A recent government meeting addressed the future of a landfill site in Arapahoe County, with discussions centered on its management and potential redevelopment. The meeting revealed that while Waste Management operates the landfill, Arapahoe County retains ownership of the land. The goal is to eventually close the landfill, which may take 10 to 20 years of monitoring and treatment to ensure environmental safety.
The proposed plan includes constructing a storage facility for vehicles, avoiding permanent structures due to ongoing ground settling. The site will not host any buildings, and the chosen use is intended to minimize off-site impacts. A caretaker house will be built on a separate, appropriately zoned parcel of land that does not fall under the oversight of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
The meeting highlighted the complexity of the situation, including a history of litigation regarding regulatory authority over the landfill. The applicant expressed optimism about moving forward with the project, which aims to address pollution concerns and improve land use in the area.
The board unanimously approved the rezoning application, marking a significant step towards transforming the landfill site into a more productive use while ensuring environmental compliance. The construction of a water cutoff wall is anticipated to begin next spring, pending final engineering approvals.