10001_INSP_20210831

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FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section
UNIT TYPE:
Lined
LCID
YW
Transfer
Compost
SLAS
COUNTY: YANCEY
MSWLF
PERMIT NO.: 10001-MSWLF-1987
Closed
X
HHW
White
Incin
T&P
FIRM
MSWLF
goods
FILE TYPE: COMPLIANCE
CDLF
TireT&P/
Tire
Industrial
DEMO
SDTF
Collection
Monofill
Landfill
Date of Site Inspection: 8/31/2021
FACILITY NAME AND ADDRESS:
Yancey -Mitchell Sanitary Landfill
555 Landfill Road (SR-1440)
Burnsville, NC 28714
Date of Last Inspection: 4/3/2019
GPS COORDINATES (decimal degrees): Lat.: 35.930271 Long.:-82.178251
FACILITY CONTACT NAME AND PHONE NUMBER:
Lynn Austin, Yancey County Manager — 828-682-3971; lynn.austinkyance cam, n�c.gov
Tim Greene, Mitchell County Manager — 828-688-2139 ext.1394; managerkmitchellcoLm .org
FACILITY CONTACT ADDRESS:
Lynn Austin, Yancey County Manager — Owner
Yancey County Courthouse
110 Town Square, Room 11
Burnsville, NC 28714
Tim Greene, Mitchell County Manager — Owner
26 Crimson Laurel Circle
Bakersville, NC 28705
PARTICIPANTS:
Kris Riddle, Environmental Senior Specialist, Solid Waste Section (Section)
Teresa Summerlin, Office Manager, Yancey -Mitchell Transfer Station
STATUS OF PERMIT:
Closed in accordance with Closure Letter dated 12/21/95, and as stipulated by Permit No. 100-03T (FID 1322280),
which includes:
Permit to Operate — 10003T-TRANSFER-1995 Yancey -Mitchell Transfer Station;
Permit for Closure—10001-MSWLF-1987 Yancey -Mitchell Sanitary Landfill;
10002-CDLF-1997 Yancey -Mitchell C&D Landfill.
PURPOSE OF SITE VISIT:
Comprehensive Facility Inspection.
STATUS OF PAST NOTED VIOLATIONS:
A. UNRESOLVED. 15A NCAC 13B .0203(d) states: `By receiving solid waste at a permitted facility, the
permittee(s) shall be considered to have accepted the conditions of the permit and shall comply with the
conditions of the permit."
Attachment 4, Conditions for Closure, Part II, #1 states: "The permittee must maintain the integrity and
effectiveness of the cap system, including making repairs to the cover as necessary to correct the effects of
settlement, subsidence, erosion, or other events, and prevent surface water from impounding over waste and run -
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FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
NORTH CAROLINA
Solid Waste Section
on and run-off from eroding or otherwise damaging the cap system. In addition, a vegetative cover of native
grasses must be maintained and mowed regularly."
The facility was issued a Closure Letter dated December 21, 1995. The Closure Letter contained Post Closure Conditions
and Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting Requirements. The December 21, 1995, Closure Letter conditions were
incorporated into the Permit for Closure 10001-MSWLF-1987 Yancey -Mitchell Sanitary Landfill (FID 1322280).
Post Closure Condition #4 of the December 21, 1995, Closure Letter states: "The integrity and effectiveness
of the final cover system and any permanent erosion control devices must be maintained. This could include
making repairs to the cover as necessary to correct the effects of settlement, subsidence, erosion, or other events".
The facility also has an Inspection and Maintenance Plan (Plan) for the site dated August 22, 2016. This Plan includes the
completion of quarterly inspections of the municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill. The inspections include the completion
of inspection logs that address the following areas: access features, landfill slope condition, landfill cap condition,
stormwater conveyance features, Edge of Waste (EOW) markers, and monitoring wells. Quarterly Landfill Inspection
Logs dated May 19, 2021, February 10, 2021, November 18, 2020, August 19, 2020, June 4, 2020, February 19, 2020,
December 13, 2019, and October 15, 2019, were observed for this inspection. These inspection logs all referenced
exposed waste along the northern slope of the closed MSW landfill.
During the previous facility inspection and also during this inspection, areas of subsidence and an erosion gulley were
observed on the northern slope of the closed MSW landfill. Further inspection of the eroded area on the northern slope
revealed a slope failure between groundwater monitoring wells #MW-2 and #MW-3 (photos #1 & #2). The erosion in this
area has undermined large trees on the northern landfill slope causing them to fall over. Exposed wastes were observed in
this area which included tires, plastics, glass bottles, cans, and miscellaneous debris (photos #3 & #4). Yancey and
Mitchell Counties continue to be in violation of 15A NCAC 13B .0203(d) in that the integrity and effectiveness of the
final cover system for the closed MSW landfill has not been maintained.
To achieve compliance, within 45-days of receipt of this inspection report, Yancey and Mitchell Counties must
submit a plan to the Section, which includes a timeframe for implementation and completion of all activities in the
plan, for repair of the final cover system on the northern slope of the closed MSW landfill. Final cover system
repairs must begin within thirty (30) days of plan approval. For questions regarding plan submittal requirements
please contact:
Allen Gaither, Permitting Engineer
Division of Waste Management/Solid Waste Section
2090 U.S. Highway 70
Swannanoa, NC 28778
828-296-4703
alien. aig thernncdenr.gov
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NORTH CAROLI D_EQ��
UeVnNnenl of Enrlrwmrenbl Ouel�
FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section
3. Additional southern view of exposed wastes on
northern slope of landfill. Note: Exposed wastes
included tires, plastics, glass bottles, cans, and
miscellaneous debris.
4. Northern view of exposed wastes and sediment
basin below slope failure area. Photograph taken from
the toe (bottom) of northern slope of landfill. Arrow
illustrates the direction of flow into basin. Note:
Exposed wastes included tires, plastics, glass bottles,
cans, and miscellaneous debris.
B. UNRESOLVED. 15A NCAC 13B .0505(7)(c) states: "Leachate shall be contained on site or properly treated
prior to discharge. An NPDES permit may be required prior to the discharge of leachate to surface waters".
During the previous facility inspection and also during this inspection, a leachate outbreak was observed on the northern
slope of the closed MSW landfill between groundwater monitoring wells MW-2 and MW-3 (photos #5 & #6). Leachate
from the outbreak flowed north beyond the EOW markers and into the sediment basin located between the closed MSW
landfill and the closed Construction and Demolition (C&D) landfill (photos #7 & #8). Exposed wastes were observed in
this location and an unusual odor was noted which emanated from this area. A Leachate Release Sampling Plan was
submitted to the Section on September 18, 2019, and was approved on September 19, 2019. To date, the Leachate Release
Sampling Plan has not been completed to determine the impact of the ongoing leachate release. Yancey and Mitchell
Counties continue to be in violation of 15A NCAC 13B .0505(7)(c) in that leachate has not been contained on site or
properly treated prior to discharge.
To achieve compliance, no later than October 8, 2021, Yancey and Mitchell Counties must implement the approved
Leachate Release Sampling Plan to determine the impact of the leachate release. Per the facility's consultant, the
Leachate Release Sampling Plan will be implemented during the facility's environmental monitoring scheduled for
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FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
NORTH CAROLINA
Solid Waste Section
October 7" and 811, 2021. Additional measures may be required pending a review of the results of laboratory
analysis of the soil samples. Sampling results should be submitted to:
Perry Sugg, Section Hydrogeologist
Division of Waste Management/Solid Waste Section
1646 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1646
919-707-8258
perry. sugg(kncdenr. gov
5. Southern view of leachate outbreak area on the
northern slope of the closed MSW landfill. Arrow
points to area of leachate flow from the closed MSW
landfill above the northern slope failure area. Note:
Machete in foreground for scale.
6. Southeastern view of leachate flowing and exposed
wastes observed in area below slope failure. Arrow
points to direction of leachate flow from the closed
MSW landfill below slope failure area.
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NORTH CAROLI D_EQ��
UeVnNnenl of Enrlrwmrenbl Ouel�
FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section
7. Northern view of sediment basin below slope failure area. Photograph taken from the toe
(bottom) of northern slope of landfill. Arrows illustrate the EOW marker and the direction of
observed leachate flow into the basin beyond EOW marker. Note: sediment basin located
between the closed MSW landfill and the closed C&D landfill.
8. Additional northern view of sediment basin below slope failure area. Photograph taken
beyond the EOW marker at the bottom of the northern slope of the landfill. Arrow illustrates
the direction of observed leachate flow into basin. Note: sediment basin located between the
closed MSW landfill and the closed C&D landfill.
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FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
NORTH CAROLINA
Solid Waste Section
C. CORRECTIVE MEASURES ONGOING. 15A NCAC 02C .0108(o) states: "Each non -water supply well
shall have permanently affixed an identification plate. The identification plate shall be constructed of a durable,
waterproof, or rustproof metal or other material approved by the Department as equivalent and shall contain the following
information:
(1) well contractor name and certification number;
(2) date well completed;
(3) total depth of well;
(4) a warning that the well is not for water supply and that the groundwater may contain hazardous materials;
(5) depth(s) to the top(s) and bottom(s) of the screen(s); and
(6) the well identification number or name assigned by the well owner."
During the previous facility inspection, identification plates were not observed on groundwater monitoring wells at the
facility (MW-J), and/or some identification plates did not contain all of the required information (MW-2, MW-3, and MW-
AR) (photo #9). Although, an identification plate has been installed on well MW-J since the previous inspection (photo
#10), Yancey and Mitchell Counties continue to be in violation of 15A NCAC 02C .0108(o) in that all non -water supply
wells at the facility did not have a permanently affixed identification plate with the required information.
To achieve compliance, within three (3) months of receipt of this inspection report, Yancey and Mitchell Counties
must permanently affix identification plates with the required information on all non -water supply wells at the
facility.
WARNING
'GROUNDWATER
MONITORING WELL
Ct)STOMER -
CITY t _
STATE - ZIP-., "
REGISTRATION NO.
DATE: 20_DEPTH fi=� FT
CASING DEPTH: DIA IN
... SCREEN: TO `
SAND: - TO <
BENTONITE - TO
GROUT- TO
STATIC LEVEL
,4 YIELD GPM -STATIC -
CAUTION
NOT
POTABLE
WATER J
�r
f
H
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FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
NORTH CAROLINA
Solid Waste Section
9. Groundwater Monitoring Well MW-2. Typical 10. Groundwater Monitoring Well MW-J. Typical
example of groundwater monitoring well at facility. example of groundwater monitoring well at facility.
Note: ID label/plate did not contain all the required Note: ID label/plate contain all of the required
information. information.
OBSERVED VIOLATIONS:
None.
The item(s) listed above were observed by Section staff and require action on behalf of the facility in order to come into or maintain compliance
with the Statutes, Rules, and/or other regulatory requirements applicable to this facility. Be advised that pursuant to N.C.G.S. 130A-22, an
administrative penalty of up to $15,000 per day may be assessed for each violation of the Solid Waste Laws, Regulations, Conditions of a Permit,
or Order under Article 9 of Chapter 130A of the N.C. General Statutes. Further, the facility and/or all responsible parties may also be subject to
enforcement actions including penalties, injunction from operation of a solid waste management facility or a solid waste collection service and any
such further relief as may be necessary to achieve compliance with the North Carolina Solid Waste Management Act and Rules.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
1. On -site August 31, 2021, to conduct comprehensive facility inspection. Teresa Summerlin, Office Manager, Yancey -
Mitchell Transfer Station, assisted with the facility records review during this inspection.
2. Post -inspection, additional facility records and information were provided by the Office Manager, Yancey County
Manager, and the facility's consultant.
3. Access to the site is located off Landfill Drive and is controlled by a lockable gate.
4. EOW markers were observed around the closed MSW landfill and appeared to be maintained. Continue to maintain
EOW markers at the facility as necessary.
5. Semi-annual groundwater and surface water monitoring reports for the facility dated May 2021 (for Spring 2021
sampling event) and January 2021 (for Fall 2020 sampling event) were available for review. Continue to work with
Perry Sugg, Section Hydrogeologist, regarding environmental monitoring for the facility.
6. The groundwater and surface water monitoring network for the closed MSW landfill is comprised of 5 groundwater
monitoring wells (MW-AR, MW-B, MW-2, MW-3, and MW-J) and 2 surface water monitoring locations (SW-1 and
SW-2). During this inspection, four groundwater monitoring wells and both surface water monitoring location areas for
the facility were observed. (MW-3 was unable to be accessed during this inspection due to unstable access across the
slope failure area and stormy weather conditions.) Continue to maintain access to all environmental monitoring
locations at the facility as necessary. (Note: although I inspect this facility on foot, the facility's Quarterly Landfill
Inspection Logs reference maintenance that is needed to access monitoring well MW-B by vehicle, along the eastern
side of the facility.)
7. Regarding groundwater monitoring well MW-3, Quarterly Landfill Inspection Logs dated 5/19/21, 2/10/21, 11/18/20,
and 8/19/20, reference "sediment deposition at base of the well. Well pad cracked. Gully forming upgradient of well."
15A NCAC 02C .0108(m) states, "All non -water supply wells shall be equipped with a steel outer well casing or flush -
mount cover, set in concrete, and other measures to protect the well from damage by normal site activities."
Groundwater monitoring well MW-3 must be repaired and maintained as necessary to ensure the well meets the
standards of construction for wells other than water supply.
8. Quarterly Landfill Gas (LFG) monitoring reports for the facility, as sampled on 5/19/21, 2/10/21, 11/18/20, 8/19/20,
6/4/20, 2/19/20, 12/3/2019, 9/20/2019, 5/7/2019, and 2/8/2019, were available for review. No LFG exceedances were
noted in the reports.
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FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
D_E Q�� Division of Waste Management
NORTH CAROI INA
°°°°-0- ...... 01°"°"" Solid Waste Section
9. LFG monitoring for the MSW landfill is conducted at 8 screening locations (MSW-1 through MSW-8) around the
perimeter of the landfill. LFG monitoring data is obtained by sampling ambient air utilizing a calibrated, handheld
methane monitor at each approximate screening location. The facility also monitors for LFG in the following seven
structures located on the property: Tipping Station bathroom, Scale House, and Boiler/Heater building; and in the
Energy/Xchange Visitor's Center, Clay studio, Glass studio, and Gallery. During this inspection, all approximate LFG
screening locations at the closed MSW landfill were observed. Access to observed LFG monitoring locations was
maintained.
10. During this inspection, vegetative cover on the closed MSW landfill cap appeared to be well established and
maintained on the central portion of the cap (photos #11 & #12). Brush, briars, and trees were observed along the
eastern and northern slopes of the closed MSW landfill. Continue to maintain all vegetative cover at the facility as
necessary. Continue efforts to remove any woody vegetation on the eastern and northern landfill slopes as needed, per
the Inspection and Maintenance Plan for the site dated August 22, 2016 (see Status of Past Noted Violations "A" of this
inspection report for additional information regarding landfill cap maintenance). After mowing events occur, ensure the
closed MSW landfill cap system is inspected for subsidence, cracking, signs of erosion or damage, and that any
necessary repairs are made in a timely manner.
11. Northwestern view of closed MSW landfill cap and
vegetative cover. (Note: mowing of this area of the
closed MSW landfill cap had recently occurred.)
12. Western view of closed MSW landfill cap and
vegetative cover. (Note: Arrow points to forested area on
northern slope of closed landfill cap, above slope failure
area.)
11. Continue to maintain all erosion control measures at the facility as necessary including rip -rap channels, sediment
detention basins, permanent diversions, and inlet/outlet stabilization structures.
12. Additional construction of a parking area, sidewalks, and observation locations at the Bare Dark Sky Observatory
were observed to have been recently completed on the facility property. The observatory is not located over the
footprint of any waste disposal unit on the property and is adjacent to groundwater monitoring well MW-J.
13. All photographs taken by Kris Riddle on August 31, 2021.
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FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
NORTH CAROLINA
Solid Waste Section
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this inspection report.
Digitally signed by Kris Riddle
Date: 2021.09.1618:03:35 Phone: [phone]
-04'00'
Kris Riddle, Environmental Senior Specialist
Division of Waste Management, NC DEQ
Regional Representative
Sent to Lynn Austin and Tim
X
Email
Hand delivery
US Mail
Certified No. f2
Greene, on September 16,
2021, via:
E-Copies: Deb Aja, Western District Supervisor, Solid Waste Section
Chris Hollinger, Compliance Officer, Solid Waste Section
Allen Gaither, Permitting Engineer, Solid Waste Section
Perry Sugg, Section Hydrogeologist, Solid Waste Section
Teresa Summerlin, Office Manager, Yancey -Mitchell Transfer Station
Page 10 of 10