Control of volatile organic compound emissions at a landfill site in New York: A community perspective

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of a Long Island. New York, landfill where methane and VOC gases were migrating off-site. The municipally owned and operated Port Washington Landfill located adjacent to residential housing was opened in 1974 and was placed on the U.S. EPA Superfund (rehabilitation) list in 1982 because of odour complaints. Community concerns have focused on combustible gases, odour control, and exposure to trace contaminants. A comprehensive data base and corrective action program was initiated to determine: (1) the extent of off-site volatile organic compounds (VOC) migration; (2) measures to control migration and emissions; and (3) impacts on VOC concentrations under residential areas. Full data reports and monthly interpretations have been provided to the citizenry. Results to date indicate that start-up and operation of the extraction system have significantly reduced off-site VOC concentrations.