Port Angeles Landfill Stabilization

After erosion near a seaside landfill caused some waste exposure and required urgent action to prevent impacts on human health and the environment, Herrera led the design of a long-term solution. The Port Angeles Landfill operations and waste containment cells were closed in 2007 and were contained with a seawall. Later, bluff erosion east of the seawall caused half of the cover system to fail and expose waste. We led the team that designed long-term landfill waste relocation, new cell development, and seawall protection compatible with managed bluff retreat and extensive site infrastructure. The design includes the tallest mechanical reinforced earth wall in Washington and the first application of an artificial turf landfill cover system with side slopes steeper than standard landfill closures, reducing the project cost by $1M. We also designed stream stabilization and shoreline access improvements to support the larger project.