News release  The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued an order for abatement requiring Sunshine Canyon Landfill to implement stricter and innovative measures to reduce odors that have been impacting the community, the AQMD announced in a news release.  Landfill operations can cause odors, particularly as waste decomposes and if not well controlled, the release said. Since January 2023, South Coast AQMD has received over 4,000 odor complaints from nearby residents and an elementary school regarding Sunshine Canyon Landfill, which is in the Newhall Pass, just west of the Interstate 5 and State Route 14 interchange.  During this period, South Coast AQMD has issued more than 150 notices of violation against the landfill for public nuisance, citing violations of the agency’s Rule 402 and California Health & Safety Code Section 41700. Sunshine Canyon Landfill has worked cooperatively with South Coast AQMD to incorporate additional measures and practices to minimize odor impacts, the release said.  The release said the new order, issued this month, requires Sunshine Canyon Landfill to take additional actions including:  • Odor prevention with microbiology: Use aerobic microbiology solutions during waste operations to reduce odors like “fresh trash” and methane.  • Closure turf feasibility: Explore installing gas and leachate systems without disturbing existing closure turfs designed to prevent erosion and emissions.  • Enhanced emissions data: Pilot advanced methods like drones and robotic vehicles to identify potential problem areas and collect more real-time data, including in the evening.  • Odor neutralization: Apply odor neutralizers and microbiology-based solutions at transfer stations to control odors before disposal.  • Gas movement: Test using larger granular materials such as gravel and crushed rock around landfill gas wells to improve gas flow. These larger size materials create more space between particles, allowing gas to move more freely and reducing pressure buildup.  • Daily odor patrols: Perform and document twice-daily patrols to identify odor sources and leachate seeps.  Sunshine Canyon Landfill is owned and operated by Browning Ferris Industries of California Inc. and Republic Services Inc. It is classified as a Class III landfill and can only accept municipal solid waste. No hazardous waste can be accepted at the landfill. Sunshine Canyon Landfill’s Solid Waste Facility Permit limit is 12,100 tons per day and the landfill receives roughly 9,000 tons of waste per day, handling approximately one-third of the daily waste of all of Los Angeles County.  In January, Sunshine Canyon Landfill’s tonnage limits have been temporarily increased to 15,000 tons per day following approvals and emergency waivers issued by the Sunshine Canyon Landfill Local Enforcement Agency, the Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to address the removal and disposal of fire debris.  More information can be found at: www.aqmd.gov/nav/about/hearing-board/hearing-board/hearing-board-case-documents.  The post Sunshine landfill ordered to step up actions to address odors  appeared first on Santa Clarita Valley Signal. ...read more read less