Utilities & Environment Businesses and Causes
Keller Canyon Landfill is a Republic Services Company that opened in 1992 and accepts nonhazardous waste. It is located at 901 Bailey Road, Pittsburg.
Keller Canyon Landfill includes 244 acres permitted for disposal. The site currently handles approximately 3,000 tons of waste per day.
The composite liner system at Keller Canyon was designed to meet or exceed all state and federal regulations. The containment system consists of two feet of compacted clay covered by a high density plastic geo-membrane. The landfill includes drainage controls and a system to collect and manage landfill liquids (leachate).
Groundwater is one of the most important concerns at any landfill and requires special monitoring. Groundwater monitoring wells (24) throughout the site ensure that landfill operations are not impacting groundwater. The wells and area springs are sampled and tested at various monthly, quarterly or annual intervals. Results are sent to the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. The site also has a sedimentation basin that is monitored during and after each rainfall or quarterly, whichever is greater.
Keller Canyon Landfill's onsite waste-to-energy plant generates enough electricity to provide power to nearly 2,200 homes. In addition to meeting the energy needs of local areas and businesses, the use of landfill gas rather than non-renewable sources has the clean air benefit equivalent to taking more than 31,400 passenger vehicles off the road or planting 34,200 acres of Pine Forest (EPA LFG Energy Benefits Calculator.)
Keller Canyon Landfill supports 7.21 acres of seasonal wetlands. In partnership with the Pittsburg Unified School District, a hands on wetlands education program was developed for all 4th graders in the district. The program was designed to help students learn more about this ecosystem and how it relates to their local environment.
The Keller Canyon Landfill Mitigation Fund is generated from a per ton tax on solid waste disposed of at the landfill. Community organizations must apply for the funds and the District V County Supervisor determines the recipients. In 2012, over 78 grants were awarded for a total of $1,206,175 that went back into the community.
Tours are available to the public. Please call (925) 458-9800.