Evapotranspiration landfill biocover (ET-LBC) to control atmospheric release of landfill methane

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Since methane is a key greenhouse gas, there is considerable interest in quantify and deploy cost-effective methods to control landfill methane emissions. One such method is the installation of an evapotranspiration landfill biocover (ET-LBC); specifically designed to maximize methane oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria, or methanotrophs, and minimize water percolation into the landfill. The ET-LBC is a novel, hybrid landfill cover design that utilizes a granular medium to promote the growth of methanotrophs as well as store water to facilitate evapotranspiration by plants. Although ET-LBC is an attractive method to control methane emissions, a number of issues prevent its adoption in Canada. Another issue is our inability to accurately assess emission credits associated with ET-LBC projects. Satisfactory resolution of these multiple issues is the focus of this project. The project will build upon our demonstrated expertise on the use of methanotrophs to control methane emissions from area and point sources. The objectives of our research program, therefore, include: determine most suitable granular medium and LBC thickness for maximum methane oxidation; identify and demonstrate a compatible ET configuration for LBC success and minimize water percolation into waste; assess and identify robust and cost effective method(s) to determine emissions from landfills and methane oxidation capacity of the ET-LBC system throughout the year. These objectives are achieved by conducting lab-based microcosm batch and flow-through column experiments, field experimentation at a full-scale ET-LBC installation at the Leduc landfill in Alberta and test cells to collect site-specific data, and demonstrating the application of mathematical models to evaluate ET-LBC performance in various conditions.By resolving the technical issues associated with field deployment of ET-LBC systems, this project will provide the Canadian industry and various levels of government with a valuable technology to minimize methane emissions from all landfills, small or large, with or without gas extraction systems.