Reineke Announces Increased Oversight by Ohio EPA Over Sunny Farms Landfill
State Senator Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) announces that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is increasing its oversight over Sunny Farms Landfill in Fostoria.
“Constituents in Seneca County have come to me with consistent concerns over the oversight of Sunny Farms,” Reineke said. “This step from the Ohio EPA moves us towards better transparency and protections for our citizens, who deserve to know their health and quality of life are safe.”
Beginning December 1, 2023, Ohio EPA staff will be onsite at Sunny Farms Landfill routinely to observe site operations and associated activities subject to state law, regulations, permits, and orders. This work by the agency will include:
–Observations of sampling required by the facility’s groundwater monitoring plan and explosive gas monitoring plan.
–Inspections of facility operations including rail waste offloading, daily cover, construction, and maintenance of engineered components three times per week.
–Observations of sampling required by the facility’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit and inspections of stormwater controls twice a month.
–Inspections of emission control units and the performance of odor surveillance once per month. Staff will also continue to visit the site two days per month to maintain offsite air monitors.
Ohio EPA will evaluate the above work monthly and adjust its onsite presence as needed.
Reaction to Increased Oversight to the Landfill
Seneca County Commissioner Bill Frankart:
“I believe this is great news that we will have more consistent oversight at the state level from the EPA, as well as continued, enhanced oversight from the Seneca County Health District at the local level,” said Seneca County
Commissioner Bill Frankart. “This will be a huge collaborative effort, and I can ensure that Senator Reineke has made this a very high priority for his district.”
Fostoria Mayor Eric Keckler:
“This is a big win and a positive step towards more oversight at Sunny Farms Landfill. I want to thank Senator Reineke for his continued support and advocacy for the safety of the citizens of Fostoria and Seneca County,” Keckler said.
Fostoria Mayor-elect Don Mennel:
“This is great news. We will welcome the reports and the ability to document that the landfill is doing everything they say they are doing. A big thank you to Senator Reineke for his diligence on this issue,” Mennel said.
(This story was originally published in the Nov. 30, 2023 Seneca News Daily.)