Community Update

Geomembrane Liner Progress
As described previously in our Community Update on April 13th, extraordinarily high winds experienced throughout the region resulted in damage to portions of exposed geomembrane cover system along the north side of Cells 10/11. WM immediately initiated a plan to stabilize the liner and repair and replace sections of the geomembrane which were damaged. In conjunction with the repair work, WM elected to install a more robust geomembrane overlain by a geosynthetic wind ballast product called wind defender to improve the durability and resistivity to high winds over the entire initial 9-acre area along the north and eastern portions of Cells 10/11.

We are aware that several residents reported observing that a portion of the original liner was visibly lifted. Please be assured that this was not excess gas pressure buildup, but was the result of wind uplift on an unsecured section of the original geomembrane which is being replaced. This area will be covered by the new geomembrane and wind defender ballast system and we anticipate completion of this work over the next one to two weeks, weather permitting.

Landfill Surface Scan
Final 30-day Recertification was conducted by a third-party contractor on April 20. All areas noted during the initial surface scan have been repaired and are in regulatory compliance. A final report is currently being prepared and will be delivered in mid-May.

NYSDEC Reporting Hotline
NYSDEC has established a formal and comprehensive response process to address issues and concerns of residents living near the High Acres Landfill. The system allows DEC to respond directly to complaints, evaluate the situation, and talk directly to residents. This new system provides a more effective method for DEC to address community concerns. The agency will use the information generated to evaluate the effectiveness of required mitigation steps taken by WM, and to determine if further steps are necessary. The data DEC has received from concerned residents to date has been valuable in helping to understand the extent of the concerns. To reach the hotline, call 585-453-2416.

Air Monitoring Program
We are in week 7 of a 12-week air monitoring program. 6 weeks of air monitoring data have been provided to the NYSDEC, the town of Perinton and the town of Macedon and are being made available at the town of Perinton website.

We believe that there has been a significant reduction in landfill gas related odors as a result of the mitigation efforts. We remain committed to providing the resources and effort to ensure that this facility returns to the standard of excellence that the NYSDEC and the community have come to expect for over 40 years.

All construction required by the Town of Perinton and NYSDEC in cells 10 and 11 has been completed on or ahead of schedule. All ongoing monitoring and maintenance will continue moving forward.

High Winds
On April 4, 2018, the Gale-force winds experienced (recorded at 72 MPH onsite) throughout the region resulted in damage to approximately one (1) acre of the 18-total acre exposed geomembrane cover system that was recently installed. The gas collection system remains fully functional throughout the entire 18-acre lined area. A liner installation contractor has been on site since the wind event. Contractors have secured and anchored the edges of the damaged portions of the membrane and placed additional ballast to prevent future damage. Replacement liner materials have been ordered and are on site. In conjunction with the repair work, WM has elected to replace portions of the damaged geomembrane and install a reinforced geotextile windscreen ballast system to increase liner durability and resistivity to high winds. This work will begin the week of April 16.

Surface Scan
The Quarter 1 Surface Emission Monitoring (SEM) for the facility indicated 18 minor exceedances. These detections range from dime-size penetrations to gas well seals protruding through the liner cover. Exceedance sources were identified, resolved and recertified within the set regulatory timeframes. All monitoring work was conducted by a third-party firm. In most cases, SEM exceedances are very small, discrete openings or penetrations of the liner. Final 30-Day Recertification will take place on April 20. It is anticipated that a final report will be delivered in mid-May.

Air Monitoring Program
Air monitoring data has been provided to the NYSDEC, the town of Perinton and the town of Macedon and are being made available at the town of Perinton website.

We believe that there has been a significant reduction in offsite odors as a result of the mitigation efforts and we remain committed to providing the resources and effort to ensure that this facility returns to the standard of excellence that the NYSDEC and the community have come to expect for over 40 years.

As you are aware, high winds experienced throughout the region yesterday resulted in damage and power outages throughout the area and resulted in Monroe County declaring a state of emergency. In fact, due to the concerns for worker and customer safety, we elected not to operate at the working face yesterday.

We write to let you know that portions of the exposed geomembrane were damaged during this wind event. We have already ordered replacement materials and have begun working to replace the damaged portions of liner that can be safely accessed. The gas collection system remains fully functional and those areas of the landfill remain under vacuum. We will continue to work closely with NYSDEC to implement the repairs and will keep you informed on our progress.