The Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 7 adopted a mitigated negative declaration and a mitigation monitoring and reporting program under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the Lincolnville landfill cover remediation and improvements project. The project will repair approximately 185,000 square feet of landfill cover slopes, reconstruct drainage and enhance the landfill gas management system within the landfill’s existing footprint; no re‑opening of the landfill or new operational uses were proposed.

A county transportation deputy director and solid‑waste staff explained that the existing final cover had been designed with a low safety factor and that recurring repairs had been necessary since closure. The project team’s analysis concluded that the proposed remediation—focused on slope stability, drainage improvements and improved gas control—will not substantially change drainage patterns or landfill grades compared to current conditions and that all impacts could be mitigated.

Public outreach: Staff said the CEQA initial study and the proposed mitigated negative declaration were circulated for public review during the public comment period (July 9–Aug. 8) and no public comments were received. The board held the required public hearing on Oct. 7 and received no additional testimony.

Board action: A motion to adopt the initial study, mitigated negative declaration and the mitigation monitoring and reporting program carried unanimously. Supervisors and staff said the project aims to reduce long‑term maintenance requirements and lower the likelihood of future emergency repairs.

Ending: Staff and the project consultant will proceed with project permitting and work within the landfill closure constraints; the board’s action completes the CEQA step required for the cover remediation project to proceed.