A VARIETY OF PROJECTS
Projects since Ayres started at Highway G have included reviewing the landfill ’ s bioreactor operation , performing a structural analysis of the bioreactor , preparing a special waste acceptance plan to allow the collection of additional nonhazardous materials , and negotiating with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to reduce groundwater monitoring wells , which has significantly cut the landfill ’ s environmental monitoring costs .
“ We were able to financially develop a plan to keep the landfill open for present needs and for future development ,” Rayala said .
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES – TOGETHER
The Highway G Landfill suffered a setback in late September when its waste tipping floor / main office building sustained major damage in a fire . A 6 p . m . security alarm call alerted landfill officials to a problem at the building . Landfill Manager Mark Busha returned to the landfill after his normal workday and knew big trouble was brewing long before he got there .
“ I could see when I got within a mile – I could see the smoke ,” he said . “ I was going to run in and get the computers , but it was too smoky .”
BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP
The courtship of the Highway G Landfill was a long process . Steve Bischoff , former supervisor of environmental services at Ayres , remembers discussing the possibility of working at the landfill for six to eight years before LVG switched to Ayres . He retired at the end of 2012 , shortly after helping to land the new client .
“ We knew that they were looking to expand ,” Bischoff said . “ With that in mind , it would be a long-term client . I think it ’ s been more than we envisioned . The timing just happened to be really good for us and for them too .”
With Bischoff near retirement , lead engineering duties at the landfill were given to Erik Lietz , a civil and solid waste engineer at Ayres since 2004 . Lietz visits the landfill about every six weeks , more frequently if his presence is needed . Lietz is heavily involved with four other landfills in Wisconsin , but this one has qualities that make his work there special . “ It is a unique operation , especially with their bioreactor ,” Lietz said . “ They are a good bunch of people , and they ask a lot of operations questions . I feel I can give them my support with my experience and optimize their operations .”
Landfill staff has had to rely on a trailer home as its main office space since the fire , which is suspected to have started in a piece of equipment parked in the building . With the fire destroying phones and computers and knocking out all power to the property in the midst of an expansion project , Ayres Associates engineer Erik Lietz took on extra duties coordinating with staff at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ( WDNR ).
Landfill manager Busha , for one , appreciates the help he gets from Lietz . “ We work a lot with Erik . I have nothing but good things to say about him ,” Busha said . “ He has a good rapport with people in the state ( Department of Natural Resources ). He has a good reputation with them , which moves projects along faster and reduces our consulting costs .”
Relationships and good timing have led to a strong clientconsultant bond that appears to have a bright future . The expansion will give the landfill capacity to keep operating for approximately 13 years , and Ayres plans to be there every step of the way .
“ Erik did a really nice job being back and forth with the WDNR for me ,” Busha said . “ It took a while to get our communications back up and running .”
4│TRENDS