The Conestoga Landfill Citizen’s Advisory Committee held one of its four annual meetings at the landfill offices along Quarry Road on September 20 to discuss issues of concern about the landfill as related to the surrounding community. At the meeting members of the Advisory Committee, made up from representatives of community organizations, were led on a tour of the Conestoga Landfill by Lee Zimmerman (Division Manager for Republic Services, the owner of the Conestoga Landfill).

During the tour Zimmerman explained the details of all features to members of the Citizen’s Advisory Committee. Accompanying the group in the van tour was Gene Bonner, Environmental Manager. Zimmerman emphasized Bonner’s expertise in designing the intricate system of wells from which methane gas is pumped from the landfill. Bonner is also responsible for the design of the leachate system at the landfill.

During the tour Zimmerman pointed to several of the 29 new methane gas extraction wells located in the new 154 acre area of the landfill. The new area contains cells 15 to 26. Each cell is built on an impervious base liner system as mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources. This polyethylene liner protects the ground water from any contamination.