Overview
South Cushman Landfill in Fairbanks, Alaska, is an operational municipal solid waste landfill owned and operated by Fairbanks North Star Borough. It has been accepting waste since 1963 and is projected to remain open until 2082.
South Cushman Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill located at 455 Sanduri Street in Fairbanks, Alaska, within Fairbanks North Star Borough. Owned and operated by the borough, it serves the local community as the primary disposal site for solid waste. The facility has been operational since 1963 and is expected to continue operations until 2082, indicating a long-term waste management solution for the region. The landfill operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), specifically Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) for municipal solid waste landfills, as well as Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations for landfill gas management. As a landfill in Alaska, it must also comply with state-specific environmental regulations. The facility's long operational history and planned lifespan suggest it is a significant component of the region's waste infrastructure. Environmental considerations for South Cushman Landfill include landfill gas generation and methane leakage, leachate management, and proximity to groundwater. Located in Fairbanks, the facility operates in a subarctic climate, which can affect waste decomposition rates and leachate characteristics. Proper management of these factors is essential to minimize environmental impact and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Environmental context
South Cushman Landfill is situated in Fairbanks, Alaska, a region with permafrost and cold climate conditions that influence waste decomposition and leachate generation. Landfill gas, primarily methane, must be managed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while leachate collection and treatment are critical to protect local groundwater resources. The facility's proximity to the community also necessitates careful traffic management and odor control.
Frequently asked questions
South Cushman Landfill is located at 455 Sanduri Street in Fairbanks, Alaska, within Fairbanks North Star Borough.
As a municipal solid waste landfill, South Cushman Landfill accepts household and commercial non-hazardous waste generated within Fairbanks North Star Borough.
South Cushman Landfill opened in 1963 and is projected to remain operational until 2082, providing long-term waste disposal capacity for the region.
Municipal solid waste landfills in the U.S. are regulated under EPA's RCRA Subtitle D, which sets standards for location, design, operation, and closure. Landfill gas emissions are also subject to Clean Air Act regulations.
Alaska's cold climate and permafrost conditions slow waste decomposition and affect leachate generation. Landfills must adapt their design and management practices to address these unique environmental factors.
Other Landfill plants in United States · 6 nearby