The newest technology in landfill operations may be put into place at the Waste Management center south of Natchez.

Doug Wilson, site manager at Plantation Oaks Landfill and Recycling Center, said he is awaiting approval from the state Department of Environmental Quality in anticipation of starting what is called a bioreactive program.

“We’ll be the first in the state to do this, and it requires either laws to be changed or having us become a research and development center for this technology,” Wilson said.

The technology not only is new for the state but rather new throughout the country, he said.

“It’s only been available for about the past five years.

“The DEQ is considering this for us now, and I hope very soon to learn that we have permission to do it.”

What will it mean at the landfill?

Primarily, the new technology speeds the process of decomposition and at the same time enhances environmental protection.

Literature distributed by Waste Management provides these suggested landfill benefits, economical as well as environmental, of the technology:

— Accelerated waste stabilization means landfills may be converted to other uses more quickly.

— Bioreactor techniques increase airspace in a typical landfill, extending its useful life and reducing the need for new facilities.

— Methane gas generation is expanded and can be used for energy purposes.

— Recirculation of the leachate reduces costs of managing the liquid and increases environmental quality.