West Garfield Solid Waste Disposal Site - Landfill in Rifle, Colorado

West Garfield Solid Waste Disposal Site is an operational landfill located 5 miles west of Rifle, Colorado, in Garfield County. As a landfill facility, it serves the local community by providing solid waste disposal services. The site is situated in a rural area near Anvil Point, with coordinates 39.728598, -107.526151. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US EPA RCRA Subtitle D, which governs municipal solid waste landfills. This includes requirements for liner systems, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and landfill gas management. The landfill likely employs standard practices such as daily cover, compaction, and gas venting or collection to mitigate environmental impacts. As a regional disposal site, West Garfield plays a key role in managing waste from Rifle and surrounding areas. Its operational status indicates ongoing service to the community. Proper landfill management is critical for protecting local groundwater and air quality, especially given the semi-arid climate of western Colorado.

The landfill is located in a semi-arid region of western Colorado, where groundwater resources are vital for agriculture and domestic use. Leachate management is a key concern to prevent contamination of underlying aquifers. Landfill gas, primarily methane, must be controlled to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and odor impacts. Proximity to rural communities requires careful traffic management and dust control. The site's location away from major water bodies reduces some risks, but ongoing monitoring is essential.