North Coast water quality regulators today are set to approve requirements that Sonoma County must meet to permanently reopen its central landfill.
The dump on Mecham Road west of Cotati was reopened on a temporary basis in 2010 following a five-year closure due to water quality concerns raised by state officials over a damaged liner.
To permanently reopen the landfill, the county must secure a state permit that spells out water discharge requirements and practices.
Water officials have recommended approval of the proposed permit, which covers landfill operations over 165 acres for a period of up to 22 years. A separate state agency overseeing refuse has already given the project a go-ahead.
The 8:30 a.m. public hearing is at 5550 Skylane Blvd., Santa Rosa.
The county is in the final phase of negotiation with Republic Services of Arizona and the Ratto Group of Companies on long-term operation of the landfill and waste transfer stations. The proposed 30-year pact is set to be made public in about two weeks and come before the Board of Supervisors in April.
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