40 Mile Regional Landfill design unveiled to public

Posted on December 8, 2015 by Jamie Rieger

The design for expansion that the North Forty Mile regional landfill was unveiled to the public late last month. Being constructed in phases, ultimately, the landfill will be able to accommodate garbage from Bow Island and the county for approximately 50 years.

The design includes multiple cells, a leachate system with two ponds, an elevator, and

“A drainage system will be vital to prevent any liquid from getting into the coulee,” said Bow Island mayor Gordon Reynolds, who is a representative from the Town that sits on the North Forty Mile Regional Wast Management Services commission.

“A leachate will be used to collect drainage from between each cell. We have to control everything that could leave the system,” he added.

While consideration for an expansion began six or seven years ago, the process was put into high gear two years ago when the landfill commission’s lease with the provincial government expired.

The landfill, according to engineer, Walter Brodowski, is currently filled beyond capacity and he feels the design of the expansion will be able to handle more waste as the community grows, while protecting the groundwater, and meeting governmental standards.

“This design is typical of landfills throughout North America and has been used since the 1980s,” said Brodowski, adding he does not expect there to be any issues in obtaining the necessary approval from Alberta Environment, an approval that would be in place for 10 years.

A weigh-scale at the site would also allow the commission to better manage what is coming in and from where.

The first cell will likely be constructed by late next year or early 2017.