With respect to compliance issues with a suburban Detroit landfill, the state has reached a settlement with them.
As part of the agreement, the Attorney General’s office of Michigan stated that Arbor Hills Landfill of Salem Township must pay fines as well as the cost of emissions monitoring and measuring equipment.
Nearby residents began complaining about an odor emanating from the landfill in 2016 to the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).
Dana Nessel, the Attorney General, filed a lawsuit in 2020 on behalf of EGLE as a result of concerns over compliance with federal and state regulations, as well as public nuisance issues.
In addition, the state advised installing an adequate collection and control system to capture the gas generated by the landfill. Leachate issues also needed to be resolved, according to the state.
As a result of solid waste landfills, hydrogen sulfide and methane are released into the atmosphere, according to state regulations.
The release of hydrogen sulfide is associated with the nuisance odors and methane is extremely flammable. If not managed properly and allowed to build up, it presents a safety risk.
