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Mr. Lawrence Stefani <br /> October 7, 2003 <br /> Page 2 <br /> If the methane gas component of LFG is allowed to accumulate in a confined area (i.e., utility <br /> lines, irrigation valve boxes, vaults, basements, wall spaces, etc.) and is exposed to an ignition <br /> source, it can be explosive at concentrations between 5 and 15 percent by volume. At higher <br /> concentrations, methane gas is flammable. However, the presence of methane gas in site soil <br /> does not mean there is an immediate threat of explosion because flames cannot typically <br /> propagate through soil. <br /> Operation Criteria <br /> The most current Permits to Construct/Operate dated July 22, 2002 and October 8, 2002, issued <br /> by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District (SYVUAPCD) delineates <br /> several main operational criteria for the subject system. This operational criteria states that flare <br /> exit gas temperature be maintained at a minimum of 1400 degrees Fahrenheit during system <br /> operation. In addition the systems are to be operated to maintain compliance with SJVUAPCD <br /> Title V and Rule 4642 requirements. <br /> State California Code of Regulations (CCR Title 27) requires that solid waste disposal site <br /> owners/operators implement LFG control or monitoring provisions to ensure that methane gas <br /> concentrations in soil at the property line do not exceed the lower explosive limit (LEL, or 5 <br /> percent by volume) and that interiors of on-site structures do not exceed 1.25 percent methane by <br /> volume in air. <br /> Gas Testing <br /> Testing for methane gas (the combustible component of LFG), oxygen gas, carbon dioxide gas, <br /> pressure, and temperature was performed using a Landtec Gem-500 Gas Analyzer or comparable <br /> unit. This instrument measures combustible gas concentrations in air directly on either of two <br /> scales: the first as percent by volume of the lower explosive limit (LEL) of methane gas in air(5 <br /> percent); the second as percent by volume (0 to 100 percent) in the gas sampled. Instrument <br /> calibration forms are attached to this report. <br /> LFG Monitoring Probes <br /> In accordance with the approved testing schedule,LFG Monitoring Probes (MP) are to be tested <br /> quarterly or when methane gas concentrations detected exceed 5 percent by volume or as <br /> requested by the client. On September 9, 2003, all LFG monitoring probes were tested for the <br /> presence of LFG. Results indicated that no methane gas concentrations in excess of 5 percent by <br /> volume was detected at any location tested (see Table 1) with the exception of LFG Monitoring <br /> Probe No. MP-9 (up to 54.0). SCS understands that additional extraction wells and expansion of <br /> the collection is currently being performed by others, to help decrease the observed elevated <br /> methane gas concentrations at MP-9. <br />