Lightning Strike Disrupts Operations at Richmond Landfill Scale House

News Summary

A severe lightning strike caused significant damage to the Richmond landfill scale house, temporarily disrupting services and impacting critical software systems. While repairs are being made, the landfill remains closed for industrial waste, although the Resource Recovery Center is still operational for households. Full operations are expected to resume soon, but financial implications are being assessed as the city grapples with the aftermath of the storm.

Lightning Strike Disrupts Operations at Richmond Landfill Scale House

On August 6, 2023, a severe lightning strike during a storm caused significant damage to the Richmond landfill scale house, located at 5242 New Paris Pike. The incident affected critical software systems within the scale house, leading to temporary disruptions in services.

Extent of Damage and Repair Efforts

City officials confirmed that the lightning struck the flagpole at the scale house, resulting in burn marks on the asphalt. The impact also led to damage within the electrical systems; the ground wire inside the panel box was burnt but has since been repaired. Although power has been restored, many of the computer components may still be compromised. Replacement parts for the billing component of the scale system were delivered on August 7, 2023 and require software reinstallation for full functionality.

Current Operations

As of 2:45 PM on August 7, both the scale systems and the internet/phone networks were reported to be operational, although there were issues connecting to the hotline number listed on the city’s website. Richmond Sanitary District officials are hopeful that repairs will be sufficient to resume full-scale operations by the evening of August 7. Nonetheless, the landfill is currently closed for all industrial, commercial, and construction waste until repairs are finalized.

Community Services Remain Available

Despite the disruption at the scale house, the Resource Recovery Center at the same location remains open for sanitary district customers. Residents can continue to dispose of household trash, yard waste, clean fill, and recyclable materials during operating hours. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6 PM and Saturday from 8 AM to 4 PM, but is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Financial Implications

The financial ramifications of the lightning strike have yet to be fully assessed. Officials indicated that the city would face “a little bit of a hit” due to the incident. As the situation develops, further evaluations will take place to ascertain the overall impact on the city’s budget and operations.

Expected Reopening

The Richmond landfill scale house is anticipated to fully resume operations on August 8, 2023. Residents and businesses alike are advised to keep an eye on local announcements for further updates regarding the opening of the landfill for waste disposal services.

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Additional Resources

• Pal-Item: Lightning Strike Disrupts Operations at Richmond Landfill
• Axios: Lightning Strike Risk in Virginia
• WRIC: Lightning Strike Causes Apartment Fire
• Click2Houston: Richmond Family’s Apartment Destroyed
• Virginia Mercury: Linking Pollution with Lightning Strikes