Optimization of Landfill BioCover (LBC) performance in cold climates

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One of the most cost-effective methods available to control landfill emissions of methane [CH4], which is a key greenhouse gas, is the installation of a Landfill BioCover [LBC]. In an LBC, a landfill cover is designed to maximize oxidation of CH4 by promoting the growth of methanotrophic bacteria or methanotrophs capable of utilizing CH4 as an energy source and converting it to carbon dioxide and water without producing toxic by-products. Although LBC is an attractive technique to control landfill CH4 emissions, its viability under cold climatic conditions of Canada is questioned because of concerns related to performance during cold winter months. Most of the research in the past has been related to performance under ideal conditions, and very little is known of the performance throughout the year at landfills in Canada. Therefore, the key objectives of our research project include: determine the methane oxidation performance throughout the year of the most cost-effective granular media available on site; conduct a comparative evaluation of establishing cash crops and native grass as the most suitable LBC vegetation to maximize methane oxidation performance throughout the year; develop a robust and cost-effective performance-monitoring program to determine LBC performance in Alberta. These objectives will be achieved by conducting three levels of experiments: laboratory-based microcosm batch/column experiments, flow-through column experiments conducted in the field (as opposed to the common practice of conducting them in the laboratory), and lysimeter experiments conducted at a field location. In addition, field investigations will be conducted at a new LBC constructed at the Foothills regional landfill in Okotoks, Alberta. By resolving technical issues associated with operation throughout the year in Canada of LBC systems, this project will provide the industry and various levels of government with a valuable technology to minimize CH4 emissions from all Canadian landfills. Deployment of LBC technology on a large-scale will contribute to achieving Alberta's climate change strategy goals of reducing CH4 emissions by 45% by 2025 and Canada's climate change mitigation goals.