Project Spotlight: Defiance County Landfill – Phases 8 & 9

Building for the Future of Defiance

Some of the most important infrastructure projects happen behind the scenes—but their impact supports communities for generations.

Vernon Nagel, Inc. is proud to support the continued development of the Defiance County Landfill through construction of Phases 8 & 9, helping expand capacity and prepare the site to meet future regional needs.

Building on the successful completion of Phase 7, which extended the landfill’s operational life to approximately 40 years, this next phase is projected to increase the landfill’s lifespan to an estimated 47 years—supporting long-term environmental planning and efficient use of existing infrastructure.

Supporting Long-Term Infrastructure

Landfill expansion projects require more than moving earth—they demand thoughtful planning, environmental responsibility, and precise execution.

By increasing capacity within an existing footprint, communities can continue to maximize available resources while reducing the need for additional future development.

Projects like Defiance County Landfill help support:

• Long-term infrastructure planning

• Efficient site operations

• Environmental stewardship

• Sustainable growth for surrounding communities

Project Overview

Location: Defiance, Ohio

Construction Timeline: April 2026 – October 2026 (estimated)

Project Size: Over 10 acres

Scope of Work

As part of this expansion effort, Vernon Nagel’s work includes:

• Mass earthwork and grading to prepare new cell areas

• Environmental liner installation support

• Leachate collection system installation

• Stormwater management and drainage improvements

• Access road improvements

• Erosion control measures

  
  

At completion, the team will have moved more than 147,000 cubic yards of earth across the project site.

To put that into perspective—that’s enough material to fill a standard triaxle dump truck more than 12,000 times.

To improve efficiency and maintain progress, Vernon Nagel utilized company-owned CAT 627G scrapers and off-road haul trucks, allowing crews to move over twice the amount of material in a single shift.

Navigating Site Challenges with Proactive Planning

Landfill construction requires more than earthmoving—it demands careful coordination, environmental awareness, and proactive decision-making throughout every phase of construction.

At Defiance County Landfill, the team encountered several conditions that required specialized approaches to maintain quality, protect the site, and keep work progressing.

Weather & Groundwater Intrusion

Challenge: Rain events can quickly turn prepared subgrade into mud, damaging finished grades and delaying construction activities.

Approach: Before forecasted weather events, Vernon Nagel proactively compacts prepared surfaces to help water remain near the surface rather than infiltrating the soil profile. This approach significantly improves dewatering efficiency and allows crews to return to work sooner once conditions improve.

Achieving Geomembrane Smoothness Requirements

Challenge: The geomembrane liner system requires an exceptionally smooth, stone-free surface to prevent punctures and support long-term performance.

Approach: Prior to HDPE placement, Vernon Nagel deploys dedicated crews—commonly referred to as “rock pickers”—to remove sharp objects and prepare a smooth final surface before liner installation begins.

Managing Wind During HDPE Installation

Challenge: Large HDPE liner panels can act like sails during installation, making wind a major operational and safety consideration.

Approach: Successful installation starts with planning. The team closely monitors forecasted wind conditions and coordinates installation timing accordingly. Continuous communication across all project partners helps maintain safe operations and efficient panel deployment.

Protecting Slopes Through Erosion Control

Challenge: Newly disturbed slopes are especially vulnerable before permanent stabilization and vegetation become established.

Approach: Vernon Nagel conducts routine inspections and pre-storm walk-throughs to verify erosion control measures remain effective and aligned with federal EPA and local environmental permitting requirements. Best Management Practices (BMPs) are reinforced and adjusted as needed to protect the site throughout construction.

Looking Ahead

Projects like Defiance County Landfill Phases 8 & 9 demonstrate the value of strategic infrastructure investment and thoughtful site development.

By helping extend the life of an existing landfill from approximately 40 years to an estimated 47 years, Vernon Nagel is helping create long-term value while supporting the needs of the community for years to come.

At Vernon Nagel, we remain committed to delivering infrastructure solutions that support communities today while planning for tomorrow.

Planning a site development, environmental, or earthwork project? Vernon Nagel brings the equipment, experience, and field expertise to help move projects from concept to completion.

Explore our services or contact our team to start the conversation.