Dive summary:
- Chris Koster, Missouri´s attorney general, has filed a lawsuit against the St. Louis County landfill, owned by Republic Services, for violations of state environmental laws.
- Underground smoldering has been occurring at the landfill for two years, emitting a foul smell and attracting the attention of neighbors.
- The suit demands Republic clean up and monitor the possibly 2 million square feet of underground fire which could cost upwards of $10 million.
From the article:
The lawsuit cites additional concerns beyond the fire and smell. It claims that hazardous waste is flowing from the landfill into a nearby stream. The suit claims that since January the landfill has generated about 150,000 gallons of the waste, liquid landfill leachate, each day.
The lawsuit also alleges that DNR air monitoring shows the landfill is emitting levels of acetaldehyde and benzene that exceed federal standards, posing a potential threat to health and the environment.
Koster said Republic has already spent $65 million trying to solve the problem. Landfill spokeswoman Anne Marie Moy declined comment. ...
