I will now generate a comprehensive proposed project timeline and operational plan for expanding the Pocahontas County Landfill.

Proposed Expansion Timeline

Pocahontas County Landfill Expansion: Proposed Master Project Timeline

Prepared for: Pocahontas County Solid Waste Authority (PCSWA)

Facility: Pocahontas County Landfill (Dunmore, WV)

Location: 374 Landfill Road, off Route 28, Dunmore, WV 24934

Governing Regulatory Bodies: West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) – Division of Water and Waste Management (DWWM); West Virginia Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB); WV Public Service Commission (PSC)

1. Executive Summary

The Pocahontas County Landfill in Dunmore serves as the primary municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal hub for Pocahontas County and its surrounding communities. With existing permitted disposal capacity nearing exhaustion, the Pocahontas County Solid Waste Authority must advance an actionable, regulatory-compliant expansion schedule.

Constructing a new MSW cell (or executing a lateral expansion) requires navigating complex hydrogeological assessments in the Allegheny highlands, multi-tiered environmental permitting through WVDEP, capital financing, and engineered liner system installations.

This document outlines a 33-month comprehensive implementation timeline, broken into six distinct phases. It accounts for seasonal high-elevation weather limitations, regulatory notice windows, construction quality assurance (CQA), and interim operational contingencies.

2. High-Level Master Schedule Overview

Phase	Description	Duration	Estimated Horizon
Phase 1	Feasibility, Geotechnical Investigation & Airspace Modeling	5 Months	Month 1 – Month 5
Phase 2	Permitting & Regulatory Approvals (WVDEP, SWMB, PSC)	12 Months	Month 4 – Month 15
Phase 3	Capital Financing, Funding Procurement & Interlocal Agreements	6 Months	Month 12 – Month 17
Phase 4	Final Engineering Design, Bid Specifications & Procurement	5 Months	Month 16 – Month 20
Phase 5	Cell Construction, Liner Installation & Leachate Integration	8 Months	Month 21 – Month 28
Phase 6	CQA Certification, WVDEP Final Approval & Cell Commissioning	4 Months	Month 29 – Month 32
Closeout	Full Commercial Acceptance & Transition of Disposal Operations	1 Month	Month 33

Month:   01  03  06  09  12  15  18  21  24  27  30  33
Phase 1: [=====]
Phase 2:    [==================]
Phase 3:                    [======]
Phase 4:                          [=====]
Phase 5:                                [============]
Phase 6:                                          [======]

3. Detailed Phase Breakdown & Milestones

Phase 1: Site Feasibility, Hydrogeology & Capacity Modeling

Timeline: Months 1 – 5

Objective: Define expansion boundaries, evaluate sub-surface hydrogeology, quantify remaining airspace, and calculate new cell life expectancy.

Month 1: Topographic Survey & Drone Photogrammetry
- Conduct high-resolution aerial LiDAR survey of existing fill areas and adjacent expansion parcels.
- Establish baseline topography, property boundary offsets, and mandatory buffer zones (setbacks from wetlands, streams, and roadways).
Month 2: Hydrogeologic & Geotechnical Site Investigation
- Mobilize geotechnical drilling rig to evaluate subsurface stratigraphy and depth to seasonal high water table and bedrock.
- Screen for karst topography features (cavities, sinkholes, solution channels) critical to Appalachian valley settings.
- Install supplemental piezometers and preliminary groundwater monitoring wells.
Month 3: Geotechnical Laboratory Testing & Slope Stability Analysis
- Soil classification, permeability testing, and shear strength analysis of on-site borrow soils.
- Run computer-simulated static and seismic slope stability models for proposed excavation cuts and waste embankment heights.
Month 4: Airspace & Cell Geometry Optimization
- Model 3D cell configurations (excavation grades, liner elevations, final cap contouring).
- Project cell lifespan based on current annual tonnage, compaction ratios, and daily cover volume requirements.
Month 5: Feasibility Report & PCSWA Board Presentation
- Deliver complete Preliminary Engineering & Feasibility Report to the PCSWA Board.
- Board vote to formalize the expansion footprint and authorize permit application preparation.

Phase 2: Regulatory Permitting & Environmental Review

Timeline: Months 4 – 15

Objective: Secure all statutory approvals from the WVDEP Division of Water and Waste Management, SWMB, and related state agencies.

Months 4 – 7: Permit Application Compilation
- Prepare WVDEP Solid Waste Facility Permit Major Modification application (Form DWWM-SW-1).
- Draft comprehensive Engineering Design Report, Construction Drawings, and Technical Specifications.
- Formulate the Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan for liner system construction.
- Draft updated Groundwater Protection Plan (GPP) and Environmental Monitoring Plan (EMP).
- Design updated Leachate Management Plan (evaluating storage tank capacity, pump station sizing, and disposal/treatment contracts).
Months 8 – 9: Preliminary Regulatory Review & SWMB Coordination
- Submit application package to WVDEP DWWM Permitting Section.
- Coordinate with the West Virginia Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB) for consistency with the State Solid Waste Management Plan and County Solid Waste Plan.
- Address initial WVDEP Technical Notice of Deficiency (NOD) comments.
Months 10 – 11: Public Participation & Interagency Review
- Publication of Class II Legal Advertisement in local Pocahontas County newspapers announcing permit modification application.
- 30-day public comment period.
- Conduct a WVDEP-led Public Hearing (if requested by stakeholders or deemed necessary).
- Consultation with the WV Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) regarding rare, threatened, or endangered species.
Months 12 – 13: NPDES & Stormwater Permitting
- Submit WVDEP NPDES Stormwater Construction Permit modification (addressing sediment/erosion control basins and diversions).
- Finalize Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Months 14 – 15: Final State Approvals & Permit Issuance
- Resolve final DEP technical stipulations.
- Receive formal WVDEP Major Modification Solid Waste Permit.
- File Certificate of Need (CON) updates with the WV Public Service Commission (PSC) if disposal rate/tariff adjustments are required.

Phase 3: Capital Financing & Project Funding

Timeline: Months 12 – 17 (Running concurrently with permitting)

Objective: Structure and secure the capital required for engineering, construction, and CQA oversight.

Months 12 – 13: Capital Expenditure (CapEx) Validation
- Develop detailed engineering cost estimates for earthmoving, composite liner materials, leachate piping, electrical hookups, and third-party inspections.
- Update landfill closure/post-closure escrow fund calculations to account for additional disturbed acreage.
Months 14 – 15: Application to State & Federal Financing Programs
- Submit preliminary funding applications to the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council (IJDC).
- Explore USDA Rural Development Community Facilities loans/grants tailored to rural county waste infrastructure.
- Structure municipal lease-revenue bond issues or commercial banking facilities backed by county tipping fees.
Months 16 – 17: Fund Closing & Budget Appropriation
- PCSWA Board and Pocahontas County Commission formally approve the financing package.
- Capital accounts funded and escrow/bond covenants established.

Phase 4: Final Construction Engineering, Bid Documents & Procurement

Timeline: Months 16 – 20

Objective: Finalize construction-ready blueprints, bid the contract publicly pursuant to WV Code § 5G-1, and award the construction contract.

Months 16 – 17: Construction Documents & Bid Package Finalization
- Finalize sealed Construction Issued-for-Bid drawings (excavation plans, liner details, leachate collection trenches, stormwater channels).
- Prepare contract documents using standard EJCDC or AIA formats, incorporating WV prevailing wage (if applicable) and state contractor licensing rules.
Month 18: Competitive Public Bidding Period
- Issue Request for Proposals (RFP) / Advertisement for Bids.
- Host mandatory pre-bid conference and on-site walk-through at 374 Landfill Road in Dunmore with interested heavy-civil contractors.
- Issue technical addenda and responses to contractor RFIs (Requests for Information).
Month 19: Bid Evaluation & Contractor Selection
- Public bid opening at the PCSWA office in Marlinton.
- Conduct engineer’s review of contractor qualifications, bonding capacity, equipment fleet, and safety history.
- Authority issues formal Notice of Award to lowest qualified responsive bidder.
Month 20: Contract Execution & Pre-Construction Conference
- Finalize contract execution, performance/payment bonds, and insurance certificates.
- Execute contract with an independent, third-party CQA (Construction Quality Assurance) Engineering Firm.
- Hold Pre-Construction Conference with WVDEP regional inspectors invited.
- Issue Notice to Proceed (NTP).

Phase 5: Earthwork, Liner Construction & System Integration

Timeline: Months 21 – 28

Seasonality Constraint: Scheduled strictly between April and November to avoid Pocahontas County winter freeze-thaw cycles that compromise subgrade compaction and liner welding.

Months 21 – 22: Clearing, Grubbing, and Mass Earthwork
- Clear trees, strip and stockpile topsoil for future cell cap restoration.
- Rough excavation and structural fill placement to achieve design subgrade sub-base elevations.
- Construct perimeter access roads, containment berms, and anchor trenches.
- Excavate and construct stormwater runoff diversion ditches and permanent sediment trap basins.
Month 23: Subgrade Preparation & Clay Liner/GCL Deployment
- Proof-roll and condition subgrade to achieve 95% Standard Proctor density; inspect for sharp stones, roots, or desiccation cracks.
- Install Geosynthetic Clay Liner (GCL) or compacted low-permeability clay liner ($k \le 1 \times 10^{-7}\text{ cm/sec}$) per WVDEP specs.
- Independent CQA testing of clay moisture/density and thickness verification.
Months 24 – 25: Geomembrane Liner Installation & Non-Destructive Testing
- Deploy 60-mil HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) smooth and textured geomembrane liner sheets.
- Perform dual-track hot wedge welding on seam lines and extrusion welding on detail penetrations.
- Continuous CQA: 100% non-destructive air-pressure testing on dual seams; vacuum-box testing on extrusion welds; destructive shear and peel tensiometer tests.
- Electrical Leak Location Survey (spark or dipole testing) to identify any micro-punctures prior to covering.
Month 26: Leachate Collection System & Protective Cushion
- Deploy heavy non-woven geotextile cushion layer over the geomembrane.
- Lay perforated HDPE collection pipes, cleanouts, sumps, and risers to design invert grades.
- Place minimum 12-to-24-inch granular leachate drainage blanket (washed, rounded stone) over liner area.
Month 27: Mechanical & Electrical Integration
- Install submersible leachate extraction pumps, level transducers, and automated control panels.
- Connect leachate force mains to existing or newly expanded on-site leachate holding tanks.
- Extend three-phase power lines and SCADA / alarm telemetry systems.
Month 28: Ancillary Site Works & Perimeter Controls
- Complete perimeter litter-catch fencing and litter netting.
- Construct all-weather haul roads with crushed aggregate base capable of supporting tri-axle and roll-off truck traffic.
- Hydroseed disturbed embankments and drainage ditches for permanent erosion control.

Phase 6: Testing, Certification, WVDEP Approval & Commissioning

Timeline: Months 29 – 32

Objective: Complete all regulatory sign-offs and execute a seamless transition of waste placement into the new expansion area.

Month 29: Final Punch-List & CQA Documentation Assembly
- Contractor and supervising engineer complete physical punch-list items.
- Compile all laboratory test reports, weld log sheets, field test data, and material factory certifications.
- Prepare As-Built Record Drawings signed and sealed by a Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in West Virginia.
Month 30: CQA Final Report Submission to WVDEP
- Submit comprehensive CQA Certification Report and record drawings to WVDEP DWWM for official review.
- Perform operational wet-testing and flow-calibration on leachate pumps, emergency overflow controls, and alarm notifications.
Month 31: WVDEP Comprehensive Site Inspection
- Host WVDEP environmental inspectors and engineering staff for a formal site walk-through of the constructed cell.
- Address any punch-list stipulations or supplemental documentation requests from the state.
Month 32: Formal Authorization to Place Waste
- Receive written WVDEP Authorization to Operate for the new disposal cell.
- Update landfill operations manual, tipping logbooks, and cell fill sequencing plans.
Month 33: Waste Operations Transition & Old Cell Closure Integration
- Direct first commercial and residential waste loads into the new cell (placing select soft waste "fluff layer" over the stone drainage blanket to protect the liner system from puncture).
- Initiate progressive capping and closure planning for the exhausted cell in accordance with WVDEP closure criteria.

4. Interim Contingency & Risk Management Plan

Because landfill airspace depletion cannot always be paused while engineering and construction proceed, the PCSWA must maintain contingency protocols:

[ Current Cell Full (Dec 2026) ]
               |
      +--------+--------+
      |                 |
[ New Cell Ready ]    [ Unforeseen Delay / Weather ]
      |                 |
  Place Waste     Activate Interim Transfer Protocol
                  (Haul to approved regional landfill 
                   via contract hauler)

Airspace Cushion / Interim Hauling Protocol:

If cell excavation or liner installation is delayed past the projected exhaustion date of existing landfill airspace, PCSWA will activate an interim waste-transfer protocol. Utilizing the Dunmore site's scales and tipping floor, waste will be loaded into transfer trailers and hauled to an adjacent permitted regional MSW facility (e.g., Tucker County, Greenbrier County, or regional commercial landfill) under a temporary solid waste haul agreement.
High-Elevation Appalachian Winter Contingency:

Earthwork and liner deployment must cease if ground temperatures fall consistently below $32^\circ\text{F}$ or during heavy snowfalls typical of northern Pocahontas County. Phase 5 is deliberately scheduled across the warm weather window (April – October). Any schedule slippage entering November triggers immediate thermal protection protocols or a temporary project shutdown until early spring.
Karst Hydrogeology Contingency:

If subsurface solution cavities are identified during excavation, the engineering team must execute a WVDEP-approved remediation plan (such as dental concrete backfilling, geotextile bridging, or subgrade regrading) within an allocated 3-week buffer built into Phase 1 and Phase 5.

5. Critical Path & Decision Gateways

[Phase 1: Hydrogeology & Feasibility]
               ↓
  GATEWAY 1: Board Approval of Footprint
               ↓
[Phase 2: WVDEP & SWMB Permitting]  ←→  [Phase 3: Funding Procurement]
               ↓
  GATEWAY 2: WVDEP Major Modification Permit Issued
               ↓
[Phase 4: Design Specifications & Public Bidding]
               ↓
  GATEWAY 3: Construction Contract Award
               ↓
[Phase 5: Construction & Liner Deployment (Warm Season)]
               ↓
[Phase 6: CQA Certification & Final WVDEP Approval]
               ↓
  GATEWAY 4: Written Authorization to Place Waste

Gateway 1 (Month 5): Board authorization to expend capital on formal permit design.
Gateway 2 (Month 15): Receipt of approved WVDEP Solid Waste Facility Permit. No construction bidding can be finalized without this approved permit.
Gateway 3 (Month 20): Verification that construction financing is closed and bonded prior to issuing Notice to Proceed.
Gateway 4 (Month 32): Final written sign-off from WVDEP authorizing waste tipping.

6. Stakeholder & Oversight Matrix

Entity	Role & Responsibility	Key Deliverables
Pocahontas County Solid Waste Authority (PCSWA)	Project Owner & Operating Authority	Budget authorization, policy decisions, public hearings, contractor payments
Consulting Engineering Firm (e.g., Potesta & Associates)	Design Engineer & Technical Agent	Topo surveys, permit applications, construction blueprints, CQA testing
WVDEP (Division of Water and Waste Management)	Primary Regulatory Authority	Permit modification, technical review, inspections, Authorization to Operate
WV Solid Waste Management Board (SWMB)	State Planning Coordination	Consistency certifications, technical assistance
Pocahontas County Commission	Local Government Partner	Financing backing, intergovernmental coordination
General Earthwork / Liner Contractor	Construction Execution	Excavation, liner welding, piping, roads, facility build-out
Local Haulers & General Public	Facility Users	Compliance with temporary traffic re-routing and tipping regulations

I have prepared the complete proposed project timeline and master implementation plan for expanding the Pocahontas County Landfill.

Summary of What Was Created:

Phase Breakdown (Months 1–33): Comprehensive progression spanning Feasibility & Hydrogeology, WVDEP & SWMB Permitting, Funding & Financing, Procurement & Bidding, Cell & Liner Construction, and CQA Final Certification.
Local Pocahontas County Context: Integrated local environmental and seasonal factors, including the high-elevation Appalachian winter constraints in Dunmore, karst hydrogeological mitigation, and the Route 28 facility layout.
Contingency & Critical Path Analysis: Included gate-by-gate decision points and an interim waste transfer/hauling contingency plan to address capacity expiration risks.

Would you like to adjust any of the project duration assumptions, or would you like to expand on the estimated capital expenditure budget and funding grant options (e.g., IJDC, USDA-RD)?

Salt Shaker Press

Search This Blog

The Fix?