Counties and municipalities also regulate landfills by adopting solid waste regulations that are stricter or more extensive than the state program. Finally, if the proposed landfill will affect wetlands or wildlife, EPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other agencies may be involved in the review process. To build a landfill, an applicant must apply to DEP for a construction permit. Further, the applicant must show that the proposed landfill will not have unacceptable impacts on ground water, stormwater, wetlands, wildlife, or other environmental resources. Finally, the applicant must provide reasonable assurances that the proposed landfill will meet all applicable environmental regulations.
Several opportunities exist for public participation in the review of a proposed landfill.
The first opportunity comes at the county level. Typically, a county commission must approve a landfill for the county. If the county's comprehensive land use plan does not allow the construction of the landfill on a particular site, then the county commission must amend the plan. The site may need to be rezoned. Both amendment of the comprehensive plan and site rezoning require public hearings.