Dive Brief:

• The Public Works Director at the Walker Road landfill in Georgia suspended assistant Public Works director Larry Dunning for three days due to a failed state inspection at the site. Dunning has overseen the landfill since 2009.
• Dunning was accused of negligence because ongoing issues cited at the landfill were not addressed. The landfill failed the state inspection in January, and has passed inspection only one time, in November 2012. The state of Georgia fined the landfill $35,000 in 2011, after a series of failed inspections. 
• The state is weighing its options and still figuring out what action to take regarding the Macon landfill. A program manager for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division said that due to the recurring problems at the Macon-Bibb County landfill, the state will seek "additional enforcement action."

Dive Insight:

Dunning is appealing the suspension, which occurred on February 17, claiming he was unfairly singled out. He said the real issue is that the equipment does not work. A new position for a Solid Waste director is expected to open as the Public Works Department separates from the Solid Waste Division in April. Dunning said he has applied for the position and doesn't expect the suspension will hurt his ability to get the job if the landfill improves.