Landfill Environmental and Economic Concerns in Walton Count

1 Executive Summary

Our research and analysis of documents relating to  “Azland Recycling Permit Modification Issues” were run through  AI software to determine the environmental concerns of a

a landfill in Walton County, Florida, operated by Azland 1 LLC and later MVM Landfill LLC. 

The landfill, initially permitted as a recycling centerand Class 3 (construction debris) facility, has shifted to accept Class 1 (household) waste, raising significant environmental and economic concerns. Key issues include contamination of the aquifer supplying potable water to Freeport and South Walton, failure to build the promised recycling facility, rapid landfill expansion, and lack of transparency with local authorities and the public. The report identifies inconsistencies in timelines, permit processes, and contamination attribution, highlighting risks to water supplies, ecosystems, and the tourism-driven economy. Recommendations include increased oversight,

public engagement, and halting expansion until risks are mitigated.

2 Areas of Concern

2.1 Environmental Risks to Water Supply

The landfill is located above the aquifer supplying drinking water to Freeport and South

Walton, 1-3 miles from nine critical wells. Tests from August 2024 detected pollutants

(e.g., Arsenic, Lead, Selenium) in monitoring wells and an adjacent stream, indicating

leachate spills. Accepting household waste, which produces more toxic leachate, heightens

risks to groundwater and surface waters, including Bruce Creek, the Choctawhatchee

River, and Bay.

2.2 Failure to Build Recycling Facility

Azland secured a development order in June 2016 for a recycling center and Class 3

landfill but never constructed the 35,000 sq. ft. recycling facility, deferring plans in July

2016 without informing Walton County. This omission leaves hazardous materials in the

landfill, increasing leachate toxicity.

2.3 Rapid Landfill Expansion

Designed to last 25 years, the landfill is half full after 5.5 years. MVM Landfill seeks to

expand from four to seven cells and include household waste, amplifying environmental

risks without addressing existing contamination.

2.4 Lack of Transparency

Azlands August 2024 permit modification to accept household waste was not communicated

to the Walton County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) or the public,

potentially violating the development order. The public remains largely unaware of the

shift to a potential regional landfill.

2.5 Regional Landfill Threat

MVMs actions suggest plans for a regional landfill, which could generate significant profits

but devastate property values, tourism, and the environment, polluting the aquifer and

waterways on a larger scale.

2.6 Spill and Flood Vulnerabilities

Contamination attributed to Hurricane Sally (2020) highlights vulnerabilities to frequent

heavy rains in Florida. Existing liners are insufficient, and spills have already polluted

wells and streams.

2.7 Broader Impacts

Pollution threatens ecosystems, fisheries, and tourism, a key economic driver worth billions.

Household waste introduces odors and pests, degrading quality of life. Nearby

D&H Sands landfill proposal further endangers the watershed.

3 Inconsistencies

• Timeline Issues: Azland secured a household waste permit in August 2024, three

months before selling to MVM in December 2024, raising questions about intent.

A six-month delay in reporting August 2024 water tests (received February 2025)

suggests monitoring issues.

• Contamination Attribution: Consultants attributed contamination to Hurricane

Sally (2020), but frequent heavy rains suggest ongoing operational failures. A

reference to “Hurricane Sandy” (2012) is likely a typo for Sally.

• Communication Failures: Azland deferred recycling plans in 2016 without informing

Walton County, violating the development orders intent.

• Permit Clarity: The status of the August 2024 permit modification is unclear, as

FDEP requested additional information in February 2025.

• Aquifer Vulnerability: Located atop the aquifer with groundwater flowing toward

wellheads, any leachate infiltration could render the water supply unusable,

with no alternative source available.

4 Potential Hazards

• Surface Water Pollution: Contaminated streams could pollute Bruce Creek, the

Choctawhatchee River, and Bay, harming ecosystems and fisheries.

• Economic Decline: Pollution and odors could deter tourists, reducing property

values and impacting billions in economic valuation.

• Public Health: Toxic pollutants pose risks of cancer and neurological disorders;

pests and odors degrade living conditions.

• Regional Landfill: A larger facility could amplify environmental and economic

damage.

• Precedent for Other Landfills: Success here may encourage proposals like D&H

Sands, further threatening the watershed.

Conclusion

The Azland/MVM landfill endangers Walton Countys water supply, environment, and

economy through contamination, unfulfilled recycling promises, and secretive permit

changes. Immediate action is needed to protect the aquifer, enforce compliance, and

engage the public. Relevant records are available at https://ca.dep.state.fl.us/

mapdirect/.