Overview
South Wake LF (New) is an operational landfill in Apex, North Carolina, managed by GFL Environmental USA Inc. for Wake County. It serves the region's solid waste disposal needs since 2008.
South Wake LF (New) is a municipal solid waste landfill located at 6300 Old Smithfield Road in Apex, North Carolina, United States. Operated by GFL Environmental USA Inc. on behalf of Wake County, the facility has been accepting waste since 2008 and is projected to remain open through 2100. As a major landfill in the region, it handles a significant portion of the county's solid waste, supporting the growing population of the Raleigh-Durham metropolitan area. The landfill operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D, which governs municipal solid waste landfills, and the Clean Air Act (CAA) landfill gas rules. These regulations require proper liner systems, leachate collection, and gas management to minimize environmental impact. In North Carolina, the facility also complies with state-specific solid waste management rules enforced by the Department of Environmental Quality. Typical for large landfills, South Wake LF likely employs modern engineering controls such as composite liners, leachate recirculation, and gas-to-energy systems to reduce emissions and groundwater risks. As a key component of Wake County's waste management infrastructure, South Wake LF plays a critical role in diverting waste from smaller, older facilities and reducing environmental burdens. The landfill's long operational lifespan and proximity to the Research Triangle area underscore its importance in managing waste from residential, commercial, and industrial sources. Its gas collection system contributes to methane mitigation, aligning with national goals for landfill gas utilization and greenhouse gas reduction.
Environmental context
The landfill is situated in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, characterized by rolling hills and clay soils that influence groundwater flow and leachate management. Proximity to the Neuse River basin requires careful leachate control to prevent contamination of surface waters. Methane generation from decomposing waste is a key environmental concern, mitigated by gas collection systems that can be used for energy production. Community proximity to Apex and nearby residential areas necessitates odor control and traffic management to minimize local impacts.
Frequently asked questions
South Wake LF (New) is located at 6300 Old Smithfield Road, Apex, North Carolina 27539-5353, United States.
As a municipal solid waste landfill, South Wake LF accepts household, commercial, and non-hazardous industrial waste, subject to local regulations.
The landfill is operated by GFL Environmental USA Inc. on behalf of Wake County, North Carolina.
Landfills in the US must comply with EPA RCRA Subtitle D for design and operation, and Clean Air Act rules for landfill gas emissions. State regulations also apply.
Large landfills like South Wake LF typically use gas collection systems to capture methane, which can be flared or converted to energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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