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                        SUBSURFACE LANDFILL FIRE SUPPRESSION AND MONITORING
                       
A Case Study at the Campbell Mountain Landfill, Penticton, British Columbia

Gas Concentration Measurements.
(continued from previous page)

 
Table 4  Gas Concentration Measurements
Well Oxygen 02 in % Hydrogen Sulfide H2S ppm Carbon Monoxide CO in ppm
GMW98-1B 0.0 to 0.1 0 to 5 140 to 303
GMW98-2B 0.0 14 to 77 465 to >999
GMW98-3B 0.0 to 0.1 62 to 183 >999
GMW98-4B 0.0 to 0.2 2 to 123 25 to 150
GMW98-5B 0.0 to 0.2 0 to 6 233 to 320
GMW98-6B 0.0 2 to 141 119 to 178
GMW98-7B 0.0 9 to 19 474 to 750
GMW98-8 0.0 0 to 34 54 to 152

The methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide concentration results throughout the monitoring program have fallen within the typical composition ranges expected for landfills undergoing anaerobic decomposition (i.e. no oxygen present).

The oxygen concentration results have consistently been at 0.0% by volume, with the exception of the last round of sampling (August 28th, 2000) where concentrations up to 0.3% by volume were encountered. It is unclear at this point if the recent increase in oxygen concentrations is due to leaks in the clay liner or as a result of sampling error. Additional sampling will be required to confirm any trends.

The carbon monoxide concentration results at all of the wells indicate the presence of a landfill fire, with the highest concentrations occurring near the suspected location of the fire (between GMW98-2 and GMW98-3). When compared to the carbon monoxide levels measured in March and April 1998, there was a substantial increase in CO concentrations. The most probable reasons for this are a combination of the following.

  • The clay cover is preventing the gases from escaping, and the CO gases are traveling outward from the area of the fire through dispersive processes.
  • The CO concentrations at the fire are increasing as the oxygen is being used up and incomplete combustion occurs more frequently.

This is another positive indication that the clay cover is working properly.

      next page recommendations for implementation of phases 2 and 3