anchor Description
This project provides for the remediation of low-level environmental contamination at the Gude Landfill. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) approved an Assessment of Corrective Measures (ACM) report for Gude Landfill in July 2016 which specifically outlines the approved Corrective Measure Alternative (CMA) for this remediation project. The MDE approved CMA will include toupee capping (regrading and capping the top of the landfill and selected slope areas with a synthetic liner and two feet of soil) and increased gas collection through the installation of additional gas extraction wells. These remediation measures will reduce infiltration of rainwater into the landfill resulting in the generation of less leachate, fewer leachate seeps, and better control of landfill gas migration.
anchorEstimated Schedule
The Gude Landfill Remediation project construction will begin in Fall FY23 and is scheduled to be completed in FY27.
anchor Justification
The County and MDE entered a consent order in May 2013 which outlined requirements for assessing low-level groundwater contamination, gas migration, and other problems at the Gude Landfill. The Consent Order included provisions requiring a Work Plan and schedule to be established for assessing potential risks to human health and the environment, and development of an ACM report and implementation schedule. After consultation with industry experts, community groups, MDE, and County government leadership, the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) initial proposal to MDE in 2014 addressed the low-level groundwater contamination at the site with installation of bioremediation wells on the property. MDE's assessment of this bioremediation corrective measure in April 2015 determined that additional corrective measures would need to be included in the bioremediation approach to address all of MDE's requirements. A revised ACM report was submitted to MDE in April 2016 addressing all MDE's comments and selecting corrective measures consisting of a toupee cap, additional landfill gas collection, and stormwater drainage improvements. The County has been mandated to perform work outlined in the consent order. Moving forward with the remediation of Gude Landfill, as required by MDE, will also address concerns raised by the adjacent community and allow planning for future reuses of the property.
anchorFiscal Note
Solid Waste (Disposal Fund) Revenue Bonds will be issued to support this project. A mid-FY21 amendment reduced Current Revenue: Solid Waste Disposal by $6,000,000 and increased Revenue Bonds by $6,000,000.
anchorCoordination
Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority (NMWDA), Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Department of Permitting Services, Health and Human Services, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Gude Landfill Concerned Citizens (GLCC), County social service agencies, and adjacent property owners. Special Capital Projects Legislation [Bill No. 16-19E] was adopted by Council on October 20, 2020.