Melfort’s extensive landfill project in final stages

Director of Public Works Kalyna Cipywnyk said the decommissioning of the old landfill was substantially completed in September. The final inspection with the contractor and engineering consultant took place this week.

“We are now working with the engineering consultant to prepare the project documents for submittal to the Ministry of Environment,” said Cipywnyk.

The former landfill cell did not adhere to environmental regulations, and the city had to construct a new side. Cipywnyk said the site is designed with customers accessing the new cell northwest of the original dumping location. New signage will help customers navigate the site and deposit their waste in the correct location.

“It is important that customers do not put their garbage in the waste diversion areas along the access road which are reserved for clean wood, scrap metals, grain bags, and tires,” Cipywnyk explained. “As people become more comfortable with the new layout, we are hopeful these issues will resolve.”

Cipywnyk said residents can also learn about what items are accepted at the landfill on their website.

“Beyond this, the typical functions of the landfill remain the same, including having the ECOCentre for used oil and oil product recycling.”

According to Cipywnyk, the establishment and operation of a newly engineered landfill was a significant learning experience. Operators took the first load of residential waste at the new cell in February, and Cipywnyk said operators have done an excellent job ensuring waste is going to the right place, the integrity of the cell liner has been maintained, and the new leachate pond system is functioning properly.

Not surprisingly, the weather led to some challenges with the project schedule.

“With work carrying over multiple years, our contractor and our operations crews dealt with working in the extreme heat and extreme cold, high winds, rainstorms, and blizzards,” Cipywnyk said.

The final components of the landfill leachate system were installed and commissioned Sept. 30, and Cipywnyk said that was one of the final outstanding pieces of the new cell project.

“With all work on site complete, the tasks that remain include final inspections, project turnover, and contractor demobilization from site,” she said. “We are also working with our engineering consultant to review and prepare all regulatory documents to be submitted fo the Ministry of Environment.”

Cipywnyk said the project couldn’t have been undertaken without the Investing in Canadian Infrastructure Program Grant they were awarded in 2022, with the federal and provincial governments funding partners in the grant. She also thanked all landfill customers and Melfort residents for their patience and cooperation.

The city is hosting fall clean-up week Oct. 19-24, and landfill fees for residential waste will be waived for Melfort residents during that time.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Melfort’s extensive landfill project in final stages

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