho, landfills must comply with state solid waste regulations that mirror federal standards. The site's location on the Nez Perce Reservation may involve additional tribal environmental oversight. Typical non-municipal landfills in this region handle moderate tonnages and implement leachate collection and groundwater monitoring systems. This landfill plays a key role in managing solid waste from the Kamiah area and surrounding communities. Its proximity to the Nez Perce Reservation underscores the importance of environmental stewardship in sensitive cultural and ecological landscapes. Proper operation ensures protection of local groundwater and air quality, while supporting the regional waste management infrastructure.

The landfill is situated in a rural area of north-central Idaho, near the Clearwater River. The region's geology and hydrology require careful leachate management to prevent groundwater contamination. Landfill gas generation, primarily methane, must be controlled to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and odor. Proximity to the Nez Perce Reservation adds cultural sensitivity, emphasizing the need for sustainable waste practices that protect both the environment and community health.