EGLE Air Quality Inspection Findings

EGLE Air Quality Inspection Findings

The Air Quality Division AQD of EGLE conducted a compliance review of air pollution regulations at the Arbor Hills Landfill in June 2026. The review included a site inspection, records review, and a Surface Emission Monitoring (SEM) survey. One violation notice was issued, and several troubling findings were documented. 

The survey information is public but difficult for most residents to access and interpret because it is highly technical. The Conservancy Initiative is publishing this review to highlight key findings in plain English. We believe the community, including Washtenaw County leadership, must understand these findings as they consider GFL’s proposal to construct a New Landfill adjacent to the existing facility. 

Washtenaw County Doesn't Need a New Landfill

Washtenaw County is already encircled by numerous long‑lived landfills. Within roughly 50 miles, there are 16 active facilities with about 13 years of permitted capacity remaining. Importantly, the state’s capacity figures reflect only space currently permitted by EGLE and exclude proposed expansions. Most of these sites are owned and operated by highly profitable corporations that are planning to increase capacity—not wind down operations. Several landfills, including Pine Tree Acres and McGill Road Landfill, are actively seeking permits to expand.

Arbor Hills Landfill Bypasses PFAS Treatment

On March 25, 2026, an operator at GFL's Arbor Hills Landfill intentionally bypassed the facility's PFAS pretreatment system for four hours to perform unscheduled maintenance. This action released a highly concentrated "slug discharge" of untreated leachate into the Northville Sanitary Sewer, with PFOS levels far exceeding allowable limits. The slug discharge was heading to the Ypsilanti Community Utility Authority (YCUA).

Fundraising Challenge Update: Its Not too Late to Help

We have encouraging news to share. The Conservancy Initiative has raised $14,250 toward our matching gift challenge. Thank you to the many who have donated. It's not too late to help us meet this challenge. To donate and have your gift matched, or to stay informed and subscribe to updates, visit https://conservancyinitiative.org/take-action

A generous Northville resident has pledged to match every donation up to $25,000, so your contribution today will go twice as far. 

Why This Campaign Matters Now
With a decision on the proposed new landfill expected later this year, this is a critical moment for our community. Your donations help The Conservancy Initiative educate and mobilize Washtenaw County voters through digital outreach, direct mail, yard signs, and in-person community engagement. Our goal is to ensure the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners clearly hears that residents do not want a new landfill in Salem Township. 

The proposed new landfill is unneeded, unsafe, and unfair. Michigan already has more than 20 years of landfill capacity. The existing Arbor Hills site has a troubling history of violations and odor complaints, and nearby communities bear the pollution while others receive the financial benefits. 

Every Contribution Counts
This is a nonpartisan community issue about protecting clean air, clean water, and the health of nearby neighborhoods. Every contribution, large or small, helps strengthen the public's voice at this pivotal time. 

 

The Conservancy Initiative is a volunteer-run, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Why Is GFL Getting a New Landfill When They Can't Control PFAS at Arbor Hills?

Why Is GFL Getting a New Landfill When They Can't Control PFAS at Arbor Hills?

Sometimes the truth hurts. But the truth is exactly what county officials and the public need before they make an irreversible decision to add a NEW LANDFILL on top of an operator already struggling to control PFAS at its existing site. Here is the truth that needs to be considered.  

The Arbor Hills Landfill is a significant source of PFAS contamination in southeast Michigan, yet little is being done to stop the pollution. At the same time, Washtenaw County is considering whether to let the landfill's owner, Green for Life (GFL), build a NEW LANDFILL just north of Arbor Hills.

Help Stop a New Garbage Dump in Our Community

We have exciting news - An anonymous Northville resident has generously pledged to match every donation to The Conservancy Initiative up to $25,000, so your gift today will go twice as far. With a decision on the proposed new landfill expected later this year, this is a critical moment to act.

DONATE NOW

Your donation will help educate and mobilize Washtenaw County voters through digital outreach, direct mail, yard signs, and in-person community engagement so the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners hears clearly that residents do not want a new landfill in Salem Township.

The proposed NEW LANDFILL is unneeded, unsafe, and unfair. Michigan already has more than 20 years of landfill capacity; the existing Arbor Hills site has a troubling history of violations and odor complaints, and nearby communities bear the pollution while others receive the financial benefits.

This is a nonpartisan community issue about protecting clean air, clean water, and the health of nearby neighborhoods. Every contribution, large or small, helps strengthen the public's voice at a pivotal time.

Stay informed and subscribe at: https://conservancyinitiative.org/

The Conservancy Initiative is a volunteer-run, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

DONATE NOW

PFAS Leachate Treatment and Notices of Violation

The Conservancy Initiative has offered to be a resource to the Washtenaw County Commissioners as they review GFL's proposal to build and operate a NEW LANDFILL. This decision will affect public health and the environment for generations, and the information coming from GFL needs to be independently checked. The Conservancy Initiative can help interpret technical data, fact‑check GFL's claims, and explain the real impacts of the Arbor Hills Landfill, and we should be given a meaningful voice in this process.

Message to GFL: Please Stop PFAS from Entering Johnson Creek

At a recent Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners meeting, an employee of Green for Life (GFL) presented the "GFL version" of the PFAS contamination that has been entering Johnson Creek since at least 2020. PFAS are long-lasting, man-made chemicals that pose significant health and environmental risks. The failure of both GFL and the previous operator of the Arbor Hills Landfill to act promptly has allowed PFAS contamination to spread within the landfill fence line, into Johnson Creek, and likely into fish caught there.

Resolution Opposing the Proposed New Landfill in Salem Township

Please attend the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, February 4th, at 7 PM (details below) to show your support for this resolution.

The Washtenaw County Environmental Council advises on policies that protect the health, safety, environment, and quality of life of Washtenaw County residents. On Tuesday, January 27, the Environmental Council unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the proposed NEW LANDFILL in Salem Township. View Resolution. This resolution will be transmitted to the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners and is expected to be included in the Board's meeting materials for its February 4 meeting.

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners is the most important decision‑making body in the approval process for the proposed NEW LANDFILL and represents the best opportunity to stop the NEW LANDFILL from moving forward. Residents who share the Environmental Council's concerns are therefore strongly encouraged to attend this meeting and use the opening public comment period to briefly state their opposition to the proposed new landfill and their support for the Environmental Council's resolution.

The Board of Commissioners will meet on Wednesday, February 4, at 7:00 PM in the Board Room of the Administrative Building, 220 N Main Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48107. Members of the public are invited to attend, and there is a public comment period at the beginning of the meeting during which any attendee may speak for up to three minutes. Please speak up in support of this resolution.

If you have questions about attending this event or would like to carpool, please contact Leslie Evans at leslievans@comcast.net.

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