Our Goal
Our goal is to maximize the use of the land while minimizing our impact on the environment and protecting the surrounding area. Numerous times yearly, our crew is required to meet stringent quality testing for:
- Air Quality
- Gas Emissions
- Ground Water
- Surface Water
- Wastewater
- Various Other Required Regulations for Operation of a Tiered Landfill
We strive to minimize visual impact for neighbors and visitors of Kootenai County while still efficiently running day to day operations for long term waste handling.
Future Growth
At Fighting Creek Landfill, we are continuously expanding and planning for future growth within our footprint. One of the neat things this allows us to do is to continue to expand fresh water ponds, wetlands, plantings, and habitat areas to increase the wildlife population indigenous to the area. On any given day, we have:
- 5 to 15 bald eagles flying in the sky along with other birds of prey
- Dozens of Canadian geese pairs
- Groupings of large game
- Small rodents
- Various wetland birds
Partnership
Beginning in 2010, Kootenai County began a partnership with Kootenai Electric Cooperative to convert captured landfill gas into electricity to power neighboring homes. As of 2014, Fighting Creek Landfill is providing enough gas to generate electricity for approximately 1200 homes, with more future expansion planned.
Closed Landfills
In addition to our active landfill at Fighting Creek, Solid Waste also maintains and monitors closed landfills. Ramsey Road Landfill is an example of an old landfill, which is now being utilized as Ramsey Park by the City of Coeur d'Alene. Ramsey Park has ball fields, play structures, courts and a gazebo for the public to use. This park is a great example of an old landfill that continues to be managed, monitored and safely utilized as a busy recreational area.
