Officials say results of testing underway for the proposed regional landfill north of Scottsbluff show the site could last longer than initially anticipated.
Gering City Administrator Pat Health provided an update on the project last week during the Western Nebraska Economic Development group meeting, saying signs are pointing to a 200-year-plus lifespan for the facility if it’s approved and constructed.
“It looks like we will get at least 250 years, if not 300 years out of the site,” said Heath. One positive thing on the site also is groundwater level, which is the biggest concern we had. The shallowest test hole was 170 feet (to groundwater), and I believe the rest were more than 200 feet groundwater. That’s a positive, as that’s one thing you worry about with a landfill.” He also noted the endangered species study of the area is nearly finished, and will be forwarded to state officials for review once it’s complete.
Heath said Department of Environment and Energy officials were out in the area recently, checking the site work and reviewing the transfer station in Gering.
He says city officials have been working with NDEE on coming up with ways to streamline the application and permitting process moving forward.
