Wildlife
Petaluma Marsh is an area rich in ecological diversity. We
are proud that our landfill is home to a number of species of animals. You can
find rabbits, Great Blue Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets, Teal and Black-necked
Stilts and Long-Billed Curlews, numerous species of hawks including Red-Tailed
Hawks, turkey vultures, owls, swans, numerous species of ducks, Golden Eagles
and geese in the winter.
We are also working to improve the natural environment of the landfill and surrounding property through removal of invasive species of plants, and restoration of native plants and animal habitat to promote increased wildlife. Redwood will apply for certification of our site by the Wildlife Habitat Council in July of 2009.
Long-Term Site Closure Regulations
Redwood Landfill & Recycling Center is dedicated to developing plans that will benefit the community in terms of the site's future use once capacity is reached and the landfill operations cease.
In order to accomplish this, strict guidelines are followed during a process commonly referred to as the “landfill cap system. The final cap typically consists of a synthetic membrane, which is then covered with soil and seeded with grass for erosion control. The landfill cap contains odors and landfill gases, and seals out moisture from rain.
Under California landfill closure requirements, the landfill owner is responsible for post-closure maintenance period for as long as the solid waste could have an adverse effect on the quality of the waters of the state, but not less than 30 years after closure. (See Public Resources Code, §43509(a); see also CA Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 27, §21180(a)) With regard to leachate generation, applicable regulations require that the landfill owner continue to operate the leachate collection and removal system as long as leachate is generated and detected. (CCR, Title 27, §21090(c)(2)) This includes sampling groundwater and surface water, testing air quality, and checking for erosion and sedimentation. Thus, Redwood and WM must ensure that the environment continues to be protected, even long after the landfill is closed. Redwood has significant financial assurances in place for environmental monitoring, potential impairment and corrective action for landfill releases, and final landfill closure and post-closure costs.