State-of-the-Art Odor Control
Conestoga Landfill Takes Steps to Eliminate Off-site Odor
Conestoga Landfill continues to implement new measures designed to eliminate noticeable trash odors outside the boundaries of the landfill.
Conestoga has put in place a plan that covers a variety of control measures, including expansion of the active gas collection system; application of odor control products to the working face; installation of permanent anti-odor sprayers and a deodorizer system parallel to Shiloh Road and I-176; use of portable sprayers and prototype foggers to apply anti-odor products around the working face.
In 2004, a total of 26 landfill gas extraction wells were installed, containing a total drilled pipe length of approximately 2,300 feet into the landfill waste mass. Subsequently, 6,800 linear feet of six-inch diameter lateral piping and 2,000 linear feet of 12-inch diameter header pipe were installed. In 2005, another 27 extraction wells were installed. The system currently consists of 138 extraction wells over 142 acres. The system captures, contains, and burns off landfill gas, which is a principal cause of odor. Eventually, the gas will be used as an alternative energy source.
Conestoga has also installed 2,800-feet of high-pressure lines for an anti-odor misting system and 3,400 feet of high-pressure lines for a warm-air odor-neutralizing system. Both of these are located parallel to Shiloh Road and I-176. These systems act, in effect, as giant air fresheners, spraying the air with "odor neutralizers."
Among the other steps taken:
- Adoption of procedures for a "textbook" working face, in order to minimize exposed surface area.
- Voluntary reduction of intake of sludge by 99.5 percent.
- Voluntary reduction in average daily volume of waste accepted to 5,500 tons per day, a reduction of 1,710 tons per day.
- Addition of a full-time compliance supervisor.
- Implementation of an around-the-clock odor monitoring system, and a citizen complaint hotline.
- Installation of a 20-foot-high, 2,000-foot-long fence to serve as a visual barrier along Shiloh Road.
- Purchase of a new compactor to cover waste more efficiently.
- Addition of an alarm to the leachate-collection system to warn if it shuts down.
Conestoga's odor-control system is constantly evolving. To achieve optimal results, the system must be constantly monitored and adjusted for weather conditions and waste placement, among other factors. A variety of anti-odor products are constantly evaluated for effectiveness.
Odor-control efforts at a landfill are often affected by weather conditions. Rain-moistened trash tends to generate more odors, and foggy conditions can trap odors and hold them close to the ground.
Conestoga Landfill seeks to be responsive to the community, complying with odor regulations and taking steps necessary to minimize any impact beyond its borders.