Abstract

The data presented in this report are from three field campaigns performed during September 2002, May 2003, and September 2003 by EPA and ARCADIS (a project management, consultancy, and engineering services company). The goal was to measure fugitive emissions at a bioreactor landfill in Louisville, Kentucky, using an open-path Fourier transform infrared spectrometer.

The study involved a technique that uses optical remote sensing radial plume mapping. The horizontal radial plume mapping (HRPM) method was used to map surface concentrations, and the vertical radial plume mapping (VRPM) method was used to measure emissions fluxes downwind of the site.

Surveys were conducted in five areas at the Louisville facility:

• As-Built, an area designed as a bioreactor landfill
• Retrofit, an area converted to a bioreactor landfill
• Control
• Biocover
• Compost

In general, the As-Built area was found to have the highest methane fluxes. In addition to VRPM surveys, HRPM surveys were performed in the As-Built and Retrofit areas. Two definitive methane hot spots, having concentrations over 80 parts per million by volume (ppmv), were found at the Retrofit area during the September 2002 campaign.

During the May 2003 campaign, four hot spots were found in the As-Built area (the most intense having concentrations over 210 ppmv), and two hot spots were found in the Retrofit area (the most intense having concentrations over 78 ppmv).

During the September 2003 campaign, three hot spots were found in the As-Built area (the most intense having concentrations over 89 ppmv), and two hot spots were found in the Retrofit area (the most intense having concentrations over 34 ppmv).

Further evaluation is needed to establish trends in fugitive emissions as the bioreactor areas continue to operate over time. Additional field testing is being considered to evaluate changes in fugitive emissions in response to design and operational changes. These data are also needed to help establish emission trends for the bioreactor portions of the landfill.

Contact

Susan Thorneloe

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