March 11, 2003

Governor Jennifer Granholm today announced that the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will conduct additional inspections at solid waste landfills throughout the state to ensure that prohibited solid waste is not entering these facilities. Prohibited wastes include items such as regulated hazardous wastes and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) waste, bulk liquids, used lead acid batteries, yard clippings, and other wastes banned by law or for which special handling is required.

“Michigan citizens are concerned about both the source and the nature of waste being disposed of in Michigan,” said Governor Granholm. “We should know what it is and where it comes from. These inspections will help ensure that our laws protect our public health and our environment.”

“The DEQ is increasing the frequency and nature of our inspections of waste being disposed in Michigan to make sure neither Michigan nor out-of-state waste contains prohibited items,” said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. “This will help the DEQ determine appropriate ways to address citizens’ concerns about the nature of waste being sent to Michigan landfills.”

All Michigan landfills currently accepting solid waste from the public may be subject to additional unannounced inspections. The initial round of inspections will be conducted at landfills that have been chosen to represent a wide range of facilities based on the size of the facility, geographic location, type of waste received (in-state or out-of-state), and the amount of waste received.

The DEQ traditionally conducts at least four inspections at operating landfills each year. These existing inspections review all aspects of landfill operations, including the waste being disposed. The inspection initiative being announced today will be in addition to the existing inspection program and will focus specifically on the waste being received while DEQ staff is on site. Disposal of prohibited items in a Michigan landfill subjects the violator to enforcement action, including fines.

State Senator Liz Brater (D-Ann Arbor), and State Representative Paul Gieleghem (D-Clinton Twp.), strong supporters of actions to stem the flow of out-of-state waste into Michigan, expressed support for the increased inspections at Michigan landfills. “I’m glad to see that the Governor and the DEQ Director are coming out with a plan to address this important issue in our state,” said Senator Brater. “We will be working closely with the Governor, Director Chester, and our House and Senate colleagues to enact legislation that will clean up our landfills and stem the tide of trash being shipped into our state.”

“Given the sheer numbers of garbage-exporting states compared to the number of garbage-importing states like Michigan, a federal solution seems highly improbable, “said Representative Gieleghem. “We need a state solution, and the increased landfill inspections are a step in the right direction. We support the efforts of the Governor and the DEQ Director to address this important issue.”

Editor’s note:  DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

Revised March 11, 2003 by Pat Watson