Wasco County Landfill - The Dalles, Oregon Solid Waste Management Facility

Wasco County Landfill is a municipal solid waste landfill located at 2550 Steele Road in The Dalles, Oregon, United States. Operated under the ownership of Waste Connections, Inc., the facility has been in operation since 1973 and is expected to continue accepting waste until 2045. As a landfill, it plays a key role in the solid waste management infrastructure of Wasco County and the surrounding region. The landfill operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's RCRA Subtitle D, which governs municipal solid waste landfills, and the Clean Air Act's landfill gas rules. These regulations require proper liner systems, leachate collection, and gas monitoring to minimize environmental impact. The facility's long operational history and planned closure date suggest it is a well-established site with ongoing management practices. Wasco County Landfill serves the local community by providing a disposal option for solid waste, supporting public health and sanitation. Its location in The Dalles, near the Columbia River, necessitates careful environmental management to protect groundwater and air quality. The landfill's gas collection system likely helps mitigate methane emissions, contributing to climate goals.

The landfill is situated in The Dalles, Oregon, near the Columbia River, which is a major waterway. This proximity requires robust leachate management to prevent groundwater contamination. The region's semi-arid climate reduces leachate generation but still demands careful monitoring. Landfill gas, primarily methane, is a key environmental concern; collection systems are typically required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with Clean Air Act standards. Community proximity and truck traffic are also factors, as the landfill serves a rural area with limited alternative disposal options.