February 4, 2009

Dave Elias
Superintendent
Iowa City Landfill
4366 Napoleon Street SE
Iowa City, IA 52240

RE: Odor Complaint Investigation

Complaint No.’s 01/09-10, 01/09-13, 01/09-14
Landfill Permit No. 52-SDP-1-72-P

Dear Mr. Elias:

On January 26, 2009, three odor complaints were filed with my office, against the Iowa
City Landfill. All three complainants stated the same basic complaint, that
gaseous/hydrogen sulfide odors are easily detected in and around their homes on days
with westerly winds (there is a subdivision ~1 mile, directly east of the landfill).
On January 30, 2009, I investigated the complaints by meeting Jon Thomas, Landfill
Operator and yourself.

This investigation started by discussing what the landfill staff feels is the cause of
the odors that the complainants are describing. You stated that although odors are
and have been noticeable at the landfill, they are not normal landfill odors. You
stated that you and your staff have done extensive investigations, and have only
detected odors from Cells FY02 & FY06 (the only active cells), and not from the
working face. (“working face” means a designated area within a cell that receives
solid waste on a daily basis). A test was conducted using a 4-gas monitor, attempting
to locate sources of gases at the ground level, across the entire landfill property.
Hydrogen Sulfide gas was detected in Cells FY02 & FY06. Cells FY02 & FY06 are the
only cells at the landfill that have not been connected to the currently operating gas
collection system. The gas collection system is hooked up to a flare, where the gases
are burned off. Plans have always been to extend the gas collection system into these
two cells. Cells typically do not generate enough methane and other gases to require
hooking into the overall gas collection system for five to six years after a cell
first accepts waste. The gas collection lateral expansion into Cell FY06 was not
scheduled until 2011, however, the landfill is currently working with their
engineering firm to plan for the expansion sooner than projected. You stated that you
feel the primary reasons for the extra-ordinary odor is due to large volumes of flood
waste that was land filled (specifically wastes such as wet gypsum board and food
waste) and increased precipitation in the spring of 2008. These two reasons, coupled
with the use of spray-on alternative daily cover which promotes inflow and
infiltration of precipitation which probably means faster breakdown of the waste
materials and faster generation of gases. Therefore, at this time, gases generated in
Cells FY02 & FY06 are escaping through the cover soils.

Another source of odor, as you have discovered, is around the old man-hole covers
associated with the leachate system. Approximately twenty new man-hole covers have
been ordered and will replace the older covers to keep the odors from mixing with the
ambient air.

Environmental Services Division, Field Office #6, 1023 W. Madison, Washington, Iowa 52353-1623 Tel 319-653-2135 Fax 319-653-2856
WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING / DES MOINES, IOWA 50319
515-281-5918 TDD 515-242-5967 FAX 515-281-6794 www.Iowadnr.com
You have explored seven different methods of minimizing the odors that are present,
all of which are expensive and nothing more than a short term solution. However, in
order to provide some short term relief, two chemical foggers have been ordered and

Iowa City Landfill

Page No. 2

will be positioned around the landfill and operated when conditions are optimal. The
foggers emit an extremely fine mist of solution that will work to neutralize odiferous
odors.

Although you do not know exactly when the primary fix will be completed (extending the
gas collection in Cells FY02 & FY06), it appears as though you, your staff, and your
environmental consultants are and have been working to resolve this odor issue.

If you have any questions or would like further explanation of any part of this
letter, please contact me at 319-653-2135 or Kurt.Levetzow@dnr.iowa.gov.

Sincerely,

FIELD SERVICES & COMPLIANCE BUREAU

Kurt Levetzow
Environmental Specialist Senior

Klevetz\SW\2009\Iowa City SDP odor complt 2-09.doc

Picture Filenames: Iowa City SDP odor complt 1-30-09.jpeg

xc: Matt Phoenix, Waste Mgt Bureau - DNR

Iowa City SDP File
Complainants (3)