LFG issues and concerns for landfill end uses

Engineers and land planners have taken initiative to redeem the space occupied by closed landfills. End use plans range from composting areas to energy facilities to tournament level golf courses. Through creative end use planning, land previously considered useless can become an asset to a community. The in-place refuse in a closed landfill continues to generate landfill gas (LFG). LFG can present a variety of threats to human health and safety. In developing closed landfills, the inherent health and safety concerns associated with LFG must be addressed to protect the users` welfare and enhance the project`s value to the community. Health and safety threats presented by LFG include: (1) Explosion, (2) Asphyxiation, (3) Exposure to carcinogenic compounds. LFG contains methane which is not toxic, but is explosive in concentrations between 5 and 15 percent in air, and can asphyxiate in enclosed environments. Hydrogen sulfide (H{sub 2}S) is often present in LFG and is toxic in concentrations as low as 100 ppm (the IDLH level established by NIOSH). Some of the trace compounds in LFG such as vinyl chloride, benzene, and trichlorethylene are known carcinogens. Potential hazards associated with LFG can be minimized by incorporating a LFG management plan into landfillmore » end uses. Control and detection measures for LFG in buildings have been widely studied and regulated. However, less attention has been paid to other issues such as on-site utilities or non-structural end use projects. Several cases will be discussed from which applications can be made on future projects. Mishaps and their solutions should be circulated within the LFG community to help prevent similar incidents from occurring. This paper discusses unanticipated LFG-related incidents and engineered solutions, emphasizing lessons learned at Renaissance Park in Charlotte, North Carolina.« less