Project Scope:
Enhancing Environmental Safety at the Gaston County Landfill
Gaston County is undertaking a major environmental improvement project at its landfill facility to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations for landfill closure. This effort includes the installation of 13 new gas collection wells, upgrades to the gas control infrastructure, and repairs along the main gas header line. These enhancements are designed to safely capture and manage landfill gas emissions, which helps protect air quality and reduce environmental impact.
In addition, the County will be capping approximately 24 acres of the construction and demolition (C&D) cell. Capping is a critical step in the landfill closure process, involving the placement of a protective cover over the landfill area to prevent water infiltration, control gas emissions, and minimize long-term environmental risks.
Together, these improvements reflect Gaston County’s commitment to responsible waste management, environmental stewardship, and public health.
Background:
Why Landfill Closure Matters: Protecting Our Environment and Community
When a landfill cell reaches capacity and stops accepting waste, it must undergo a formal closure process to meet state and federal environmental regulations. This process is essential for protecting both the environment and public health.
As part of this effort, Gaston County is capping 24 acres of its construction and demolition cell to prevent rainwater from seeping into the landfill. This helps reduce the production of leachate—a potentially harmful liquid formed when water mixes with waste—and limits the release of landfill gases into the atmosphere.
To further manage these emissions, the County is expanding its gas collection and control system. These systems safely capture gases produced by decomposing waste, helping to reduce environmental impact, improve air quality, and protect nearby communities.
In addition to these environmental benefits, the captured gas is used to generate renewable energy at the County’s Renewable Energy Center—turning waste byproducts into a valuable energy resource.
