Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the permits required for a proposed expansion of Rumpke Waste and Recycling’s Hughes Road Landfill in Colerain Township. The action includes a permit to expand the landfill, plus two air pollution permits and a modified wastewater discharge permit.

The expansion permit allows the company to add approximately 240 acres to the east of the existing landfill, giving the facility about 30 years of capacity. The wastewater discharge permit allows the company to replace an existing stormwater outfall with a sedimentation pond to collect, treat and discharge stormwater.

Additionally, two air pollution permits have been issued. One permit issued to Rumpke covers emissions from the landfill and facility roadways. The other permit issued to GSF Energy Inc. addresses emissions from the landfill gas recovery plants and flares.

Before issuing the permits, Ohio EPA and the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency reviewed the company’s applications to ensure they complied with federal and state standards, laws and regulations. The agency also held a public meeting about the project on April 2 at the Colerain Township Community Center.

Decisions regarding final permits can be appealed to the Ohio Environmental Review Appeals Commission (ERAC). Appeals generally must be filed within 30 days of issuing a final action; therefore, anyone considering filing an appeal should contact ERAC for more information.