Remediation steps to stop a smoldering fire at the Galena Landfill have been successful, and the landfill operator is moving forward with remaining state requirements, a Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman said. KDHE’s June 24 inspection found the fire still smoldering, but excavation work completed since then shows no further indications of heat or smoldering.
While the operator completed excavation laterally and vertically into areas that had been generating heat, Jordan Disposal was not able to finish the KDHE-required foot of soil cover over the area by the time of the update. KDHE asked for a progress report and an extension request to complete placement of the soil cover by July 17, with the operator expecting to finish the remaining grading work by the end of the week.
Residents near the landfill say they continue to want reliable environmental data. Galena resident Ashley Wells said the city monitors hydrogen sulfide, a gas associated with decaying material, but the available monitor information showed gaps, including downtime from late June into early July. Galena Public Works superintendent Josh Reed said the city has had battery power issues and added solar panels to supply power, along with other steps, noting he believes the monitor is working now.