Who owns and operates Colonial Landfill?
Colonial Landfill is owned by Browning-Ferris, Inc., and operated by BFI Waste Systems of Louisiana, LLC.
How much waste is accepted daily?
The facility accepts approximately 950 tons of waste in and around Ascension Parish.
Where does the waste originate?
The waste disposed of at Colonial Landfill is generated at homes and businesses from all across Ascension and surrounding parishes.
What types of wastes are accepted at the Landfill?
Colonial Landfill accepts Municipal Solid Waste, Commercial Waste and Non-Hazardous Industrial Waste. We cannot accept tires, household appliances, white goods, batteries, or hazardous wastes.
What environmental protection systems are in place?
Colonial Landfill is operated in a manner designed to protect public health and the environment. We regularly monitor and report our activities to the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ). All waste is disposed of within the boundary of a constructed landfill area that has been engineered to protect the environment and meet or exceed all federal, state and local regulations. There are many environmental protection systems at Colonial Landfill.
Landfill liner: The liner at the base of the landfill consists of 1 foot of compacted clay liner, a 40 mil high-density polyethylene liner, a geocomposite drainage layer, a geosynthetic clay liner material, another 60 mil high-density polyethylene liner, gravel drainage corridors and leachate collection pipes, and 12 inches of protective cover. All of the liners are tested to meet regulations and ensure proper engineering construction standards.
Storm water collection: Storm water must also be managed appropriately. Storm water runoff is collected in lined ditches and contained in a lined detention pond, which allows soil particles to be removed from the water before it is discharged to a nearby waterway.
Groundwater Monitoring & Protection: Colonial Landfill assesses groundwater with 22 individual groundwater monitoring wells. Groundwater samples are collected and analyzed on a semi-annual basis and reported to the state.
Gas collection: Once trash is disposed of, it naturally decomposes and produces gas. A landfill gas management system collects gas through a series of pipes and 178 gas wells. The system is monitored in accordance with local, state and federal requirements.
Partial Final Capping: Once we bring our elevation to final grade, we place a final cover over the top to entomb the waste. This cover keeps liquids out and gases in and ensures protection of the environment.
Who permits and inspects the facility?
Colonial Landfill is fully permitted and inspected by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ).
Why do we need a landfill?
The residents and businesses of Ascension Parish generate thousands of tons of waste on a daily basis. Colonial Landfill serves as one outlet for proper disposal of this waste.
How do you control odors?
Protection against odorous waste begins with pre-acceptance procedures. Any industrial waste is screened for odor potential before being accepted at the site. Once waste is disposed of, landfill gas and odors are controlled with responsible landfill management practices such as waste compaction, applying daily interim or final cover, and the use of an effective landfill gas collection and control system, which includes 178 individual landfill gas wells. The landfill gas system is monitored frequently, enhanced regularly and expanded as needed. Landfill personnel also conduct routine off-site odor inspections to detect and manage potential off-site odor.
How do you control birds at the Landfill?
Birds are controlled primarily by utilizing daily or alternate daily cover to make the facility less desirable to them. However, when they are present, we utilize humane bird prevention measures in an effort to make the Landfill a less desirable congregation area. Colonial Landfill is also considering emerging technology such as drones for bird control.
What is the life expectancy of the Landfill?
There is capacity for approximately 50 more years of disposal at current disposal rates.
What happens once Colonial Landfill stops being used as a landfill?
Once the Landfill is filled to capacity, a final landfill capping system will be installed that consists of a 3-layered geosynthetics capping material, engineered cover soils, and a vegetation layer. The site will also be maintained for an additional 30 years in post-closure care after the final closure. This care includes continued groundwater monitoring, leachate management, landfill gas management, and compliance reporting until such time regulators approve the site for final closure. Further, the Landfill’s deed prevents any development on the site for residential or agricultural purposes.
How long does it take for something to breakdown in a landfill?
Organic waste can decompose within months, while non-organic waste such as plastics and glass can take 450-1,000 years to fully decompose.
When is the Landfill open for business?
Colonial Landfill is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 am-4:00 pm. On Saturdays the landfill is open 6:00am-11:00am. Colonial Landfill is closed on Sundays and major holidays.
Additional disposal hours are available upon special request.
Can I take a tour of the Landfill?
Yes, landfill tours are offered. Please call (225) 675-8021 to arrange a time for a group tour.