VHB played a central role in advancing the federal environmental review for a proposed expansion of the regional landfill in Suffolk, Virginia, a project aimed at addressing long-term waste disposal needs across Hampton Roads. The final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA), which manages solid waste for a service area of more than 2000 square miles and 1.2 million residents.
Current forecasts indicate that the existing landfill could reach capacity as early as 2027, prompting preparation of the EIS and evaluation of alternatives to meet future disposal needs. The preferred alternative included adding new landfill cells and making more efficient use of available airspace within the current facility boundary. This approach was intended to extend the facility’s operational life while limiting additional land disturbance. A component common to all action alternatives was the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for material sorting. Using AI-enabled cameras along conveyor systems would improve the recovery of materials such as recyclables, reducing the volume of waste requiring disposal, and extending the operational life of the landfill.
Environmental impacts were a key focus of the analysis. The proposed expansion would impact about 110 acres of forested wetlands, requiring federal permits and the development of mitigation measures such as wetland restoration and long-term conservation protections. The review also considered potential effects on endangered species and cultural resources, with coordination among regulatory agencies, tribal representatives, and community stakeholders.
“Mitigation planning was essential on a project of this scale because the landfill serves such a large population,” said Kim Blossom, ENV SP, RVA | Hampton Roads Environmental Director. “Working closely with SPSA and the Corps helped the team identify practical solutions that reduced environmental impacts while supporting the region’s long-term infrastructure needs and promoting sustainability in landfill operations.”
VHB supported the preparation of the EIS, including environmental analysis, alternatives evaluation, and public engagement coordination. Completion of the review represented a significant step in the federal decision-making process as regional leaders plan for future solid waste management demands and more sustainable approaches to regional infrastructure.
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