Environmental Protection

With the largest network of landfills in the industry, WM utilizes state-of-the-art liners, leachate collection, ground water monitoring, and gas control systems, along with operational procedures that ensure protection to the environment. Designed and operated under highly regulated and prescribed procedures, each facility is engineered to protect surface and ground water through the highest environmental control. Each site is maintained carefully to meet or exceed federal, state, and local regulations.
We also collect and monitor the leachate that is generated at the facility. Our facilities also have a special waste program that evaluates waste that is proposed to be disposed at the landfill prior to acceptance and pre-approves any waste that enters the facility.
For more information visit the New York State Department of Environmental Protection https://www.dec.ny.gov/

NYSDEC Monitor

In accordance with Chaffee Landfill's NYSDEC Permit Number 9-1462-00001/00006 Chaffee Landfill is required to maintain a sum of $68,000 for funding of environmental compliance activities related to the construction and operation of the Chaffee Landfill. The on-site monitor's function is to monitor the Permittee's solid WM facilities, and work with facility staff to maximize permit and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the Monitor's on-site presence is intended to benefit the facility by fostering more accurate and timely communications between the Permittee and the Department.

The duties of the environmental monitor include, but are not necessarily limited to:

Observation of the construction and operation at the landfill to ensure that it is in accordance with the Part 360 permit, approved engineering plans and reports, and applicable regulations;

Visual inspection of the incoming wastes as needed;
Providing guidance to the landfill personnel on operational procedures that work successfully at other landfills; and
Maintaining a file of all industrial waste streams approved for disposal in the landfill.

Oversees Landfill Operations on a weekly basis or as needed.

Environmental Monitoring Program

In accordance with Chaffee Landfill's NYSDEC Permit Number 9-1462-00001/00006, Chaffee Landfill monitors the groundwater, surface water and air around the facility. We also collect and monitor the leachate that is generated at the facility

Annual Cost: $150,000
Quarterly Sampling and Analysis
Groundwater (38 Wells) - located at varying depths which sample area water for contaminants
Surface Water (3 Sites)
Air - landfill gas is collected
Leachate - rain water which has drained through the waste mass and is collected by the liner system

Environmental Protection