photo by: Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector

Jordan Disposal, operators of the Galena Landfill, have completed excavation work to extinguish a smoldering fire.

TOPEKA — Remediation steps to put out a smoldering fire at the Galena Landfill were successful, and the landfill operator will continue work to meet other state requirements, a health agency spokeswoman said Tuesday.

The fire that has been alight at the landfill for weeks to months was still smoldering during a June 24 inspection, said Jill Bronaugh, Kansas Department of Health and Environment spokeswoman.

But excavation work completed since then by landfill operator Jordan Disposal indicate the fire is out, she said.

However, Jordan wasn’t able to complete the required foot of soil cover over the area that KDHE asked for after the June inspection, as more time was needed for re-grading the area after the excavation, she said.

“They expect to be done by the end of the week, and KDHE has asked that they submit a progress update report and a request for an additional extension to July 17 for completion of the placement of the soil cover,” Bronaugh said.

Galena resident Ashley Wells, who leads a group of citizens worried about environmental effects from the landfill, said residents remain concerned about getting adequate data on possible environmental pollution.

Wells said the city of Galena is monitoring hydrogen sulfide in the air but the monitor data hasn’t been consistent. Hydrogen sulfide is a gas with a rotten egg smell that’s put off by decaying material. Landfills and health officials monitor the gas to keep it under certain levels so it doesn’t affect health.

“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,” she said, adding the problem appears to be with the device’s battery.

The city contracted the work, so she wasn’t sure what was being done to address the issue, Wells said.

Josh Reed, Galena Public Works superintendent, said in a telephone interview that the city has had issues with the battery power. They put solar panels in to supply power and have taken other steps, he said.

A website page where monitor information is posted quit listing data on July 3.

Two residents, Opal Barry and Stacey Hendrix, filed a lawsuit against Jordan Disposal regarding the landfill’s operations. Both sides are required to submit discovery of evidence and facts by Aug. 12.