Although gas collection and control systems are widely deployed to reduce emissions, the relationship between the volume of collected gas and volume of emissions remains poorly understood. This is largely due to the historical lack of real-time emissions data. Landfills are highly dynamic environments with environmental and operational factors continually impacting the composition and volume of gas collection. Intermittent emission measurements taken monthly or quarterly cannot provide insights into the relationship with gas collection.

To address this knowledge gap, Qube Technologies and LoCI Controls initiated a novel pilot study in July 2024 at the Crapo Hill landfill, a 51-acre site in Massachusetts. The study combined and analyzed real-time continuous data on airborne methane emission rates and gas collection system volume.

This presentation will share insights from the initial phase of the study, focused on three primary research questions:
1) How strong is the correlation between total gas collection and measured airborne emissions?
2) How do operational activities, such as cover patching or well maintenance, influence emissions and gas collection?
3) How can emissions measurement technology developed for the oil and gas industry be adapted and deployed at landfills?