'Why our area?': Residents oppose plan to make Jefferson Parish landfill largest in state

A packed public hearing Tuesday night revealed deep frustration and distrust among residents living near the River Birch landfill, as state regulators collected public input on a proposed expansion that would allow the facility to incorporate adjacent land and accept new categories of debris.

At least 100 people filled the James C. Simmons Community Center for a Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) hearing on River Birch’s request for a major solid‑waste permit modification. Residents from Waggaman, Avondale, Old Jefferson, and other parts of Jefferson Parish voiced concerns about odors, health impacts, flooding risks, and the long‑term environmental consequences of continued landfill operations.

The hearing was structured to allow testimony from all sides. The first hour was reserved for people who live within close proximity of the landfill, followed by those who work nearby. There was no question‑and‑answer session.

What River Birch proposes:

River Birch is requesting LDEQ approval to modify its existing landfill permit, allowing the company to:

• Incorporate the adjacent Greater New Orleans Landfill (GNOL) into its footprint
• Accept construction and demolition (C&D) debris
• Expand its service area, which is listed in the permit application as nationwide

River Birch president and legal counsel Billy Gibbens said the expansion would allow the company to modernize the old GNOL landfill, which he described as an unlined dump, by installing new liners and connecting it to River Birch’s existing gas collection system.

“What we’re doing is taking the old GNOL landfill and raising it to modern standards,” Gibbens said after the hearing. “Putting a high‑tech liner on it, a two‑foot clay cap, and making that area into better than what it is now.”

Gibbens repeatedly stressed that the company is not seeking to double operations, increase truck traffic, or bring more garbage into nearby neighborhoods.

“This is not going to change anything that we’re currently doing,” he said. “We’re simply shifting where operations occur.”

How River Birch would switch between sites

Gibbens said the permit modification would allow River Birch to alternate disposal activity between its existing landfill and the adjacent GNOL site, rather than operating both areas at the same time.

According to Gibbens, River Birch is nearing the end of its current disposal cycle, with portions of the landfill approaching the 60‑foot height limit allowed under its permit. He said the landfill is about 80% to 90% complete with filling its existing footprint to that level.

“In about five years on the current River Birch footprint, we’ll be at a 60‑foot level and capped with a clay cap and liner,” Gibbens said.

Once that threshold is reached, disposal would shift to the GNOL site, allowing the River Birch side to remain capped, undisturbed, and connected to the landfill‑gas collection system. Gibbens said the company plans to keep only one active working face at a time, moving back and forth between the two sites over decades as each footprint reaches capacity.

He said landfill operations are planned on long timelines, and that capped areas can continue producing gas for up to 30 years after waste disposal ends. River Birch plans to keep capped areas undisturbed for 10 to 15 years, and possibly up to 20 years, before shifting operations again.

Nationwide permit, local promise

One of the most contentious issues raised during the hearing involved River Birch’s request for a nationwide service area.

Gibbens acknowledged that the permit application does seek nationwide authority, but said the company would agree to a binding limitation with LDEQ that restricts solid‑waste disposal to within a 200‑mile radius of the landfill.

He said nationwide authority would apply only to renewable feedstocks for energy projects, not to garbage disposal, and added that hauling waste from across the country would not be cost‑efficient or practical.

Gibbens also noted that several Louisiana landfills already hold nationwide service areas and said that, collectively, they accepted about 35,806 tons of out‑of‑state Type I and Type II waste between July 2024 and June 2025.

Several residents said verbal assurances do little to relieve their concern when broader authority remains written into a permit application.

Renewable Energy and gas collection

Gibbens said the permit modification is also intended to protect River Birch’s existing gas collection system and support renewable‑energy production.

He said River Birch operates one of the largest renewable natural gas plants in the country, capturing methane produced as waste decomposes and converting it into renewable natural gas.

“A big part of that is making sure we’re installing gas wells and collecting almost all of that gas,” Gibbens said.

By incorporating the GNOL landfill into its footprint, the company says older waste currently sitting in an unlined dump could be capped, lined, and connected to River Birch’s gas system, helping control emissions and odors. The permit would also allow River Birch to accept construction and demolition debris, which Gibbens said would primarily be used to level and stabilize the GNOL site and would not increase the net volume of waste.

Residents Cite Odors, Health Concerns, and Lack of Studies

Many speakers who live within a two‑mile radius of the landfill said they already experience quality‑of‑life issues they associate with landfill operations.

Margaret Reese, who lives in Old Jefferson, said she does not see how expanding the landfill would benefit nearby communities.

“I don’t see a benefit to enlarge a property that does not offer us anything,” Reese said. “Liquid waste finds its way to the river. The waste from the air pollution — all of us are affected.”

Others described strong odors, headaches, nausea, and eye irritation.

Justin Bittitow, an environmental advocate with Jefferson Orleans Irish Channel Neighbors for Clean Air, traveled from New Orleans to speak in opposition and said the odor issues described by Jefferson Parish residents mirror conditions in his own neighborhood.

“I’m not from this parish. I’m from New Orleans,” Bittitow said. “We have odor issues in my neighborhood, too.”

Several residents and advocates said they were hoping to see specific research and analysis presented as part of the permit review, but did not see it during the hearing. They cited the absence of publicly available health‑impact studies, air‑dispersion or odor‑modeling data, and cumulative‑impact analyses.

“There was no evaluation shown, no studies shown for residents to see,” Bittitow said.

Flooding, runoff, and Long‑term tisk

Several residents raised concerns about flooding and storm impacts.

Fred Matthews, also from Old Jefferson, referenced Hurricane Katrina and the landfill’s proximity to levee systems.

“If this is allowed,” Matthews said, “there should be money held in trust after the landfill is abandoned.”

Other speakers warned about runoff into the Mississippi River, increased wear on highways and rail lines, and the lack of economic investment in nearby areas. One Waggaman resident said the community cannot even attract a grocery store.

Another resident asked, “Why our area?”

Mixed views and questions about oversight

Not all speakers opposed River Birch outright.

Landry Camardelle, a Waggaman resident of more than 60 years, said he toured the River Birch facility and described it as a “first‑class operation.” He encouraged others to take a tour before forming conclusions.

Brian Miller, fire chief of the Live Oak Manor Volunteer Fire Department, said he was not opposed to the landfill but emphasized accountability.

“I’m not obligated here to a position, but to the people,” Miller said, adding that ensuring quality of life ultimately falls to the state and LDEQ.

Several residents asked who has final authority over the permit, whether other locations were considered, and how many landfill managers live in the surrounding community. A Jefferson Parish councilmember did not attend the hearing.

Gibbens confirmed that LDEQ has final authority over whether the permit modification is approved.

“This permit is with DEQ,” he said. “They’ll make the decision.”

LDEQ must review all testimony and written comments and issue a written response before approving or denying the permit. Members of the public can continue submitting written comments through May 25, 2026.

Whether the strong turnout and calls for independent research influence the outcome remains uncertain, but Tuesday night’s hearing made clear that many residents believe they are already living with the impacts — and want more transparency before River Birch expands further.