GAS COLLECTION AND REMOVAL SYSTEM
When dealing with domestic waste landfills, the anaerobic decomposi tion
of the waste will generate numerous gases. The two principal types are
carbon dioxide (C02) and methane (CH4). Carbon dioxide is heavier than
air and will migrate to the bottom of the waste facility and will be removed
with the leachate. Methane, however, is lighter than air and will rise to the
top of the waste (or to the sides) where it will meet the cover liner system
and be trapped beneath it (Fig. 9.1). Thus, it is necessary to have a gas
collector system beneath the liner and have it uniformly graded to the
high point of the cover.
Here it is either vented, flared, or captured and used for energy
production. Additionally, certain chemicals within the landfill may also
emit gases or vapours that require venting. The collection layer itself is
not covered in detail by MTG and is clearly site specific and waste specific.
Key features are:
encloses the gas within the site and prevents migration outside the
landfill.
collection and removal of landfill gas.
flaring or utilising the collected gas.
Gas Containment method
Along the base and side slopes of a landfill, the leachate
containment liner system functions as a barrier that restricts the
offsite migration of landfill gas.
At the top surface, the barrier incorporated within the final cover
system acts to prevent the uncontrolled escape of landfill gas into
the atmosphere.
In Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfills, composite barrier systems
—consisting of geomembranes combined with other low-
permeability layers—may be adopted in the final cover, particularly
in locations where gas generation is high and efficient gas recovery
is required.
Gas Extraction System
• Passive Venting System
• Active System
Passive Venting System (Landfill Gas Control)
In a passive venting system, the gas produced inside the landfill moves
naturally because of the pressure built up within the waste.
No mechanical equipment is used; the gas flows on its own due to this
internal pressure difference.
Gas movement is controlled by creating drainage paths with higher
permeability inside the landfill so that the gas travels in the intended
direction.
These drainage layers are usually placed just below the landfill cover.
One common passive control method works by reducing the gas pressure
inside the landfill, which helps prevent lateral migration of gas to nearby
areas.
To achieve this, vertical vents are installed through the final cover and
extend into or slightly above the waste mass.
If the methane concentration in the vented gas is high enough, multiple
vents can be connected and fitted with a gas burner to safely burn the
gas.
Active Gas Control System (Landfill)
In an active gas control system, gas is removed from the landfill
using mechanical energy. A vacuum (suction) is applied to extract
the gas from inside the waste.
Main Components:
a) Gas wells or drains installed within the waste mass
b) Pipes that connect the wells to the pumping system
c) Condensate traps to remove liquid formed due to gas cooling
d) Pumps that create suction and transfer the gas to flares,
diffusers, or a gas utilization plant.
Specifications:
Gas extraction wells are usually 0.3 m to 1.0 m in diameter.
Inside these wells, 150 mm diameter perforated HDPE pipes are
placed. The pipes typically have 10–20% perforations.
The pipes are surrounded by gravel to allow easy gas flow, and a
bentonite seal is placed at the top to prevent air entry and surface
leakage.
When suction is applied, a “zone of influence” is created around
each well. Within this area, the landfill gas generated in the
surrounding waste is drawn toward the well and then carried
through the header pipes to the collection system.
Gas Treatment Landfill gas extracted from a landfill can be:
a) Flared
b) Used directly for heating / cooking
c)Used for electricity generation
d)Gas utilization helps offset the cost of gas control
e) Direct use is more efficient than electricity generation
f) Energy recovery
Closure & Post-Closure Monitoring System (brief
introduction)
Closure Plan
A closure and post-closure plan must ensure that the landfill is properly maintained
for 30–50 years after completion.
Closure Plan Includes:
Installation of final landfill cover system and landscaping.
Long-term control of:
o Surface runoff
o Erosion
o Landfill gas collection
o Leachate collection and treatment
Post-Closure Plan
Routine Activities:
Regular inspection of the closed landfill.
Maintenance of:
o Surface water diversion systems
o Final cover slopes and grades
o Liners
o Gas and leachate collection systems
Long-term environmental monitoring to prevent contaminant
release.
Operation After Closure – Monitoring Systems
Systems Operated After Closure:
a) Leachate management system
b) Surface water management system
c) Environmental monitoring system
d) Cover rehabilitation and repair system
Monitoring Parameters
🔹 Quantitative Parameters:
Leachate quantity
Gas quantity
Surface runoff quantity
Cover settlement
🔹 Qualitative Parameters:
Leachate quality (inside landfill base)
Leachate quality after treatment
Groundwater quality
Surface water quality (at outlet)
Gas quality within landfill
Air quality above landfill and at gas vents
Air quality at gas control facilities
Periodic Inspection & Maintenance (Minimum 25 Years)
Components Inspected:
a) Cover system
b) Surface water drainage system
c) Gas and leachate management systems
d) Environmental monitoring systems
A maintenance schedule with reporting formats is prepared after each
inspection.
(a) Cover System
Inspected 2–4 times per year, including once during/after monsoon
peak.
Check for:
Proper vegetation growth
Erosion gullies exposing barrier layers
Surface depressions due to settlement
Water ponding
Since closed landfills undergo significant settlement:
Slopes must be re-graded
Soil filling and revegetation required
Erosion gullies must be repaired
Adequate funds and equipment must be available for periodic
maintenance.
(b) Surface Water Drainage System
Inspected 2–4 times per year to check:
Cracks due to settlement
Clogged drains
Sediment accumulation in stormwater basins
Repair actions such as :
Pipe replacement
Re-establish gravity slopes
Installation of sumps and pumps if excessive settlement occurs
(c) Gas & Leachate Management Systems
Periodic inspection to identify:
Broken pipes
Gas leaks
Damaged or clogged wells/sumps
Repairs require skilled manpower.
If systems are irreparable, new extraction or collection wells may need
installation.
(d) Environmental Monitoring System
Objectives:
Verify landfill performance
Ensure compliance with environmental regulations
Monitoring Zones:
1. On and within landfill
2. Vadose (unsaturated) zone
3. Groundwater (saturated) zone
4. Atmosphere above and around landfill
Parameters Monitored:
Leachate head
Leachate and gas quality
Cover movement
Pore fluid and pore gas quality
Groundwater quality
Air quality (landfill surface, gas facilities, nearby buildings)
Indicators depend on:
Waste type and age
Expected leachate/gas composition
Geotechnical and hydrogeological conditions
Baseline conditions must be established before monitoring begins.
Monitoring Frequency
Monthly or bimonthly during operation and first 3–4 years after
closure.
Reduced to 2–3 times per year if systems perform satisfactorily.
Increased if:
o High contaminant levels detected
o System failure occurs
o Drainage clogging happens
o During high gas/leachate generation (e.g., monsoon)
Financial Provisions
Post-closure fund established during design phase.
Funds must accumulate interest.
Reviewed annually.
Funding level determined by finance and engineering experts.
End of Post-Closure Care
Minimum period: 30 years (site-specific).
Ends only when experts confirm that contaminant risk is over.