Leon County Solid Waste Landfill Closure Phase II

Project Location

The Leon County Solid Waste Landfill closure site is located at 7550 Apalachee Parkway (Highway 27 South, approximately 6.5 miles east of Tallahassee).

Landfill Closure

Background

Leon County’s Solid Waste Management Facility has been in operation since 1977. In 2015, the Leon County Board of County Commissioners (Board) accepted a status report regarding the landfill’s eventual closure and the development of a long-term master plan for the property. With Phase I of the closure completed, Leon County is moving forward with Phase II, which will permanently close the Class I and Class III South Landfill cell, paving the way for expanded recreational uses in the adjacent Apalachee Regional Park.

By moving forward with this closure project, Leon County furthers its commitment to environmental stewardship while creating exciting opportunities for new recreational facilities that benefit the community.

Recent Board Approval & Project Overview

In January 2025, the Board approved the final closure of the Class I and Class III South Landfill cells. This marks the culmination of decades of landfill operations on the site and transitions the property toward long-term recreational use.

Key project components include:

Reshaping the landfill surface to accommodate future improvements.
Installing a protective barrier to prevent infiltration.
Covering the landfill with soil and vegetation to prevent erosion.
Managing stormwater runoff.
Modifying gas vents to control odors.
Retrofitting the pump station to move wastewater to a treatment plant.

Long-term Recreational Use

Upon completion, the former landfill will be transformed into recreational space, aligning with the County’s vision for Apalachee Regional Park by creating scenic trails atop the capped landfill.

Construction Timeline

Construction Start: March 2025
Estimated Completion: Winter 2026
Pausing for Major Events: Construction will pause for major sporting events (including the 2026 World Cross County Championship) to minimize disruptions to Apalachee Regional Park activities.

Construction Activities & Minimizing Impacts

Leon County is committed to minimizing noise, traffic, odor, and environmental impacts:

Traffic Management

Separate Entrance: A designated construction ingress/egress point 1,600 feet east of the main landfill entrance will be used to reduce interactions with public traffic.
Low Traffic Volume: Strategic hauling schedules and careful planning will minimize truck traffic impacts.
Intersection Traffic Control: Coordination with the Regional Traffic Operating Center to monitor the traffic at Apalachee Parkway and W.W. Kelley Road intersection and make necessary signal timing adjustment.

Noise Control & Work Hours

Standard Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Materials Hauling: From F.A. Ash Borrow Pit between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday
Possible Weekend Work: Saturdays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. (if needed).
Noise Levels: Comparable to earlier phases, with County making significant efforts to minimize noise levels for area residents and parkgoers

Odor & Environmental Measures

Daily Cover: Waste areas covered at day’s end to contain odors.
Odor Neutralizers: Additional measures as needed.
Dust & Debris: Trucks covered to minimize dust; on-site inspector ensures compliance with environmental regulations.

Event Coordination

World Championships & Other Events: Construction will pause for major events at Apalachee Regional Park, resuming afterward to minimize disruptions.

Environmental Compliance

The closure design meets all Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requirements, ensuring effective capping, gas management, and groundwater protection.
Post-Closure Monitoring will continue for 30 years to safeguard the environment and surrounding community.

Communications & Outreach

Website Updates: This page will be refreshed regularly with construction timelines, FAQs, and contact information.
Signage: Roadway safety notice signs and variable message boards will also be placed along areas with increased heavy truck activity.
Neighborhood Engagement: Direct outreach to area HOA leaders for updates, feedback, and to address concerns.
Social Media: Periodic updates via Nextdoor for nearby neighborhoods and Facebook for broader public announcements.

Media Outreach

For media inquiries, please reach out to Leon County Community and Media Relations at CMR@LeonCountyFL.gov or call 850-606-5300.

Project Contacts

Felton Ard, P.E.
Customer Support Engineer, Leon County Public Works
Email: ArdF@LeonCountyFL.gov
Phone: 850-606-1515 | Fax: 850-606-1501
Address: 2280 Miccosukee Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32308

Sri Tammisetti, P.E.
Project Manager, Leon County Public Works
Email: TammisettiS@leonCountyFL.gov
Phone: 850-606-1526 | Fax: 850-606-1501
Address: 2280 Miccosukee Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32308

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the County closing the landfill now?

Leon County ceased regular landfill operations in 2015 and has since been preparing for a full regulatory closure. Closing the landfill will protect the environment, ensure compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) requirements, and transition the property into recreational use at the Apalachee Regional Park.

Who was awarded the construction contract?

On January 28, 2025, the Board approved awarding the closure contract to T & K Construction, LLC. This contractor will re-grade the landfill, install a protective liner and cap, modify the gas vent system, and complete other essential tasks.

How is the project funded?

A Landfill Closure Cost Reserve was established through tipping fees collected over the landfill’s operating life. These restricted funds were specifically set aside for closure activities. The Board also approved a budget amendment to transfer the necessary reserve amount into the FY 2025 capital improvement budget.

What are the main activities involved in closing the landfill?

Key components of the closure include:

Reshaping the landfill surface to accommodate future improvements.
Installing a protective barrier to protect groundwater.
Covering the landfill with soil and vegetation to prevent erosion.
Managing stormwater runoff.
Improving gas vents to control odors.
Updating the pump station to move wastewater to a treatment plant.

What is the project timeline?

Construction Start: March 2025
Estimated Completion: December 2026
Pausing for Major Events: During major sporting events, such as the January 2026 Cross-Country World Championship at Apalachee Regional Park, landfill closure activities will be paused to reduce disruptions.

Will there be any impact on nearby neighborhoods or park events?

Leon County and T & K Construction will implement several measures to minimize impacts:

Separate Construction Entrance to limit traffic near residential areas.
Daily Cover and Enhanced Odor Control to reduce odors.
Limited Work Hours (7 a.m. – 6 p.m.) with potential Saturday work (8 a.m. – 2 p.m.) if needed.
Suspension of Work before and during major Apalachee Regional Park events.

Are there environmental safeguards in place?

Absolutely. The closure meets strict FDEP regulations, requiring:

A protective liner and cap to prevent water intrusion and groundwater contamination.
A gas collection system to safely vent and control landfill gases.
On-site stormwater management systems and daily cover to limit odors and dust.
30-year post-closure monitoring, including regular testing of groundwater, site stability, and gas emissions.

How will the site be used after closure?

After closure, the former landfill cells will be integrated into Leon County’s Apalachee Regional Park. Recreational trails, open space, and other amenities will be constructed on top of the capped landfill, complementing the park’s athletic fields, cross-country courses, and event spaces.

What about long-term monitoring and maintenance costs?

State regulations require Leon County to monitor and maintain the closed landfill for 30 years, which includes ongoing environmental testing, gas system maintenance, and other care to ensure public safety and compliance.

How can residents stay informed or ask additional questions?

Website Updates: This webpage will be updated with construction timelines, major milestones, and contact information.
Signage: Roadway safety notice signs and variable message boards will also be placed along areas with increased.
Social Media & Neighborhood Outreach: Periodic Nextdoor and Facebook updates will be shared, and local HOAs will receive direct communications regarding construction progress or schedule changes.

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