The Community Waste Solutions landfill has scored 91 percent on its annual state inspection.
That’s slightly lower than last year’s score of 93 percent, but at least some of the difference is owed to a change in the way the state evaluates landfills, said Sandra Woods, environmental specialist for the Department of Environmental Conservation. She commended landfill operator Mike Dorris for his efforts to improve the facility.
“They are doing much better. The (landfill’s) northwest corner needs more improvement, but I’ve been very happy with what they’re doing,” Woods said. “(Dorris) has made a big difference.”
In her report, Woods said, “The northern section of the landfill is approximately 70 percent covered and graded. Continued efforts to consolidate, cover and grade in this location will improve litter issues below this inactive cell.”
Utility office manager Sally Garton said improvements at the facility in recent years included compaction and cover over unused portions of the landfill. “It’s so much cleaner up there. It’s showing.”
Garton said the company lost points for not having enough route collection customers and for not having a second employee holding a special certification in operating rural landfills. “I think we did just as good a job this year, if not better (than last year).”
The company has made significant improvement in recent years, including addressing drainage, litter and bear problems. Its inspection scores have improved from 47 percent in 2011 and 77 percent in 2012.