(October 28, 2019)
The NJSEA is constantly evaluating how it can best control the hydrogen sulfide odors and emissions at the Keegan Landfill. This update is to provide you with information about the next phase of improvements that the NJSEA is implementing to eliminate hydrogen sulfide exceedances and any off-site odors.
As part of this effort, we are working on the expansion of the gas collection and control system to the eastern side of the landfill. Presently horizontal collectors are installed and operating successfully on the western side of the landfill, as demonstrated by recent surface emissions monitoring data. We expect that installation of additional collectors on the eastern side will further reduce emissions with the goal of completely eliminating exceedances and off-site odors. Depending on design, permitting and material procurement, we are projecting a start date of mid-December for this work.
Additionally, the NJSEA is working with vendors to have a product called Posi-Shell applied to the surface of the landfill. Posi-Shell is a combination of cement and water that adheres to the surface in what can be described as a thin layer of stucco. This hard shell will help to prevent gas from escaping from areas of the landfill that do not yet contain collectors and will enhance the ability of the installed gas collection and control system to collect and destroy the gas. Surface emissions monitoring will be used to target areas for application of Posi-Shell and to provide data for the design of the new horizontal collectors.
As part of our ongoing efforts to increase the effectiveness of the system, the inlet header section to the existing flare will be replaced next week in order to reduce headloss in the system and allow more vacuum to be applied to the collectors. This will allow more gas to be collected and directed to the flare.
Hydroseeding of the sideslopes (except in the vicinity of the flare) will be completed in October. Importation and application of soil materials is ongoing. Soil is immediately placed over areas where odors or emissions are noticed by on-site personnel.
The permanent, enclosed flare system has been selected and is undergoing fabrication. The enclosed flare permit application will be submitted to the NJDEP in November or early December. We expect to install the concrete foundation for the flare in November. The installation of the enclosed flare system is tentatively scheduled for early February 2020 and is dependent on the contractors schedule and the permitting process. The system design and implementation will include review to ensure the protection of wildlife.
The NJSEA remains committed to the proper closure of the Keegan Landfill and, as requested by the Town, will be installing an impermeable geomembrane final cover system in accordance with NJDEP regulations and approvals when the landfill is closed and capped.