3606_INSP_20180601

FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section

Page 1 of 8

UNIT TYPE:
Lined
MSWLF X LCID YW Transfer Compost X SLAS COUNTY: Gaston
Closed
MSWLF HHW White
goods X Incin T&P FIRM PERMIT NO.: 36-06
CDLF X Tire T&P / Collection X Tire Monofill Industrial Landfill DEMO SDTF FILE TYPE: COMPLIANCE

Date of Site Inspection: 5-4-18 & 6-1-18 Date of Last Inspection: 6-8-17

FACILITY NAME AND ADDRESS:
Gaston County Landfill
3155 Philadelphia Church Rd.
Dallas, NC 28034

GPS COORDINATES: N: 35.3887 W: 81.17237

FACILITY CONTACT NAME AND PHONE NUMBER:
Name: Ray Maxwell, Gaston Co. Public Works Director
Telephone: [phone]
Email address: [e-mail]

Name: Barry Cloninger, Landfill Administrator
Telephone: [phone]
E-mail address: [e-mail]

Name: Marcie Smith, Solid Waste & Recycling Administrator
Telephone: [phone]
Email address: [e-mail]

FACILITY CONTACT ADDRESS:
Same as above

PARTICIPANTS:
Barry Cloninger, Landfill Administrator (5-4-18 & 6-1-18)
Marcie Smith, Solid Waste & Recycling Administrator (6-1-18)
Charles Gerstell, NCDEQ – Environmental Senior Specialist – Solid Waste Section (5-4-18)
Kim Sue, NCDEQ – Environmental Senior Specialist – Solid Waste Section (5-4-18 & 6-1-18)

STATUS OF PERMIT:
Current – Approved May 3, 2017 (DIN 27480) Life of Site
Operations Plan – Approved September 3, 2014 (DIN 21693)

PURPOSE OF SITE VISIT:
Comprehensive Inspection

STATUS OF PAST NOTED VIOLATIONS:
None

FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section

Page 2 of 8

OBSERVED VIOLATIONS:
1. RESOLVED: 15A NCAC 13B .1626 (2)(c) states: “Areas which will not have additional wastes placed on them for
12 months or more, but where final termination of disposal operations has not occurred, shall be covered with a
minimum of one foot of intermediate cover”.

During both the 5-4-18 and 6-1-18 inspections, waste was observed to be exposed in several areas of the northeast
slope of the active landfill. On both dates, heavy rain events had caused erosion on the slopes, and rills had developed
that were deep enough to expose waste. Because this area of the landfill is not currently receiving waste, a minimum
of one foot of intermediate cover is required. Therefore, Gaston County Landfill was in violation of 15A NCAC 13B
.1626 (2)(c) for failure to maintain a minimum of one foot of intermediate cover. However, at the end of the working
day on 5-4-18 and on 6-5-18, Gaston County staff provided photos documenting that adequate cover had been applied
and no waste remained exposed. (See photos below.) Therefore, this violation is considered to be resolved.

Exposed Waste in rills on Unit 2, Phase 1.
Photo taken by Kim Sue 5-4-18.

Facility staff applied intermediate cover on
Unit 2, Phase 1. Photo taken by Barry
Cloninger 5-4-18.
Exposed waste on Unit 2, Phase 1. Photo taken
by Kim Sue 5-4-18.
Facility staff applied intermediate cover on
Unit 2, Phase 1. Photo taken by Barry
Cloninger 5-4-18.
FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section

Page 3 of 8

2. RESOLVED: 15A NCAC 13B .1626 (8)(b) states: “Surface water shall not be impounded over or in waste”.

During both the 5-4-18 and 6-1-18 inspections, several areas northeast of the working face were observed to have
surface water impounded over waste. On both dates, heavy rain events had caused ponding in this area. Therefore,
Gaston County Landfill was in violation of 15A NCAC 13B .1626 (8)(b) for failure to ensure surface water is not
impounded over waste. However, at the end of the working day on 5-4-18 and on 6-5-18, Gaston County staff
provided photos documenting that storm water had been diverted to structures. (See photos below.) Therefore, this
violation is considered to be resolved.

Water impounded over waste on Unit 2, Phase
1. Photo taken by Kim Sue 5-4-18.
Facility staff diverted surface water to prevent
ponding over waste. Photo taken by: Barry
Cloninger 5-4-18.
Exposed waste on slope of Unit 2, Phase 1.
Photo taken by Kim Sue 6-1-18.
Facility staff applied intermediate cover on
Unit 2, Phase 1. Photo taken by Barry
Cloninger 6-5-18.
FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section

Page 4 of 8

3. RESOLVED: §GS 130A-309.10(f)(7) states: “No person shall knowingly dispose of the following solid wastes in
landfills: Whole scrap tires, as provided in G.S. 130A-309.58(b). The prohibition on disposal of whole scrap tires in
landfills applies to all whole pneumatic rubber coverings, but does not apply to whole solid rubber coverings.”

During the inspection conducted on 5-4-18 of Unit 2, Phase 1 several tires were observed in this area and the active
working face. Facility staff stated they would be removed before the end of the working day. Therefore, Gaston
County Landfill is in violation of §GS 130A-309.10(f)(7) for allowing scrap tires into the working face of the landfill.
Gaston County staff provided photos documenting the removal of the tires. Therefore, this violation is considered to
be resolved.

Facility staff picking up tires. Photos taken by Barry Cloninger 5-4-18.
Water impounded over waste on Unit 2,
Phase 1. Photo taken by Kim Sue 6-1-18.
Facility staff diverted surface water to prevent
ponding over waste. Photo taken by Barry
Cloninger 6-5-18.
FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section

Page 5 of 8

4. RESOLVED: 15A NCAC 13B .1626 (2)(a) states: “Except as provided in Sub-Item (b) of this Item, the owners or
operators of all MSWLF units must cover disposed solid waste with six inches of earthen material at the end of each
operating day, or at more frequent intervals if necessary, to control disease vectors, fires, odors, blowing litter, and
scavenging.”

During the inspection conducted on 6-1-18 of the working face, waste had washed down the northwest slope
breaching the berm along the access road below and washing debris into the woody vegetative area. This area is
outside the edge of waste boundary. Facility staff had begun picking up the litter but had not completed the removal
off all the waste. Therefore, Gaston County Landfill is in violation of 15A NCAC 13B .1626 (2)(a) for failure in
maintaining adequate cover to prevent waste washing away from the active working face. Gaston County staff
provided photos documenting the repair of the berm and the removal of all waste from northwest slope, side ditch and
woody vegetative area below the working face. Therefore, this violation is considered to be resolved.

Breach in berm below working face. Photo
taken by Kim Sue 6-1-18.
Waste on northwest slope and side ditch along
access road below working face. Photo taken
by Kim Sue 6-1-18.
Facility staff removed the waste on the
northwest slope and side ditch below
working face. Photo taken by Barry
Cloninger 6-5-18.
Facility staff repaired berm below working
face. Photo taken by Barry Cloninger 6-5-18.
FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section

Page 6 of 8

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
1. Proper signage was observed at the entrance of the facility.
2. The facility is permitted to receive solid waste generated within Gaston County and the area encompassed by a
radius of 100 miles extending from the Gaston County line.
3. For fiscal year 2017-2018 the facility has accepted an average of 600 tons per day at the MSW LF.
4. For fiscal year 2017-2018 the facility has accepted an average of 200 tons per day at the C&D LF.
5. The facility is currently working in Unit 2, Phase 2.
6. No unacceptable waste streams were observed in the MSWLF.
7. Edge of liner markers were observed.
8. The working face was small and manageable.
9. The facility utilizes soil and spray-applied mortar coating (SMC) as alternative cover. Soil cover is applied at least
once a week and more often when deemed appropriate.

Records Review
10. The inspection was continued on June 1, 2018 to review records.
11. A copy of the current permit and operations plan are maintained in the landfill office.
12. 2nd Semi-annual groundwater monitoring 2017 were reviewed for Unit 1 lined landfill, Unit 2, Phase 1 & 2 lined
landfill, and 2nd Semi-annual 2017 for the closed unlined MSWLF. 2nd Semi-annual 2017 for closed C&D.
13. Reviewed 1st Quarter 2017, 2nd Quarter 2017, 3rd Quarter 2017 and 4th Quarter 2017 methane reports.
14. Random inspection reports were reviewed. Facility staff perform one (1) random inspection each day at MSW and
C & D LF. Records reviewed were from April 15, 2018 – May 31, 2018.
15. Leachate is discharged to the Gaston County sanitary sewer system. Leachate is pumped from the four pump
stations to the lift station which pumps to the Gaston County sanitary sewer system. Discharge records were
reviewed and 140,307 gals. of leachate was discharged in April 2018.

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.
Waste in woody vegetative area on west side
of access road below working face. Photo
taken by Kim Sue 6-1-18.
Facility staff removed all waste in woody
vegetative area on west side of access road
below working face. Photo taken by Barry
Cloninger 6-5-18.
FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section

Page 7 of 8

C&D Landfill Unit
16. Edge of waste markers were observed.
17. No unacceptable waste streams were observed.
18. Working face less than ½ acre in size.
19. The facility utilizes soil for cover which, is applied weekly.
20. No ponding of water on the landfill was observed.
21. Windblown waste was well managed.

White Goods & Scrap Metal Collection Area
22. Area is well maintained.
23. White goods are staged upright on a concrete pad.
24. CFC’s are removed from all white goods by Rapid Recovery of Monroe, NC.
25. Scrap metal is collected by Web Metal for recycling.

Scrap Tires
26. Scrap tires are collected and stored in US Tire semi-trailers.
27. The facility has disposed of 1,880.24 tons from July 2017–March 2017.
28. Area is well maintained.

Electronics Recycling
29. All electronics are staged by county staff prior to being taken for recycling by ERI.

Small Type 1 Composting
30. Attendant on duty checks all incoming loads.
31. Only yard waste, silvicultural waste, untreated and unpainted wood waste is accepted and ground into mulch.
32. Area was well organized and maintained.
33. Unacceptable waste was marked by an orange cone for equipment operator to remove for proper disposal.
34. Temperature records were reviewed. Temperature requirements were being met prior to distributing to the public.

Certified Operators are as followed:
Barry Cloninger, Certified Manager of Landfill Operations expires February 22, 2020
Kevin D. Jones, Certified Manager of Landfill Operations expires June 7, 2019
Marcie Smith, Certified Manager of Landfill Operations expires June 30, 2018

Marty Bradley, Certified Landfill Operations Specialist expires March 16, 2021
Luke Barker, Certified Landfill Operations Specialist expires March 16, 2021
Scottie Gates, Certified Landfill Operations Specialist expires March 16, 2021
Mark Hill, Certified Landfill Operations Specialist expires March 16, 2021
Gary Nickens, Certified Landfill Operations Specialist expires June 13, 2020
Landon Propst, Certified Landfill Operations Specialist expires September 8, 2020
Matthew Deaton, Certified Landfill Operations Specialist expires September 8, 2020
Daniel Shull, Certified Landfill Operations Specialist expires September 12, 2019
Bobby Joe Bolen, Certified Landfill Operations Specialist expires September 16, 2019

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding this inspection report.

________________________________________ Phone: [phone]
Kim Sue
Environmental Senior Specialist
Regional Representative

FACILITY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION REPORT
Division of Waste Management
Solid Waste Section

Page 8 of 8

Sent to: Ray Maxwell X Email Hand delivery US Mail Certified No. [ _]

Copies: Deb Aja, Western District Supervisor - Solid Waste Section
Barry Cloninger, Gaston County Landfill Administrator
Marcie Smith, Gaston County Solid Waste & Recycling Administrator