Rumpke Proposes Change to Decrease Odor

CINCINNATI--(April 2, 2013)--Rumpke Sanitary Landfill has requested permission from the Ohio EPA to increase odor neutralizer use at its Colerain Township site, and Ohio EPA will host a public meeting to share details at 6:30 p.m. today at the Colerain Township Senior Center, 4300 Springdale Road.

Tomorrow’s Ohio EPA meeting is part of the permitting process. “We have been at this site since 1945, as the community has grown and science has offered better technology we’ve employed it to ensure as little impact as possible on the surrounding area,” said Amanda Pratt, director of communications at Rumpke. “Rumpke wants nothing more than to reduce the odor impact, and science and research indicates this is the best option at this time.”

For every gallon of odor neutralizer used it is mixed with approximately 1,000 gallons of water. With the new permit, Rumpke can use up 2,741 gallons of odor neutralizer mixed with more than 2.7 million gallons of water monthly. The odor neutralizer is distributed via 200 plus spray nozzles attached to more than 6,100 feet of hose, 20 industrial fans and mobile spray dispensers.

FACT SHEET: Rumpke Odor Control

FAQ: NovoAir Odor Control Product

Odor neutralizers are common in the waste industry and Rumpke has used them since 1998. The deodorizer poses no health risks. It is made from non-toxic substances-essential oils from plants, mainly fruits and vegetables, the same essential oils used to make household deodorizers, cooking oils and flavor enhancers. Air around the site is monitored by Hamilton County General Health District, Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency, Ohio EPA and US EPA, all records are public. Rumpke continues to meet or exceed Air Quality Standards.

Rumpke is requesting an increase in odor neutralizer use in part to eliminate odors resulting from a reaction occurring in a small area of the landfill. The reaction is occurring 100 feet below the surface of the landfill. It is not a fire and poses no health risks. Since the reaction began, Rumpke’s team has worked with environmental experts to determine the best steps to manage it and its effects, one of which includes increased odors.

“Thousands of man hours and millions of dollars have been spent on this issue. We are following best practices. Rumpke’s actions are prescribed by scientists and researchers who work in this industry and who best know how to cope with this situation,” added Pratt. “At the end of the day, it’s our responsibility to safely handle the region’s waste and do so in an environmentally friendly manner with as little impact as possible on our neighbors, and that’s exactly what we are trying to do.”

Rumpke has posted a detailed fact sheet about odor control, the reaction and general operations at www.Rumpke.com. Tours are also available anytime by calling 741-2617. A Neighbor Night featuring information updates and tours will be held June 12 at the landfill.

In addition, to increasing deodorizer usage, Rumpke has employed other measures in the reaction area.

  • In the north-end area, Rumpke has installed approximately 32,250 feet of deep and shallow trenches to capture escaping odors from the reaction area.
  • Rumpke has installed 56 acres of Odor Control Blanket (OCB) constructed of high density poly ethylene (HDPE) liner material. 
  • Waste water lift stations have been fitted with carbon based odor scrubbers to eliminate odors resulting from the water generated by the reaction.
  • Rumpke dedicates personnel, to constantly survey the north end in an effort to proactively address odors.
  • Rumpke has installed and relocated a second flare to destroy captured odors.