2022 Solid Waste Webinar Series

Landfill Air Compliance – Regulations and Beyond

Presented by Jennifer Flannery

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In August of 2016, new emission guidelines (EG) for existing municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills (those landfills that commenced construction, modification, or reconstruction on or before July 17, 2014) were issued as 40 CFR 60, Subpart Cf. Once implemented through the Federal Plan (or a State-specific approved plan), the intention was to replace the “old” New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) WWW. The Federal Plan, published under 40 CFR  62, Subpart OOO, became effective on June 21, 2021. 

Nearly a year after the Federal Plan became effective, this Webinar will provide a high-level review of the regulations, discuss some of the potential remaining regulatory confusion, and explore what may be coming next for your MSW landfill. 

Developing Solar Power on Closed Disposal Facilities

Presented by Rick Buffalini, P.E.

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Changes in energy markets and regulations providing incentives for renewable energy have resulted in an increased interest in developing solar projects in many areas of the United States. Closed municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills and coal combustion residual (CCR) landfills and impoundments provide an opportunity for solar power development but also present challenges that need to be considered. Projects can provide both economic return to the facility owner and positive public relations in using the property in an environmentally beneficial way. 

Closed disposal facilities are typically relatively large, open areas that are generally not suitable for other types of development. However, the light weight and flexibility of solar power systems makes placement on closed disposal sites feasible. Many older MSW landfills have relatively flat slopes which is conducive to solar development projects. This presentation reviews the current energy market and regulatory conditions that are resulting in increased solar energy production. The presentation addresses the technical and regulatory challenges associated with developing solar power projects at several closed MSW landfills and CCR surface impoundments. Several case studies will be presented that address the various types of disposal facilities and regulatory/design challenges. Projects range in size from 30 acres to over 100 acres. The disposal facilities have solid/residual waste permits and NPDES permits. Project development required obtaining approvals from the regulatory agencies to modify the permits to construct the solar power facility on the closed sites.  

The permit modifications needed to address installing the solar panel racking system on the existing cap system without damaging the cap. Foundations for the solar panels included concrete ballasts or driven posts/ground screws. The design of driven posts/ground screws addressed the site-specific characteristics of the waste to determine the required length of the post to resist wind uplift. The repair of the existing cap system when using driven posts was also addressed.  

Another design issue on certain projects is addressing areas that are too steep for efficient solar panel layout. For these areas, limited site grading is required resulting in repairing the cap system as needed. The solar projects must be designed around existing leachate management system structures and gas collection and control system components and provide access to maintain and operate these systems. Other design and permitting requirements include designing potential changes to the site surface water management system and providing financial assurance for the solar project. Several of the sites were located in the 100-year floodplain which required revision as part of the project. 

Solid Waste and the E of ESG

Presented by Kris Macoskey, QEP

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Public disclosure of ESG performance metrics has become commonplace.  Companies use ESG performance to demonstrate their corporate stewardship, to attract and retain shareholders, and to obtain performance ratings to differentiate them from competitors.  In this session we will discuss environmental performance metrics that are material to the solid waste industry.     

Emissions and Control of Hydrogen Sulfide Odors at Landfills

Presented by Ken Kruszynski, P.E., CEM

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Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in landfill gas, formed with the biodegradation of municipal solid waste, is a major odorous component in a landfill.  It poses a potential risk to humans and causes odor problems and complaints by the residents near landfills.  This presentation describes the formation of hydrogen sulfide encountered in landfill gas, the impact of hydrogen sulfide on the environment and human health, and hydrogen sulfide control and odor mitigation technologies available for landfills. 

Leachate Management and Treatment

Presented by Greg Werner, P.E.

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Leachate and other landfill-generated liquids (gas condensate and dewatering liquids) can be some of the most challenging industrial wastewaters to manage and treat. Typically, elevated organics and ammonia are the drivers for treatment selection. However, leachate is comprised of compounds from a combination of sources that need to be evaluated for permit- or performance-driven reasons. Less predominant or non-regulated leachate compounds need to be considered that may cause process inhibition or foul treatment processes. Effluent limitations on other non-biodegradable or persistent compounds may drive the need for alternative treatment methods. The very nature of leachate does not lend itself to conventional application of treatment methods to meet typical effluent limitations.  

We will explore the different technologies employed solely or collectively in leachate treatment to remove solids, biodegradable organics, nutrients, oil & grease, VOCs, refractory and persistent compounds, metals, and dissolved inorganics. The discussion will include a breakdown of how each technology can be utilized and its limitations. Case studies will be presented on how simple and complex treatment process schemes have been employed to achieve the owner’s objectives.