Results of the Study of Emerging Technologies for MSW Landfills Landfill Compliance Study

presented to

California Integrated Waste Management Boardby

GeoSyntec Consultants, Inc.Walnut Creek ,California

18 November 2003

Presenters / Collaborators

Julie Holmes Ryan, P.E.Project EngineerGeoSyntec Consultants

Michael Minch, P.E., G.E. Senior EngineerGeoSyntec Consultants

Edward Kavazanjian, Ph.D., P.E., G.E. (not present)

Senior ConsultantGeoSyntec Consultants

Task 7 Goals Identify emerging technologies in waste

management to be considered for application in California. (Section 2.1)

Develop a set of topics by which all technologies may be evaluated. (Section 2.2)

Perform extensive review of technologies, using existing documentation as primary resource. (Sections 3 through 6)

Summarize applicability of each technology for application in California. (Sections 3 through 6 and Section 7)

Recommend technologies which are most likely candidates for application in California. (Section 1)

Task 7 GoalsIdentify Emerging Technologies

Pre-Disposal Waste Treatment TechnologiesMechanical Pre-Processing Biological Pre-TreatmentThermal Pre-Treatment

Landfill Design TechnologiesAnaerobic Bioreactor LandfillAerobic / Semi-aerobic LandfillAlternative Base Containment SystemsAlternative Cover Systems

Landfill Remediation TechnologiesLandfill Gas ApplicationsPassive AerationAir InjectionLeachate RecirculationLandfill Mining

Industry Standards, Certifications, and Guidance Documents

Task 7 GoalsTopics for Evaluation of Technologies

General Description

Detailed Description and Process Options

Global Application and Case History

Research Studies

Technologies in Combination

Application in California

Evaluation of Benefits and Barriers

Task 7 SummarySummary of Technologies

Task 7 GoalsEvaluating Applicability to California

Environmental BenefitClimatePopulation DensityCommunity Participation and/or AcceptanceLand-use and AvailabilityMaterial Availability (i.e., construction materials)Waste CompositionCompliance with Existing RegulationsCompatibility with Existing Waste Management Practices

Task 7 SummaryApplication in California

Technology Application in California

Pre-Treatment Technologies

Mechanical Pre-Processing

Separation Currently being implemented at MRFs. Difficulty quantifying cost vs. benefit limits widespread application

Size Reduction/ Shredding

Currently being implemented at MRFs. Difficulty quantifying cost vs. benefit limits widespread application

Washing/ Flushing Difficulty quantifying cost vs. benefit limits widespread application Wastewater stream generally requires processing

Baling Difficulty quantifying cost vs. benefit limits widespread application

Biological Pre-Treatment

Aerobic Applicability based on waste content Greenwaste diversion may impact benefits, potential Difficulty quantifying cost vs. benefits limits widespread application.

Anaerobic Applicability based on waste content Greenwaste diversion may impact benefits, revenue Difficulty quantifying cost vs. benefits limits widespread application.

Thermal Pre-Treatment

Incineration Implemented at several sites in California Cost and revenue dependent on waste composition Air regulations may preclude application Potential for long-term impacts of ash may restrict disposal options

Pyrolysis Unknown cost No record of large-scale application; may limit application

Application in CaliforniaComparison to Cross-Media Inventory A review of the Cross-Media Inventory (Task 2) indicates

the following technologies have been implemented or proposed at landfill sites in California.

Mechanical Pre-Processing: 5 landfillsBiological Pre-Treatment: 3 landfillsAnaerobic Bioreactor: 3 landfillsAlternative Base Containment System: 3 double liner systems, 1 white linerAlternative Cover System: 1 exposed geomembrane cover systemLandfill Gas Applications: 20 landfill gas-to-electricity systems, 4 landfill gas-to-medium BTU fuel systems, 3 landfill gas-to-electricity systems.Leachate Recirculation: 3 landfillsLandfill Mining: 1 landfill

Mechanical Pre-ProcessingAnaerobic Bioreactor LandfillsAlternative Base Containment Systems (especially electrically conductive geomembranes and encapsulated GCLs)Alternative Cover Systems (especially non-barrier cover systems)Landfill Gas Applications (especially for medium BTU applications)Leachate RecirculationIndustry Standards, Certification and Guidance Documents

The following technologies are recognized to have considerable potential for successful implementation in California

Application in CaliforniaMost Likely Technologies for Application

Application in CaliforniaMechanical Pre-Processing

Combination of separation and shredding

Cost Effective

Increases compaction and reduces volume of landfilled material

Accelerates waste stabilization

Application in CaliforniaAnaerobic Bioreactor Landfill

Most applicable in less arid areas

New cell designed to recirculate leachate and collect gas during filling

Enhanced waste stabilization

Generates additional airspace

Application in CaliforniaAlternative Base Containment Systems

Electrically conductive geomembrane: cost effective

increased liner reliability

Encapsulated GCL: increased shear strength of GCL system

most applicable to canyon applications

Non-barrier covers:developed for arid climates

equivalent or superior infiltration control

enhanced waste stabilization

Delayed closure: applicable in arid climates where stabilization is ongoing after disposal

Application in CaliforniaAlternative Cover Systems

Application in CaliforniaLandfill Gas Applications

LFG-to-Medium BTU fuel: minimal processing required

comparatively low capital cost

economic incentives

Application in CaliforniaLeachate Recirculation

Improved leachate quality

Enhanced waste stabilization

Requires appropriate LCRS to control head on the liner system

Application in CaliforniaIndustry Standards, Certification and Guidance Documents

Standards and Certifications:may simplify regulatory compliance and oversight

Guidance Documents:methods recommended, not required

provides owners with framework for design

assists regulators in ensuring quality

provides consistency in methods

QUESTIONS