PSC Approves Modifications For Capels Landfill

The WV Public Service Commission on Monday approved a certificate of need for a major modification at the Capels Landfill, County Commission President Gordon Lambert announced today.

Now under construction, the landfill is located under on approximately 185 acres of land within a 1600 tract. Currently, approximately 35 acres are designated for waste disposal under the permit. The modification will enlarge the limits of the landfill waste disposal area to allow approximately 106 acres to be designated for waste disposal.

Lambert said the McDowell Solid Waste Authority requested the modification to provide operational and landfill development efficiencies associated with a large disposal area, which will extend the landfill's environmental benefits and life.

“Increasing the size of the permitted disposal area will allow approximately 25 years of site life,” Lambert said.

The modification application to the DEP did not request any change in the permitted disposal rate of 50,000 tons per month, nor does it change ownership, or provision of services, Lambert said.

When the permit is officially issued, ESI, the company that owns the landfill, will pay the county $1 million, Lambert said. When the first ton of garbage is accepted, the county will receive another million. When the road leading to the landfill is turned over to ESI, the county will receive $200,000.

Moreover, Lambert added: “For every ton over 30,000 tons that the landfill accepts, the county will receive $2 per ton, which means an additional $40,000 per month. The Solid Waste Authority will receive $25,000 monthly.

“This will help us get McDowell County cleaned up and keep it that way,” Lambert said, adding that after the landfill opens the county will sponsor a three-day, county-wide clean up campaign.

Dumpsters will be placed in each district and will be used for free dump day, which will be held one day per month.

Additionally, when the new Steven's Facility is full, a crew of prisoners, supervised by a correctional officer, will work throughout the county to assist in the clean up effort.

“The PSC approving the modifications moves the landfill one step closer to completion,” Lambert said. “It is another great day for McDowell County .”

On another note, Lambert related that a “Golden Spike Ceremony” is scheduled for May 1. The ceremony is open to the public and will commemorate the completion of the railroad spur that leads to the landfill.