Projects

The landfill at ACUA’s Environmental Park has been in operation since 1991. The landfill is separated into cells, which hold solid waste generated from Atlantic County homes and businesses. In 2014, ACUA completed construction of the final cell which meant the capacity of the landfill was close to running out.

ACUA researched ways to increase disposal capacity and decided upon an innovative structure called a mechanically stabilized earthen (MSE) berm.

The MSE berm is a structure that wraps around the exterior of the landfill. The space between the newly constructed berm and the slope of the existing landfill is used to store additional solid waste.

A Closer Look at the MSE Berm

The MSE berm is made with layers of compacted soil and geogrids. The exterior face of each layer is bound together with straw netting, a polyester geogrid and reinforced steel.

Phase two of the structure is using recycled asphalt pavement rather than traditional structural fill, which will save money while putting recycled material to good use.

In addition to the construction of the MSE berm, ACUA is installing a "litter fence" on top of the landfill. The fence is wrapping around the perimeter of the landfill and catches litter that blows away during landfill operations. The fence consists of 40-foot tall posts and netting.

Future of the Project

ACUA is permitted to build three berms that will extend 5,200 linear feet in total. Phase one of this project was completed in April 2020 and is now in use. The first phase cost $9.4 million. The second phase added approximately 2,000 linear feet and was completed in 2022. Phase three will go out to bid for construction at a later time.

The History of ACUA’s Landfill

ACUA was designated as the regional authority to manage Atlantic County’s Solid Waste Management Plan in 1981. Prior to this, waste had been buried across unlined landfills that became a direct threat to groundwater, and our public health. In fact, several of these landfills were later designated as EPA Superfund sites.

When ACUA’s Environmental Park was opened in 1990 it was originally permitted to operate as a transfer station, where waste would come in to be processed and eventually hauled out to a landfill in another location.  Eventually, after discussion and demonstration projects, ACUA constructed its own landfill, which accepted construction and demolition debris starting in 1992 and municipal trash in 2000.

Preparing for the Future

Knowing the landfill’s useful life will eventually come to an end, ACUA has been preparing for several options to safely manage and handle Atlantic County’s waste. The MSE Wall is just one part of the comprehensive solution. Our Research and Development Department is dedicated to finding an effective alternative to landfilling. We are also exploring partnerships with our counterparts in other counties to develop a regional shared service approach. As these plans come to fruition, you can rest assured that we will “continue to use new technologies, innovations and employee ideas to provide the highest quality and most cost-effective environmental services,” as our mission statement reads.