The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has renewed the operating permit for the Blythe Recycling and Demolition Site (BRADS) Landfill in Blythe Township, extending its ability to continue operating through January 20, 2035.
The renewal, issued April 30, 2026, allows the construction and demolition waste landfill to continue operations under its existing permit with additional conditions and oversight requirements.
Renewal Follows Lengthy Review Process
According to DEP, the renewal is based on an application submitted in January 2024, followed by multiple rounds of technical review and revisions over the past two years.
The process included:
- Publication of the application in the Pennsylvania Bulletin in February 2024
- A public hearing held in May 2024
- Multiple technical deficiency reviews and responses through 2025
DEP stated the permit renewal reflects compliance with state regulations governing construction and demolition landfills.
New Conditions and Oversight Measures
As part of the renewal, DEP imposed several updated conditions on the landfill’s operations, including:
- Installation and expansion of landfill gas collection systems to control odors
- Continued monitoring of hydrogen sulfide emissions and air quality
- Daily perimeter odor checks and corrective actions when needed
- Monthly reporting of landfill gas and leachate data
- Development of updated cell construction and closure plans
- Requirements to improve litter control and traffic management
The permit also requires the landfill to submit plans for handling leachate, including the potential transport of wastewater off-site for treatment if agreements with local facilities are not finalized.
DEP noted it will re-evaluate the permit within five years to determine if additional changes are necessary.
History of Complaints and Violations
The renewal comes after years of community opposition and documented complaints related to the landfill.
DEP acknowledged past issues at the site, including:
- Odor complaints tied to hydrogen sulfide emissions
- Litter and debris concerns
- Leachate management violations
State records show hundreds of odor complaints have been filed since 2024, though DEP says complaint numbers have declined following mitigation efforts.
The agency also confirmed the landfill was previously cited for violations and entered into a Consent Order and Agreement that included a $96,525 penalty and required corrective actions.
Community Concerns Raised
During the public review process, residents and local officials raised concerns about:
- Odors and potential health impacts
- Truck traffic through nearby communities
- Possible groundwater and environmental risks
- Quality of life in neighboring areas such as St. Clair
DEP stated that while some issues have occurred, corrective measures and ongoing monitoring are intended to ensure compliance and protect public health and the environment.
DEP Justification for Renewal
In its decision, DEP said the landfill operator has demonstrated an ability to address violations and comply with environmental regulations.
The agency noted that under state law, a permit can only be denied or revoked if there is evidence the operator is unable or unwilling to comply with environmental requirements.
DEP concluded that, with the added conditions and oversight, the facility can continue operating within regulatory standards.
Appeal Process
Residents or other parties wishing to challenge the decision have 30 days to file an appeal with the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board.