GALENA, Kan. — Remediation work appears to have extinguished a smoldering blaze inside the Galena Landfill, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said Tuesday, but the landfill operator must still complete additional steps the agency requires and answer residents' monitoring concerns.
State spokeswoman Jill Bronaugh said an inspection on June 24 found continued smoldering, but excavation carried out later by landfill operator Jordan Disposal reached hot areas both laterally and vertically until crews observed no more heat or smoldering. That work indicates the fire is out, Bronaugh wrote in an agency email.
What remains to be done
Bronaugh said Jordan Disposal has not yet placed the one foot of soil cover KDHE requested after the June inspection because crews needed extra time to regrade the site following excavation. The company expects to finish that work by the end of the week and has been asked to submit a progress report and a formal request to extend the deadline to July 17 for completing the soil cover.
"The excavation was completed laterally and vertically into areas exhibiting heat generation until no further indications of heat or smoldering were observed," Bronaugh said.
Residents want clearer air data
Local residents remain wary about potential contamination. Ashley Wells, who leads a citizens' group focused on environmental impacts from the landfill, said people are still asking for reliable data on possible pollution.
"An issue we're running into is the monitor that the city has is a 24-hour monitor, and it has been down a lot," Wells said, adding that the problem appears to be with the device's battery.
Galena Public Works Superintendent Josh Reed confirmed the city has experienced battery-related problems with the hydrogen sulfide monitor. Reed said the city installed solar panels and took other measures to supply power to the device.
Why hydrogen sulfide matters
Hydrogen sulfide, a gas with a distinct rotten-egg odor produced by decaying material, is tracked at landfill sites because elevated levels can affect human health. Both landfill operators and public health agencies monitor emissions to keep concentrations below levels of concern.
- Operator: Jordan Disposal
- State agency: Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE)
- Outstanding actions: placement of 1 foot of soil cover; progress report; extension request to July 17
- Community concern: unreliable hydrogen sulfide monitor caused by battery/power issues
| Date | Action | Status |
|---|---|---|
| June 24 | KDHE inspection — observed smoldering | Confirmed |
| Late June–July | Excavation into hot zones by Jordan Disposal | Completed — fire appears out |
| By end of week (company estimate) | Placement of 1 foot of soil cover | Pending |
| July 17 | Requested extension deadline for soil cover completion | Pending approval |
Officials with KDHE provided the status update via email; the agency has asked Jordan Disposal for a written progress update and an extension request. City officials have worked to keep the air monitor powered, but residents say interruptions in 24-hour readings have made it difficult to get a consistent picture of airborne hydrogen sulfide levels.
As the operator finishes grading and cover work, KDHE will be monitoring compliance with the remaining requirements. Residents and city officials say they will continue watching air-monitor performance and data availability as the site moves toward stabilization.
This is a developing story. County or state agencies and Jordan Disposal have been contacted for further details and will be reported as they are provided.
