DNR approval last step in landfill expansion
The state Department of Natural Resources is nearing the end of the approval process for the Orchard Ridge landfill expansions in Menomonee Falls.
Vertical and southern expansions will extend the site's life to 2017 or 2018, Waste Management representative Mike Melan said. The vertical expansion adds 15 feet to the 110-foot-tall landfill, the southern expansion, 10 acres, bring the site to 160 acres.
Plans include extending municipal sewer and water to neighboring homes served by private wells.
The site is located at N9355 Boundary Road. Germantown is within 1,500 feet of the proposed expansion to the south.
DNR representatives and Melan explained some of the landfill's operations and answered Germantown residents' questions Tuesday at a public informational meeting held as part of the DNR approval process.
Melan said Waste Management follows environmental controls including preventing groundwater contamination and methane gas leaks. He said the site likely won't be turned over in the future for recreational purposes because of liability reasons.
Waste Management also transforms methane gas into electricity used by We Energies, Melan said.
Melan said he expects final DNR approvals in February or March, and expansion work to begin in spring.
The Menomonee Falls Village Board approved the expansions more than a year ago.
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