High Acres Landfill & Recycling Center Construction & Operational Update

2nd Quarter 2024

Site Information

The High Acres Landfill began in 1971 and joined WM in 1972. The facility provides solid waste management and is located on approximately 1,500 acres. The permitted landfill is around 320 acres.

This update summarizes key on-site enhancements that occurred in the first quarter of 2024. Key aspects of the updates will include community benefits, site construction activities, environmental performance and compliance and site monitoring activities.

Landfill Facts

Total Property: 1,500+ acres
Design Capacity: 3,500 tons per day
Closed Landfill: 72 acres
Western Expansion: 68.1 acres
Parkway Expansion Phase I: 20.1 acres
Parkway Expansion Phase II: 58 acres
Parkway Expansion Phase III: ~150 acres
Site Life: 2051

Community Benefits

Not sure what to do with outdated electronics or the stash of propane tanks sitting in your shed? Bring them to the WM/Monroe County Ecopark!

Ecopark is a partnership between WM and Monroe County that provides county residents with a “one-stop drop-off” recycling facility to bring their difficult-to-manage items for proper and safe disposal. Items include things like:

  • electronics
  • appliances
  • pharmaceutical waste and medications
  • sharps and syringes
  • bulky plastic items
  • vape and e-cigarette waste
  • propane tanks
  • tires

To learn more about the Ecopark, visit www.monroecounty.gov/ecopark or call 585.753.7600 and select option #3.

Located at 10 Avion Drive, Rochester, NY 14624

Site Construction Activities

Landfill construction and operation at High Acres are governed by the Facility’s New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) 6NYCRR Part 360 Permit, dated July 9, 2013. The NYSDEC approved landfill footprint in both the Towns of Perinton and Macedon is 320.4 acres, which 234.1 acres have been constructed with 86.3 remaining to be constructed. The Facility’s estimated remaining permitted site life has been calculated through approximately 2051. Photos and brief descriptions are provided below of Q2 2024 construction activities. Cell 15A-1 – Q2 2024 excavation and structural fill complete. Placement of geocomposite underdrain and clay are on-going. Riserhouse foundation and walls are set.

East Perimeter Berm Construction – Started excavation and structural fill placement in early May. Approximately 80kcy have been excavated to date. Anticipate Fall completion. Temporary odors may occur during trenching and construction activities that are necessary for project completion and future improvements.

Cell 15A-1

Ongoing construction of 10 acres of dual composite liner system with a leachate rise house.

Summary

WM employs state-of-the-art odor control measures for the industry at the landfill, including more recent measures implemented and described in this update. We remain vigilant in our evaluation and implementation of best management practices and technology to enhance operations. WM continues its commitment to the Department and the community by continuing to conduct continuous ambient monitoring for hydrogen sulfide (H2S) at the South and North Monitoring Station and the Dudley/Northside School. The gas collection/control systems also continue to operate at high levels of efficiency this quarter. The data supports that landfill gas is being collected and not migrating off-site and that there is no indication that emissions pose any health concerns. The site’s gas collection and control system, operating records, odor control programs, off-site H2S monitoring data, enhanced quarterly surface scans, DEC notification hotline and follow-up data from a trained odor detection investigator, and DEC inspection reports, all indicate the landfill is operating in a manner that minimizes off-site odors to the greatest extent practicable.