EPA contains landfill fire on Pine Ridge Reservation (SD)
(Denver, Colorado – June 22, 2011) The
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has contained and smothered a
landfill fire on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwest South
Dakota. The landfill is located 13 miles south of Red Shirt along
BIA Highway 41.
When EPA responders arrived on site on June 12,
the fire had burned approximately 80%, or five acres, of the
landfill. EPA observed evidence of household hazardous waste,
including pesticide containers, paint cans and small drums,
throughout the burn zone. Responders also witnessed a noxious plume
of smoke drifting across the nearby highway. Initial air monitor
measurements taken on June 13 indicated elevated levels of
particulates, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide, and
decreased levels of oxygen. Due to the unconsolidated nature of the
waste in the landfill and the intensity of the fire, EPA determined
the fire would likely burn for months if not
addressed.
As part of the response, a borrow pit was
established south of the current landfill in an area that has been
designated for future expansion. Solid waste in the existing cell
was excavated, placed and compacted in appropriate lifts within the
cell, and covered with soil to smother the fire. EPA is now working
on bolstering the cover over the landfill and making sure there are
no hot spots that could reignite. Unburned trash is being managed
to ensure it will not reignite.
The landfill is a Subtitle D solid waste
facility that services 11 transfer stations and is the sole
landfill for the Pine Ridge Reservation. The landfill receives
approximately 30-50 tons of solid waste daily and serves
approximately 30,000 people, including the communities of Pine
Ridge and Kyle.
For further information on this site, please
visit:
https://www.epaosc.org/site/site_profile.aspx?site_id=7002