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CONCERNS AND THOUGHTS ON REPAIRS AT THE WAIMANALO GULCH LANDFILL
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The threat of rains should keep City and State officials and Waste Management on edge at the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill. A premature and loosely worded claim that the landfill meets the United States Environmental Protection Agency construction deadline succeeded in laying to rest public fears of a repeat of the discharge of millions of gallons of lecheate and medical waste into the Pacific ocean.
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However, the report failed to inform the public that repairs on the E-6 cell that was flooded and damaged in December, 2010, is still not finished . The liner was substantially damaged by the flooding, boulders and silt that flowed into the E-6 cell from upper elevations, and the dirt routinely used as daily cover that left approximately four feet of mud in the cell. The removal of the muddy mixture and boulders is critical because it takes up valuable airspace that could be used to place trash. And the muddy mixture must also be removed to fully assess the damage to the liner in the E-6 cell. |
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The lecheate sump is still not fully repaired or functional. They still must clean the storm water settling pond located at the entrance. And finally, a pipe that was placed in the drainage channel to divert water into the settling pond must also be removed or modified to prevent future diversion.
Our best estimate is that the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill will not be fully functional for weeks or possibly several months.
A heavy rain or a serious weather event triggered by La Nina, or an emergency at the City and County's H-Power plant will leave the City with a major trash crisis.
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Carroll Cox