The Tucker County Landfill received chicken feathers from regional chicken processing facilities until the most recent West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection inspection.
State Environmental Inspector Supervisor Robin Dolly visited the landfill on September 12. He issued four notices of violation.
Dolly’s inspection report rated the landfill’s leachate collection system, daily cover, and intermediate cover as “Unsatisfactory.” Odor control was rated “Marginal.”
Leachate forms when landfill waste degrades and rain rinses the resulting products. Leachate often contains pathogens and heavy metals that can pollute groundwater.
Davis residents recently raised concern over the odor emitted by the landfill.
The comments section of Dolly’s report reads, “There have been some odor complaints submitted to the facility and to the WVDEP. The facility has been accepting chicken feathers, without a permit modification. This has ceased, until a permit modification has been approved.”
The first violation, number F18-47-001-RCD, stated, “Failed to cover the entire exposed solid waste disposal area with a minimum thickness of six inches compacted cover material at the end of each operating day, or at more frequent intervals if necessary, to control disease vectors fire, odors, blowing litter, and scavenging.”
The second violation, number F18-47-002-RCD, stated, “Failed to apply intermediate cover – Solid waste fill surfaces that will remain exposed to weather for periods in excess of 30 days must have a minimum of 12 inches of compacted cover material applied within 30 days of completion of the fill surface.”
The third violation, number F18-47-003-RCD, stated, “Allowed liquid that comes in contact with waste or accumulates in a portion of the facility where active waste disposal operations are occurring, and failed to handle as leachate and properly treat as specified in subsection 4.8 of this rule unless otherwise approved by the Secretary in writing.”
The final violation, number F18-47-004-RCD, stated, “Failed to implement their seep management plan.”
Council Member Pregley and Davis Mayor Joe Drenning stated the landfill received chicken feathers in the past; although, transportation of feathers to the landfill began again in recent weeks.
“It’s been coming in for years, way before I was even on the council,” Pregley said.
The state’s Department of Environmental Protection oversees quality control inspections as part of their Solid Waste Program.
“Landfills are a stinky business,” Executive Director Tucker County Solid Waste Authority Steven Moore said.
“Chickens feathers are basically a new odor for us. I’ve told the Town Council of Davis if we can’t control the odor, we’ll quit taking the feathers,” Moore said.
Tucker County Solid Waste Authority Board members and Moore reported that chicken feathers are being received from the Moorefield area.
“The feathers are just a temporary thing anyway. The Perdue Pride processing plant had a system go down, they said once they get the system fixed, they’ll process the feathers themselves,” Moore said.
Moore and Pregley both reported that the chicken processing plants treated the feathers before they are brought to the landfill. The landfill purchased deodorizing equipment for $6,000 that they planto implement this week. Moore stated the funds for the equipment came from the landfill’s general fund.
The Tucker County Landfill is a regional, public landfill. Moorefield is approximately 45 miles from Davis.
As a public landfill, contracts with private companies are prohibited. Moore reported the trucks entering with the chicken feathers are charged the regular rates, which are $47.50 per ton and a minimum charge of $11.25.
Moore reported that each truck that enters the landfill typically carries 15 tons of chicken feathers.
The landfill is creating two new cells at two and six acres, respectively. After a load is dumped at the landfill it is covered with dirt. ” In that time zone before it gets covered, it drifts into town,” Pregley said.
“I understand the concern. For three years, I have been suggesting that we be proactive, so that odor does not become an issue. That has been on their radar for quite some time, and they are moving in that direction,” Commission President and Landfill Board Member Diane Hinkle said.
Hinkle stated the decision making at the landfill is not driven by funds received from the incoming loads. “The landfill provides a service, and they are trying to sustain the landfill financially. But I don’t think money is going to drive the decisions moving forward. If it’s going to jeopardize anything in the community, they’ll have to take another look at it,” Hinkle said.
