9204_Wake_Sorrell_MSWLF_LFCoverMaint_FID1821745_20231121

November 21, 2023
Solid Waste Section
NCDEQ Division of Waste Management
217 West Jones Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
Attn: Ms. Jackie Drummond via email: [e-mail]
Reference: Landfill Cover Inspection — November 2023
Sorrell Landfill (Permit #92-04)
Apex, Wake County, North Carolina
S&ME Project No. 1054-07-251
Dear Ms. Drummond:
On November 1, 2023, representatives from S&ME, Inc. (S&ME) performed a visual inspection of the landfill cover
and the storm water/surface water conveyance features at the closed Sorrell Landfill located in Apex, North
Carolina. This letter report is provided to document the findings of our inspection. Services conducted by S&ME
were performed in general accordance with the following:
S&ME Proposal No. P4258-07V, dated April 25, 2007,
S&ME's memorandum 2023 Landfill Cover Maintenance Cost Estimate, dated April 28, 2023, and
NCDEQ memorandum Authorization to Conduct the Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 Landfill Cover Maintenance
Activities Closed Sorrell MSW Landfill, dated May 24, 2023.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Sorrell Grading Company initially operated a construction and demolition (C&D) landfill at this site, which
subsequently also accepted municipal solid wastes (MSW) and similar waste materials. A Closure Plan and a Post -
Closure Plan for the landfill were prepared by Stuart Jones Consulting Engineering, dated June 20, 1996 and
submitted to the Section on behalf of Sorrell Grading Company. The Closure Plan provided criteria for the
construction of a landfill cover consisting of a clay cap over the top 24 acres of the landfill and a vegetative layer
of the top and side slopes of the landfill. The Closure Plan indicated that the side slopes were already largely
constructed at that time and that the cap construction was underway.
A Closure Report, dated September 7, 2001, was prepared by S&ME and submitted to the Section on behalf of
Sorrell. The report detailed S&ME's evaluation of the landfill cover after the landfill had been closed and the clay
cap had been placed on top of the landfill. The Closure Report described testing of the cover on the top and the
side slopes of the landfill, verifying the placement and thickness of the infiltration layer and the erosion layer.
Locations on the side slopes and the top of the landfill were tested. Most of the locations were found to contain
adequate thicknesses of cap material. Where the thickness of the cap was insufficient, these locations were
identified, and repairs were to be made by the owner. Additional information on the construction and condition of
S&ME, Inc. 13201 Spring Forest Road I Raleigh, NC 276161 p 919.872.2660 1 www.smeinc.com

Landfill Cover Inspection — November 2023
Sorrell Landfill (Permit #92-04)
Apex, Wake County, North Carolina
S&ME Project No. 1054-07-251
the landfill cover system was described in S&ME's letter report Response to Notice of Violations, submitted to
NCDENR-DWM on January 26, 2009.
The November 1, 2023, landfill cover inspection was limited to an evaluation of one area of compliance:
A visual inspection of the landfill cap over the top 24 acres of the landfill and the storm water/surface water
conveyance features. Cutting and maintenance was performed on October 23 and 24, 2023, by Heritage
Landscape Services, Inc, subcontractor to S&ME, under a separate task.
S&ME personnel did not inspect the landfill side slopes which are covered by growths of pine trees, hardwoods
and underbrush.
OBSERVATIONS
Overall, the cap and stormwater conveyance features appear to be in good condition with adequate vegetation.
No deficiencies in need of corrective measures were observed. The following features were visually identified as 1)
deficient and in need of corrective measures, 2) as minor functional issues requiring monitoring or 3) as functional
and not in need of corrective measures. The numbered items below correspond to the numbers on Figure 1 and
to the numbered photos in the photographic log.
Deficiencies
1. A fallen tree and tree limbs were observed to be blocking the access road to MW-4 (photo 1).
No additional deficiencies were observed.
Minor Functional Issues
2. An apparent subsidence/shallow slope failure was observed on the northeast side of landfill, east of the access
road to MW-7 (photo 2). A scarp about 18 to 24 inches in height was present near the mid -point of the
exterior landfill slope. Soil within the scarp was dry.
3. The pipe which conveys stormwater beneath the southern access road appears have settled. Separation
between the pipe sections was visually observed and the pipe does not appear to lay straight, indicating some
settlement. Additionally, rip -rap stone previously below the outlet pipe has been pushed out from beneath
the stormwater discharge (photos 3a and 3b).
4. A possible area of subsidence was observed on the slope to the north of MW-8 and DW-1. A hole of about 12
to 18 inches in height was present on the slope (photo 4).
Functional Items
5. Grass and vegetation across the landfill cap and roads looking west has been mowed. This maintenance item
has been completed twice a year over the past several years, substantially improving the vegetative cover at
the site. The grass and vegetation are currently an acceptable height (photo 5).
6. The road to monitor well MW-9 was clear and appeared to be in good condition (photo 6).
7. Hillside slope has been mowed and appeared to be in good condition (photo 7).
November 21, 2023 2

Landfill Cover Inspection — November 2023
Sorrell Landfill (Permit #92-04)
Z
Apex, Wake County, North Carolina
S&ME Project No. 1054-07-251
8. The area of subsidence/slope failure on the hill appeared to have no change or movement since last
inspection (photo 8).
9. The headwall structures at the entrance of the slope drains on the south slope were not blocked by any
substantial vegetation and are functional (photos 9a and 9b).
10. The vegetation growing in the drainage ditch running parallel to the landfill along the southern access road
has been removed and chemically treated (photo 10).
11. Black flexible drainpipes were observed to be broken/disconnected during the November 2022 inspection.
Pipes were repaired during the Spring 2023 maintenance event and appeared to be in good condition (photo
11).
12. A low spot at the bottom of the hill, beside the southern access road was observed with standing water during
previous inspections. To promote drainage of standing water, this area was filled in with soil during the Spring
2023 maintenance/repairs. This area was observed to be free of water and in good condition (photo 12).
13. Inlets for diversion ditch/diagonal water bar no. 1 & no. 2 were not obstructed by vegetation and appear to
be functional (photo 13a and 13b).
14. The road along the western edge of the property appeared to be accessible and in good condition (photo 14).
15. The property adjacent to the south/southwest of landfill has been cleared and is an active construction site
(photo 15).
The approximate location of each of the above items is labeled on the attached Site Plan drawing (Figure 1).
RECOMMENDED CORRECTIVE MEASURES
S&ME recommends the following corrective measures for each observed item:
Deficiencies
1. The fallen tree and tree limbs should be removed from the road leading to MW-4
Minor Functional Issues:
1. The apparent shallow slope failure observed on the northeast side of landfill near MW-7 should continue to
be monitored for additional subsidence, movement, or erosion.
2. The pipe beneath the southern access road appears to be disconnected between one or more sections. It was
observed that the pipe does not lay straight and rip -rap stone beneath the pipe outlet has been pushed from
below the stormwater discharge. It is recommended that additional rip rap is added to the area beneath the
pipe to minimize erosion of the ditch and continued settlement of the pipe.
3. The possible subsidence observed on the slope to the north of MW-8 and DW-1 should be monitored for
additional subsidence, movement, or erosion.
Functional Issues:
S&ME recommends that the landfill cap continue to receive regular, bi-annual mowing of the landfill cap in the
spring and fall to promote the health of the vegetative cover. Areas of settlement, and depressions, holding water
should continue to be identified, monitored, and repaired to promote water draining off the landfill cap and
minimize standing water above waste. It is recommended site development of the property south and adjacent to
November 21, 2023

Landfill Cover Inspection — November 2023
Sorrell Landfill (Permit #92-04)
Apex, Wake County, North Carolina
S&ME Project No. 1054-07-251
the landfill continue to be monitored. Additional security measures (e.g., fence, berm, or gate) may be required to
secure the site, prevent unauthorized entry, and meet the requirements of Section 15A NCAC 13B (North Carolina
Solid Waste Rules).
CLOSING
S&ME appreciates the opportunity to provide these services and hopes that you find this report to be complete
and informative. We would appreciate an opportunity to discuss our findings and recommendations with you.
Please contact the undersigned, if you have any questions about our report, or if we can be of further assistance.
Sincerely,
S&ME, Inc.
Chelsea A. Parra, I.T.
Environmental Staff Professional
[e-mail]
Attachments: Photographic Log
Figure 1 — Cover Inspection Site Map
Samuel P. Watts, P.G.
Senior Project Manager
[e-mail]
cc: Mr. James Easthom ([e-mail]) - Kennon, Craver, Belo, Craig & McKee, PLLC
Mrs. Teresa Sorrell Atkins ([e-mail])
November 21, 2023 4

Attachments

r� d Wk
. I 1 i
MIt 7 I
4

8 View from the top of the northwestern slope looking down the
7hill (looking north). Shallow slope failure has not moved.
9b iew of Slope Drain #2 Inlet/ Headwall free of substantial debris.
9a /iew of Slope Drain #1 Inlet/ Headwall free of substantial debris
l O View of the drainage ditch running parallel to the southern
landfill boundary (looking north).
0 Site Photographs - November 2023 Landfill Cover Inspection S&ME Project No. 1054-07-251
Sorrell Landfill Taken by: C. Parra Date Taken: 11/1/23
Apex, Wake County, North Carolina

r ,
�44
A
-
y'lt
F I
}
dAA,
# 4
'•h
' 8' * gy,�pp,, K Y.�1• � � :�f � -I'< ��,f�e � �',
g,
�l
Vic
ui i � �4 .� � �i. � C•
s
ey�r��'.- :� l,l Ya'T11f n�i i'-t -�,� f; r:'f. '�3 � 't� �''! •I::, A
t'" jI� f 1�'r -Sfl � �x'�'� 7i.'Y� 1�.,► AAS1f .�� ,� Ifi� I •_`
� i � �SYn�r �r'�' l f y' , � !'�3>cu �' 'y ' ,>ar! r y� ti•ti �
aL
s '�1
mp
},���` �r yY'-. ~� jt � fit•• ..} ( y
� a
Ye
v
-. �„6a: — � - .'i r 'emu-'t``Ih °J`. - •'P 4 ,,, } f' -..

ilk
is
Ilk
f� 4i
Its
k� `

© POTABLE WELL
APPROXIMATE LIMITS OF CAP
APPROXIMATE WASTE BOUNDARY
4e6 TOPOGRAPHIC CONTOUR LINES
HYDROLOGIC FEATURE
X X XX FENCE LINE
GRAPHIC SCALE
zoo 0 100 zoo
( IN FEET )
w
f� Lw
coN m
O 2 r- 7
N Z z
II
ui c w OT z O
rn a ❑
M
N
O
(N
W
Z
Q
Z J z
O LL O
C) �
�U Qd
Q LU _
wz �o
F--
c W Lu
� Q
O
U
J
J_
ILL
0
Z
Q
J
FIGURE NO.
1