Case Number: SLS No. 97-001
Title: Los Lobos Landfill, Part 1

Case Files: Case (13 pages)  |  Exhibits (31 pages)

Teaching Note:

• SLS No. 97-004 (5 pages)
• (Request Access to Teaching Notes and Materials)

Author: Mary J. Decker, Case Writer; Meg Caldwell, Lecturer

Abstract: A sanitary landfill owner seeks and obtains land use approvals and environmental permits to operate a green yard waste composting operation. After unexpected processing delays result in huge mounds of stockpiled yard clippings, the mounds are saturated by heavy rains. Angry neighbors soon lodge hundreds of odor complaints with local regulators. The landfill operator must deal with continuing odor problems, environmental permitting issues, and the landfill’s contractual obligation to dispose of all municipal yard waste from a nearby city.

Key Words: Land use planning and zoning, green yard waste composting, nuisance, relationships with government regulators and community members.

Case Number: SLS No. 97-002
Title: Los Lobos Landfill, Part 2

Case Files: Case (9 pages)  |  Exhibits (31 pages, same as Part 1)

Teaching Note:

• SLS No. 97-004 (5 pages)
• (Request Access to Teaching Notes and Materials)

Author: Mary J. Decker, Case Writer; Meg Caldwell, Lecturer

Abstract: This Part 2 case study picks up from where the Part 1 case (described above) left off, from the viewpoint of local residents who attempt to close down the landfill’s composting operation permanently. (The Part 2 case can be taught on its own.) The residents form a community group, which argues unsuccessfully that the release of Aspergillus fungi from the composting operation poses a serious health threat to local residents.

Key Words: Green yard waste composting, nuisance, community activists, Aspergillus fumigatus.