The Imperial Landfill, owned by Allied Waste Systems of Pennsylvania, has been fined $650,000 for persistent and ongoing problems with odors and gases that have inundated a Findlay neighborhood near the landfill.

The consent order was filed by the state Department of Environmental Protection Friday based on numerous complaints from township residents and teachers and staff at nearby Wilson Elementary School.

It addresses violations from December 2005 through November 2009. The DEP also said it is investigating new complaints about a resurgence of gas odors over the last two months and will conduct new air sampling of 17 pollutants at the 164-acre landfill next week.

George Jugovic Jr., DEP's regional director, said the state will work with the Allegheny County Health Department to continue inspections at the landfill until the source of the odors is identified and the problem is solved.

Based on DEP inspections last spring, Allied Waste repaired or replaced dozens of poorly maintained or defective gas collection wells at the landfill.

Allied Waste is required to pay the fine within the next 10 days. The DEP said it will be deposited in the state Solid Waste Abatement Fund and used to pay for trash and landfill cleanups.

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