DSWA landfill hit with stormwater violations

State environmental officials have cited the Delaware Solid Waste Authority's Waste Management Center off Route 20 near Georgetown with stormwater management violations. The violations were discovered by DNREC officials on June 4 and enforcement action began Aug. 28.

Under conditions imposed on the Jones Crossroads facility, landfill staff must check for leachate seepage at least once each operating day and must take all steps possible to prevent leachate from contaminating surface water, including stormwater ponds. Records of inspections and all preventative actions taken must be maintained.

Leachate is a liquid that moves through or drains from a landfill.

If leachate is found to be contaminating surface water, landfill staff must initiate immediate corrective measures to manage the water as landfill wastewater.

In addition, landfill staff must maintain a stormwater management system to prevent erosion, prevent the accumulation of standing water and minimize stormwater runoff into the waste. The stormwater system must be clear of leachate, debris, waste and sediment buildup.

Under the order, DSWA staff must inspect the stormwater system monthly and inspect it immediately following any rainfall capable of causing erosion or runoff.

See the notice of violations at http://apps.dnrec.state.de.us/Violations/ViolationsDetail.aspx?ID=9803.