WM employs a quarterly gas monitoring program in accordance with state and federal environmental regulations. Gas monitoring probes are placed around the perimeter of the landfill to detect the potential presence of landfill gas migration.
Landfill Gas Management
Landfill Gas Migration
Air Quality
The Austin Community Landfill also has a gas collection and recovery system designed to achieve the following
- Reduce the potential for landfill gas migration outside the landfill;
- Minimize passive landfill gas emissions; and
- Control potential landfill odors.
The gas collection and control system at the landfill uses gas extraction wells installed into deposited wastes around the landfill to collect landfill gases generated by decomposing waste. Thermal destruction of collected gases occurs at either the gas to energy plant or a central, high-temperature flare, which is permitted by the TCEQ.
The wells are monitored monthly for pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels to ensure proper operation and compliance with regulatory standards. These data are submitted twice a year to the TCEQ. A diagram of a gas well can be found here.