CLF files suit over gas emissions at Central Landfill

THE CONSERVATION LAW FOUNDATION has filed suit against the R.I. Resource Recovery Corporation and contractors over what it contends is inadequate control of gases released at the Central Landfill in Johnston.
THE CONSERVATION LAW FOUNDATION has filed suit against the R.I. Resource Recovery Corporation and contractors over what it contends is inadequate control of gases released at the Central Landfill in Johnston.

PROVIDENCE – The Conservation Law Foundation filed a lawsuit Monday against the owners and operators of Rhode Island’s Central Landfill in Johnston for violations of the Clean Air Act.

The lawsuit alleges that Rhode Island LFG Genco LLC, Broadrock Gas Services LLC and the R.I. Resource Recovery Corporation have failed to adequately collect gas, have failed to operate gas combustion equipment properly, have violated conditions in existing permits and have failed to obtain a required operating permit, according to a press release from the CLF.

“We have toxic pollution escaping from the landfill. It can and should be captured and destroyed,” Vice President and Director of CLF Rhode Island Tricia K. Jedele said in the press release.

Executive Director of the RIRRC Michael OConnell said Monday he had not yet seen the lawsuit and could not comment on the allegations, although he said he had seen a previous notice in late summer of the intent to file a lawsuit from the CLF.

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“The issues they mentioned in the intent to sue were mostly related to collecting the gas,” said OConnell. He said the gases generated by the landfill, which include methane, hydrogen sulfide and others, are collected before they are emitted. OConnell said that collection is done by Genco and Broadrock Gas, companies affiliated with each other.

The 37-page complaint was filed in federal district court in Providence. According to the CLF, the defendants have 30 to 60 days to answer the allegations.

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