ARCHIVED REPORTS_2010_3 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

7.11. Landfill GasGAS- (LFG) Surface Emissions Control MANAGEMENT PLAN Municipal solid wastes placed in the Foothill landfill will undergo natural chemical and biological decomposition following disposal The products of biological decomposition of organic wastes are solids, liquids, and gases. The waste decomposition process begins with organic waste products undergoing aerobic (presence of free oxygen) decomposition during storage and transport and for a limited period after placement in the landfill. Aerobic decomposition continues until available oxygen is depleted. When oxygen is depleted, anaerobic (lack of oxygen) decomposition becomes dominant. Typical byproducts of aerobic decomposition of MSW are carbon dioxide water, and nitrate Typical primary products of anaerobic decomposition are methane carbon dioxide organic acids, nitrogen, ammonia, iron sulfides, manganese, and hydrogen. These products are the Primary factors controlling the quality and quantity of leachate and landfill gas produced Methane in the gas may range from 50% to 60% and carbon dioxide may range from 30% to 50% (Boyle, 1977). Methane production from MSW will continue from a few years to hundreds of years in certain environments. The rate of gas production depends on a number of parameters: refuse composition, oxygen present, moisture content pH alkalinity, and temperature LFG Surface emissions are monitored by a "surface scan" in which the methane content of the air immediately above the landfill is measure in accordance with Title V regulations and the Permit to Operate (Appendix A). This measurement indicates that surface emissions are within the regulatory limit. Surface emissions are controlled by the LFG collection and treatment system Figure Xx15) This system consists of nine vertical wells and four horizontal collectors each of which is Foothill Sanitary Landfill Page 88 Public Works/Solid Waste Joint Technical Document �_ County of San Joaquin — Revised 7/30/10