Solid Waste Local Enforcement Agency (LEA)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is the LEA and what do we do?
• What are the characteristics of solid waste sites that are of concern when re-developing a solid waste site or nearby properties?
• What solid waste sites in the City of San Diego are of interest for development projects?
• What types of development projects are of concern to the LEA?
• When do I include the LEA in a development project?

• What is the LEA and what do we do?
  The LEA is a program within Development Services Department that is certified by the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) to implement and enforce State laws and regulations at solid waste facility sites throughout the City of San Diego.
  
  Solid waste sites include active and closed landfills, former disposal sites (including burn sites), transfer facilities, composting facilities, waste tire facilities, and waste haulers. The LEA issues permits to the above facility types and conducts routine inspections to monitor sites for compliance with state laws and regulations. The overall purpose of these laws and regulations is to protect public health and safety and the environment.

• What are the characteristics of solid waste sites that are of concern when re-developing a solid waste site or nearby properties?
  • Landfills, both active and closed, produce methane gas and other gases. Methane is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas which is highly explosive in concentrations of 5-15%, and combustible in concentrations > 15%. Methane gas readily migrates off site through either the air or soil.
  • Ash from old burn sites typically meets the criteria for classification as a hazardous waste, primarily due to heavy metals such as lead. Therefore, disturbing the ash could have health impacts on the community if not properly managed. Further, ash removed from the site must be properly handled and disposed, which can significantly increase project costs.

• What solid waste sites in the City of San Diego are of interest for development projects?
  • Active Landfills (2 currently operating)
    • Sycamore Landfill (north of Hwy. 52, at Mast Blvd. near Santee)
    • Miramar Landfill (north of Hwy 52, at Convoy St.)
  • Closed Landfills (18 sites)
  • Burn Ash Sites (17 known sites)
  • Composting Facilities (4 permitted facilities and operations)
  • Transfer Facilities(4 permitted facilities and operations)

• What types of development projects are of concern to the LEA?
  • Any development project proposing to handle, transport or dispose of solid waste, recyclable materials, waste tires, organic materials, or construction and demolition debris.
  • Any development project on or through an active or closed landfill (the site itself).
  • Any project which proposes new structures (either habitable or non-habitable) within 1000 feet of a closed or active landfill.
  • Any project which includes grading or excavations within 1000 feet of an active or closed landfill.
  • Any change in land use activity or proposed additional new activity on top of a landfill, active or closed (example: golf course, paint ball business).
  • Any development proposed on a burn ash site, including change in land use designation or zone.
  • Any development immediately adjacent to a burn ash site that includes excavations or soil disturbance. Interior Tenant Improvement projects (TI’s) are not included in this.
  • Developments in the vicinity of composting facilities may be impacted by odor, dust, vectors and traffic.
  • Developments adjacent to solid waste transfer stations may be subject to odors, dust, vectors and traffic.

• When do I include the LEA in a development project?
  • Prior to finalizing design and cost estimates for the project, check to see if your project site is within 1000 ft. of the boundary of any landfill (active or closed), or on or immediately adjacent to an old burn site.
  • If your proposed project is on or within 1000 ft. of a landfill or on or immediately adjacent to an old burn site, composting or transfer facility, and meets any of the criteria present in the previous question, submit project description and site development plans to the LEA for review as early in the project planning process as possible. This will prevent/minimize unpleasant surprises and delays later on. Allow at least 3 weeks for review by the LEA.
  • Please do not hesitate to call or email LEA staff if questions about solid waste site locations and/or potential impacts to your project. The earlier in your project planning process, the better!