BUFORD — Plans to expand the Richland Creek landfill are moving forward after a public hearing was held during the April 6 meeting of the Buford Board of Commissioners.
Despite a public notice published March 1, no residents spoke in opposition to the proposed lateral expansion of the landfill, which is owned and operated by Republic Services.
City officials said the approval process with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division began in 2020 and is still ongoing.
The proposed expansion must meet a series of strict environmental and operational requirements outlined by the state. In a Feb. 28, 2025 letter, the EPD identified 18 draft site limitations, including protections for nearby streams and groundwater.
The plan also requires buffer zones of up to 500 feet between the landfill and nearby homes.
To move forward, the city must submit a transcript of the April 6 public hearing along with a detailed Design and Operation Plan within one year of the site suitability notice issued May 14, 2025. The EPD will make a final determination after reviewing those materials.
Katie Walls
While the project has drawn attention due to its potential long-term impact, the absence of public comment during the hearing marked a quieter step in what has been a multi-year review process.
If approved, the expansion would extend the operational capacity of the landfill, which serves the growing region.
