SUSSEX COUNTY MUA LEACHATE PUMP STATION/FORCE MAIN

Sussex County MUA ("SCMUA") recently completed clean water improvements to install a leachate pumping station and conveyance main at the County's sanitary landfill in Lafayette, NJ that are being financed with approximately $8.6 million in loans from the NJ Water Bank, a low-rate funding program jointly administered by the DEP and the NJ I-Bank. Interest cost savings for this project is estimated to be $3,083,635 over the 30-year term of the loan or 36% of the total project cost. In addition, this project created an estimated 102 direct construction jobs.

Leachate is a liquid that forms when rain or snow filters through a solid waste disposal site. It picks up contaminants from the waste, escapes and can contaminate groundwater, surface waters and soil with toxic pollutants. It is often found within the context of landfills and requires treatment. This project replaces SCMUA's prior method of leachate disposal whereby it was hauled by tanker truck, approximately 6 miles to its Upper Wallkill Water Pollution Control Facility ("WPCF") in Hardyston, NJ, for treatment. The SCMUA installed a pumping station and force-main to convey the leachate to the WPCF eliminating the need to deliver it by truck.

According to Joseph Seso, Executive Director of the SCMUA, "This project provided improved conveyance for the leachate and reduced roadway traffic, emissions, and liability, due to the elimination of trucking. The SCMUA financed the project through the NJ Water Bank in a strategic move to save its ratepayers money while focusing on its commitment to safety and efficiency."

This project was designed by Mott MacDonald and constructed by Tomco Construction.

Picture courtesy of Mott MacDonald