2008 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Develop and validate a new method designed to estimate methane emissions from landfills taking into account the oxidation of methane in cover soil and other parameters. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Determine data needs, consult available data bases and validate data. Create a field and laboratory validated methane oxidation sub-model. Develop an integrated landfill methane mass balance model for California. This model will include the following sub-models: Methane Generation, Methane Recovery, Methane Emission, Methane Oxidation, Methane Migration, Change in Storage and Methane Balance. Field scale validation will be done at a minimum of two sites in California. Statistically analyze the field monitoring data to determine emission trends and dependent variables. 3.Progress Report The objective of this three-year cooperative research project is to develop and validate a new method designed to estimate methane emissions from landfills taking into account the oxidation of methane in cover soil by soil bacteria (methanotrophic bacteria). As much as possible, the model will be driven by data currently collected and compiled by regulatory agencies. To accomplish these tasks, research was initiated in February 2007. The project is currently on schedule or slightly ahead of schedule. Current year accomplishments were: 1. The model template is currently being evaluated by the regulators including members of California’s Integrated Waste Management Board, Public Interest Energy Research, and California’s Air Resource Board as well as the technical advisory committee for the project. Approximately ten sites are being identified as evaluation sites in collaboration with the California Integrated Waste Management Board. 2. Two seasonal campaigns at the two validation sites were completed this year, including monitoring of methane fluxes and soil gas profiles. 3. Microclimate variables (temperature and moisture) at the two validation sites were collected this year for model validation. 4. Collected soil samples of the three cover types (daily, intermediate, and final cover) for laboratory incubation and testing. Laboratory batch incubations for methane oxidation were initiated at various moisture contents and temperatures. The results from the field and laboratory testing will be utilized in the development of a new methane oxidation model to predict seasonal variability in the oxidation capacity of soil methanotrophic bacteria. 5. Held a technical advisory committee meeting at one landfill site to demonstrate field measurement methodology. 6. Establishing collaboration with California’s Integrated Waste Management Board to include additional waste management sites as validation for the project from their independent monitoring program. Methods of monitoring this project have included discussing project plans at conferences as well as teleconferences to reduce travel costs. In addition, a technical advisory committee and the California project team is consulted via email and conference calls. There are monthly reports that are distributed via email. It is planned next year to hold a technical advisory committee meeting in Sacramento, CA, as well as a critical project review. Personal communication and email communication occurred regularly on the progress of the grant and invoices were reviewed regularly. This project is related to Objective One of the parent project, 3645-11000-003-00D: Determine how crop, biomass and soil management practices alter the rate at which carbon and nitrogen are stored in soil or released as greenhouse gas emissions to develop economically viable practices that enhance storage and minimize emissions, particularly in the cool, wet, glacial-till soils in the north Central United States.