Arbor Hills Landfill Information

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  While solid waste landfills like the Arbor Hills landfill provide a necessary service in Michigan, facilities must operate safely, in accordance with regulations, and as a good neighbor to our citizens.

  In January 2016, EGLE began receiving odor complaints from residents living near the landfill. The landfill is currently owned by Green for Life Environmental - Arbor Hills Landfill, Inc. The adjacent landfill gas-to-energy plant is owned by Arbor Hills Energy LLC (AHE), a subsidiary of the Fortistar Methane Group. EGLE has determined fugitive emissions of landfill gas are the source of most of the odors. EGLE expects landfills to correct any non-compliance issues promptly and thoroughly.

  EGLE and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) have conducted several investigations of the landfill. Based on these investigations, EGLE has issued multiple violation notices for failing to properly operate the gas collection and control system as well as other issues of non-compliance with environmental rules and regulations. In October 2020, EGLE and the Michigan Attorney General's Office filed a lawsuit against the landfill for continued non-compliance.

  EGLE staff continues to respond to odor complaints being filed by residents near the landfill and conduct on-site inspections and area odor evaluations of the landfill.

  September 2021 Update: The USEPA has opened public comment on a joint enforcement action against Arbor Hills Energy until October 15, 2021. Find out more information about the draft consent decree and how to submit comments from the USEPA's "Notice of Lodging of Proposed Consent Decree Under the Clean Air Act."