Final Environmental Assessment (EA), Long-Term Integrated Management of Mission-Generated Solid Waste, Edwards Air Force Base, California

Abstract

This EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with the long-term integrated management of mission-generated solid waste at Edwards AFB, California. Currently, all non-housing nonhazardous solid waste from daily operations at Edwards AFB are disposed of at the Main Base Active Landfill (MBAL). Several alternatives addressing long-term management of solid waste are evaluated, including closure of the MBAL, reducing operating days at the MBAL, and increasing the permitted capacity of the MBAL. The landfill is operated by the 412 TW and is located on land owned by the U.S. Air Force. The landfill is classified as a Category 1, Class III Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Disposal Site and, as such, only nonhazardous solid wastes are permitted for disposal. Solid waste management is a highly-regulated, costly, and necessary activity for Edwards AFB. Owning a landfill brings additional regulatory requirements and operational costs that may burden the Air Force with additional financial responsibility. However, with the high cost of closure (including permitting, physical closure, and long-term maintenance and monitoring), capital investment in the existing landfill, uncertain future of available landfill space and transportation costs, and security that comes with being self-sufficient, it may be beneficial to continue to operate the landfill despite high operational costs. The purpose of the project is to establish a reasonable long-term plan for proper disposition of Base-generated solid waste in support of the Edwards AFB mission. The need is to properly process and dispose of mission-generated solid waste. The proposed action and alternatives will address the constantly changing mission, diminished solid waste stream, increased operational costs and increased regulatory requirements.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 28, 2016
Accession Number
AD1022292

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
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  • Air Force
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  • Environment
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