Waters Landfill - Operational Landfill in Frederic, Michigan, United States

Waters Landfill is a solid waste management facility located at 11375 Sherman Road in Frederic, Crawford County, Michigan, United States. Owned and operated by WM, the landfill has been in operation since 1982 and is currently open with a projected closure year of 2216. As a landfill, it serves the region's waste disposal needs, handling municipal solid waste under state and federal regulations. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA, including RCRA Subtitle D for municipal solid waste landfills and Clean Air Act requirements for landfill gas management. As a landfill in Michigan, it must comply with state-specific environmental regulations regarding leachate management, groundwater monitoring, and methane gas collection. The landfill's long operational lifespan suggests it is a significant regional disposal site. Waters Landfill plays a key role in waste management for the Frederic area and surrounding communities. Its extended operational timeline indicates ongoing investment in infrastructure and environmental controls. The facility's location in a rural area of Michigan may influence its environmental impact, particularly regarding groundwater protection and community proximity. WM, as a major waste management company, likely implements industry-standard practices for landfill gas capture and leachate treatment.

Landfills in Michigan, such as Waters Landfill, must manage methane gas generated from decomposing waste to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comply with EPA regulations. Leachate, a liquid that percolates through waste, requires careful collection and treatment to prevent groundwater contamination. The facility's rural setting in Crawford County may reduce community proximity concerns, but groundwater monitoring remains critical due to the area's hydrogeology. Traffic from waste haulage and potential odor impacts are typical operational considerations.