River Birch LLC landfill in Avondale has applied for a Solid Waste Major Permit Modification with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ), Office of Environmental Services. OJCA stands with the landfill's immediate neighbors and with West Bank and East Bank neighborhood associations in opposition to River Birch Landfill's expansion plans.
See links to media reports below to get more information about the proposed expansion.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Members of the public can submit written comments to LDEQ through May 25, 2026.
The email address is: DEQ.PUBLICNOTICES@LA.GOV
Important! Please note: there is a period between "DEQ" and "PUBLICNOTICES" in the email address.
LDEQ must review all testimony and written comments and issue a written response before approving or denying the permit.
OJCA'S ACTIVITIES
OJCA members attended LDEQ's public hearing on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the James C. Simmons Community Center, 4008 US Hwy 90, Avondale, LA. OJCA members spoke in Opposition of the proposed permit.
OJCA board members have been in discussion with neighboring civic associations on both the East and West Banks of Jefferson Parish about the proposed expansion.
MEDIA REPORTS
nola.com news report, March 22, 2026: "A Louisiana landfill is seeking a major expansion. It would make it the state's biggest." Thank you nola.com Staff Writer David J. Mitchell for your report. https://www.nola.com/news/business/river-birch-looks-to-create-largest-louisiana-landfill/article_95e310da-4b44-4cac-a4b2-3e47bccd6099.html
WWL news report (video + article), April 21, 2026: "'Why our area?': Residents oppose plan to make Jefferson Parish landfill largest in state : Residents fear a landfill expansion would bring health risks, unwanted odors and environmental damage. River Birch's proposal needs to be approved by the state." Thank you WWL Reporter Sananda McCall for covering the story. https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/jefferson/why-our-area-residents-oppose-plan-to-make-jefferson-parish-landfill-largest-in-state/289-a6ba123f-5cd0-4030-bdd5-608c2123b0a1
nola.com news report, April 22, 2026: "Proposal to create Louisiana's largest landfill examined at packed hearing". Thank you nola.com Staff Writer David J. Mitchell for continuing to write about this important issue. https://www.nola.com/news/business/new-orleans-louisiana-landfill-trash-renewables-river-birch/article_f13b4c41-15ac-489e-831f-259424b74dad.html
WDSU news report (video + article), April 22, 2026: "Residents push back against proposed landfill expansion in Avondale : The River Birch landfill has its sights set on becoming a nationwide dump, but residents say it will deteriorate public health." Thank you Reporter Lena Folke for your report. https://www.wdsu.com/article/residents-push-back-against-proposed-landfill-expansion-in-avondale/71091159
nola.com Letters to the Editor, May 5, 2026: "Letters: Don't let Jefferson Parish become the nation's dumping ground". Thank you River Ridge neighborhood activist Lisa Karlin for your important letter to the editor. https://www.nola.com/opinions/letters/letters-dont-let-jefferson-parish-become-the-nations-dumping-ground/article_f9b5f403-632c-424e-880e-3ea18c884021.html