DSWM Public Hearing: The Riverside Class III Landfill Expansion

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Solid Waste Management (DSWM), will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, December 11, 2025, to receive comments on its tentative decision to issue a solid waste disposal facility permit major modification for the Riverside C&D Landfill lateral expansion.

The facility, identified as the Riverside C&D Landfill (DML470000011), is located in Knox County at 3330 Delrose Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee (latitude 35.980347 N/longitude -83.867839 W). This permit would allow construction, operation, closure, and post-closure care of the Class III disposal facility for the disposal of landscaping and land clearing wastes, construction/demolition waste, shredded automotive tires, and/or certain wastes having similar characteristics and approved in writing by TDEC. No hazardous wastes, as regulated by the Tennessee Hazardous Waste Management Act (Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-212-101, et. seq.) and the Rules adopted pursuant to the Act, shall be accepted for disposal at this facility. The official responsible for operation of the facility is Mr. Matthew Lavender, Area President, Knoxville Landfills, LLC, 8917 Rutledge Pike, Mascot, TN 37806 (865-240-3442).

DSWM has made a preliminary determination that this proposal meets the applicable requirements of Tennessee Rule Chapter 0400-11-01, Solid Waste Processing and Disposal. Pending consideration of any comments received during the 45-day comment period ending on Monday, January 5, 2026, DSWM intends to issue this permit.

The hearing will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, 2025, at the Pellissippi State Community College Strawberry Plains Campus, Room ST3200, 7201 Strawberry Plains Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914, as well as via video-teleconference. Information on how to join online is provided below. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Eastern), an informational session will be held. The public may inspect and discuss the permit application, draft permit, fact sheet, plans, and other materials with the DSWM and with representatives of the applicant. There will also be an opportunity for comments to be recorded or written and submitted during this time. The formal hearing will begin at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern). First DSWM will explain its tentative decision to issue the permit. The applicant's representative will describe the proposed facility. DSWM will then receive oral comments on the draft permit from the public.

Those who wish to join the public hearing virtually can do so and will be able to view maps, pictures, and other content that will be shared.

DSWM invites the public to review and submit comments on this proposal at the hearing or anytime during the 45-day comment period ending on Monday, January 5, 2026. Electronic copies of the application and draft permit are available and the DSWM Central Office on the 7^th Floor of the Davy Crockett Tower, 500 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243 (615-532-0780). Paper copies may be reviewed at the Knox County Public Library located at 500 West Church Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902 and the TDEC Knoxville Environmental Field Office, 3711 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921 (865-594-6035).

To comment on the draft permit, contact Ms. Abigail Moseley in DSWM’s Central Office at the Davy Crockett Tower, 500 James Robertson Parkway, 7^th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243 (615-917-5879), email Abigail.Moseley@tn.gov. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. Eastern on Monday, January 5, 2026, to assure consideration.

TDEC is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer. TDEC does not unlawfully discriminate on any basis prohibited by applicable law in any of its programs, services, or activities.

EEO/AA/ADAAA inquiries or complaints may be directed to the ADAAA Coordinator, TDEC HR Division, at 615-532-0200. Hearing-impaired callers may use the Tennessee Relay Service (800-848-0298).

If it is hard for you to read, speak, or understand English, TDEC may be able to provide translation or interpretation services free of charge. Please contact Janelle Starke at 615-906-2950 for more information.

If you would like to receive notices like this directly, contact the DSWM’s Central Office for a Mailing List Request Form. Email Solid.Waste@tn.gov or call 615-532-0780.

All documents regarding the landfill may also be found on the dataviewer.

Participants may join virtually or by phone

Those who wish to join the public hearing virtually can do so by using the following link:

• Join Teams Meeting

Or by phone

• Call: 629-209-4396
  • Phone Conference ID: 790 777 574# (Audio only)