Dive Brief:
- Officials in South Huntington, PA filed a criminal complaint against landfill operator MAX Environmental Technologies Inc. Records show fines facing the operator total $87,400.
- The complaint alleges the operators are in violation of a township ordinance by storing industrial waste within 600 yards of a public road. The complaint also cites issues with the lack of control of odor and dust originating at the site.
- On April 25, the Pennsylvania DEP also said MAX Environmental violated state odor regulations, prompting an upcoming meeting between MAX Environmental and regulators to determine the validity of these allegations.
Dive Insight:
MAX Environmental accepts drill cuttings from natural gas operations. The company treats waste at its facility, rendering it nonhazardous then disposing of the waste on site. Complaints increased when the site began accepting drill cuttings, which are alleged to cause a “dust storm” on nearby properties and an intense odor that is described as “cement-like” by the state, township and community.
