Issue 76

Prince William County

You probably heard this week and can read in an article below that the CDC has updated their COVID-19 guidelines. If nothing else, this reminds us we are still dealing with a dangerous and deadly pandemic.

As is often the case with change, it raises questions. Will Virginia change its position regarding masks? As of now, Governor Ralph Northam has recommended - not required - all Virginians consider following the CDC's updated guidelines. Will the Prince William County Public Schools require masks? They are addressing this question and will make an announcement as soon as they have decided.

So what do we do? Firstly, I urge all of you to get vaccinated if you can. Secondly, I encourage you to give strong consideration to the updated guidelines. Thirdly, keep up to date on news related to the pandemic. Lastly, be patient as some areas take the time they need to ensure they are making the best decisions possible.

On January 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency exists nationwide as a result of the continued consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then the declaration, which allows the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to take specific actions, has been renewed when it came up for review every 90 days. With the advent of vaccinations, things have improved. However, it is important to note at the most recent 90 day review on July 20, 2021, it was once again renewed by HHS.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have solid waste handling regulations the County must follow, in addition to its own.

The 10 to 12 acre cells are constructed to block leachate, the liquid that comes from decomposing garbage, from going into the groundwater. The bottom consists of a 12-inch soil liner and a geosynthetic clay layer which expands to 10 times its volume when exposed to liquid. This fills any small holes that might occur in the final polyethylene liner, which have been in use at landfills everywhere for more than 30 years.

Gravity forces the leachate, with its contaminants and toxins, into the drainage system that feeds into a 1-acre lagoon at the landfill. The leachate is then pumped from the lagoon to a waste water treatment plant every night. As the cells fill up, they must be covered nightly with six inches of dirt, or other coverings approved by DEQ to include tarps and shredded tires, to keep rainwater from getting into the system.

Decaying garbage also produces methane, which is captured by another polyethylene cap placed on top of the garbage as the cell fills up. An 18-inch layer of soil on top of the liner completes the cell. A second system of pipes and underground infrastructure collects the methane and sends it to engines at the landfill that burn it to produce enough electricity to power roughly 7,000 homes.

The closed system keeps the environment safe from all contaminants. “Nothing can escape up. Nothing goes down,” said Sadhu Sandhu Principal Engineer.

This announcement followed the Tuesday, July 20, press conference where Chair Wheeler (issue 75) called upon the Governor for funds toward building community mental health centers across Virginia.