Sumner Landfill - Operational Solid Waste Facility in Sumner, Illinois

Sumner Landfill is an operational solid waste facility located in Sumner, Illinois, at the intersection of IL Route 250 and CR 550 E. It serves the Lawrence County area and is classified under NAICS code 562212 for solid waste landfills. The facility is part of the United States' extensive network of municipal solid waste landfills that manage residential and commercial waste. As a landfill operating in the United States, Sumner Landfill is subject to federal regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Subtitle D, which sets standards for municipal solid waste landfills, including liner systems, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and closure requirements. Additionally, the Clean Air Act (CAA) mandates landfill gas collection and control for larger landfills to reduce methane emissions. Illinois state regulations further enforce these standards to protect public health and the environment. The environmental significance of Sumner Landfill lies in its role in managing waste for the local community while mitigating potential impacts through regulatory compliance. Landfills of this type typically implement gas collection systems to capture methane for energy or flaring, and leachate management systems to prevent groundwater contamination. The facility's location in a rural area of Illinois may influence its operational practices and community engagement.

Solid waste landfills like Sumner Landfill must manage methane emissions from decomposing waste, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Leachate, the liquid that percolates through waste, requires careful collection and treatment to protect groundwater resources. Proximity to communities and traffic from waste hauling are additional considerations. In Illinois, landfills are regulated to minimize these impacts through gas collection, liner systems, and groundwater monitoring.