Anderson Landfill, Yakima

Anderson Landfill is an unlined landfill on Rocky Top Road outside of Yakima. Air samples were collected 2021 and 2022 after complaints about odor and visible vapor. Several contaminants were found in the air at levels requiring cleanup:

• Benzene, which is a carcinogen, or cancer-causing chemical, and is typically found in petroleum products
• Napthalene, which is widely used in the plastics industry
• Volatile organic compounds, which are found in solvents and petroleum products

We will use the study findings to make decisions about cleanup. Cleanup will improve conditions at the site and reduce exposure to contaminants.

Site background

The Anderson Landfill began operating in 1997 as a construction and demolition landfill with a permit from the Yakima Health District. In 2007, the Yakima Health District allowed the site to expand and be re-permitted as a limited purpose landfill. The site was purchased by DTG Enterprises in 2019.

The Anderson Landfill is unlined. Unlined landfills have no barrier in place to protect groundwater. Current regulations require landfills to have liners and leak detection.

What happens next?

After the public comment period, we will review and respond to all comments received by March 30, 2023.

DTG will submit a workplan before beginning the investigation. All investigation and cleanup reports will be made available for public comment before becoming final.