Updated information from Senator Tim Shallenburger 3/13/2026

Please see the following update received yesterday from KDHE regarding EPA testing at the GALENA LANDFILL:

“EPA arrived on site yesterday and sampled in three fixed locations and eight “roving” locations (observed by mobile sampling equipment) south and east of the landfill in residential and commercial areas. There were no detections at these locations of any contaminants of concerns, which included volatile organic compounds (VOCs), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon monoxide (CO) and LEL (combustible gases). There were slightly detectable particulates, but this could be reasonably attributed to traffic or atmospheric conditions.

EPA continued monitoring overnight at two locations and then did some sampling near the smoldering area.

Today, right in the hotspot, there were low detections of VOCs and carbon monoxide, as would be expected near smoke emissions. There continued to be no detections away from the hotspot. Based on this, and the City’s own monitoring capability, EPA will likely demobilize either later today or tomorrow. We will continue to work with the Cherokee County Health Department, City, and Jordan Disposal and monitor this situation.”

KDHE also produced some FAQ regarding the landfill and can be found here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2391/Galena-Construction-Demolition-Landfill-