LAKE MILLS — A rural Lake Mills landfill has been fined by the state for multiple violations.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources received a complaint in April 2022 about high volumes of litter blowing off the landfill operated by Central Disposal Systems and piling into road ditches and farm fields surrounding the landfill. A DNR investigator reviewed the landfill’s records, which showed there was not on-site litter removal between March 5th and March 28th 2022 as well as several other days during the month of April. The investigator also observed extensive amounts of litter blowing to the west and northwest of the landfill, covering ditches and fields. They also saw uncovered trash on the north, northwest and west faces of the landfill.
Landfill operator Brad Mary told the investigator that they were not covering the landfill faces on a daily basis as required by law due to being short staffed. The DNR issued a notice of violation on April 26th, 2022, with Central Disposal responding with a plan to address the issue.
The DNR received another complaint on June 6th of 2024 that the landfill was not performing the daily cover activities and garbage had remained uncovered for several weeks. After investigating, the DNR issued another notice of violation.
As part of an administrative consent order, Central Disposal agreed to comply with all laws and regulations, including to comply with the daily cover requirements. Central Disposal must also do weekly inspections for seepage. The company was also ordered to pay an administrative penalty of $10,000.
You can see the full administrative consent order by clicking here
