Claystone Landfill Gas Quantification Program

The primary challenge was to develop a technically viable solution that Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA) would accept for quantifying LFG emissions without an LFG collection system. Traditional models, like the Scholl Canyon desktop model, overestimated emissions for this site, resulting in the potential for compliance costs relating to GHG emission in Alberta. Without emissions reduction infrastructure installed, or an approved alternative, these costs could continue to rise due to restrictive benchmarks, assuming GHG emissions continue to grow and the landfill receives organic materials that can also contribute to methane generation.   Claystone wanted to create a cost-effective solution that could be repeated annually, facilitating consistent and accurate emissions reporting.

To address these challenges, GHD proposed an innovative direct surface emissions measurement program. We began with a surface emissions scan to understand surface emission variations and identify the emissions hot spots across the landfill. This scan enabled us to determine where flux chamber measurements should be taken. The landfill was subdivided into zones based on cover and waste composition to account for the comingling of municipal solid waste (MSW) and contaminated soils (CS), as well as cover thickness, type, and vegetation. Zones were categorized as mainly MSW, mainly comingled, or mainly CS based on the composition.

Following the surface emissions scan, we used flux chambers to measure methane emissions in these identified zones. Our methodology was refined with input from AEPA, incorporating aspects from the Directive for Quantification of Area Fugitive Emissions at Oil Sands Mines. The flux measurement data was then extrapolated to estimate annual emissions, which were significantly lower than those predicted by the Scholl Canyon model. Comprehensive reports were prepared for AEPA, detailing our methodology, findings, and annual emissions data. Throughout this process, GHD engaged internal subject matter experts and collaborated closely with AEPA to refine and gain approval for our approach. Constant coordination with Claystone operations mitigated site delays and associated costs, while diligent documentation provided valuable insights and internal documentation for Claystone.

The impact of the Claystone Landfill Gas Quantification Program has been substantial. Our accurate emissions quantification led to Claystone’s deregulation under the TIER regulation, marking the first instance of deregulation for a regulated facility under any provincial GHG regulation in Canada. This achievement not only eliminated the need for compliance credits but also significantly reduced compliance costs for Claystone.

The program’s innovative approach has garnered interest from other municipal and private landfill operators looking for alternatives to traditional LFG emissions reporting methods. By providing more representative data, the program allows Provincial and Federal regulators to set more informed benchmarks for emitting facilities. This has helped Claystone maintain its deregulated status and better understand its carbon footprint.

Accurately estimating greenhouse gas emissions is critical under Alberta’s TIER system. This project has enabled Claystone to invest in new facilities and services that improve Alberta’s solid waste system, thanks to funds saved through approved deregulation. One such investment is the advanced aerated compost facility at the Claystone Regional Landfill. The program exemplifies both GHD’s and Claystone’s combined efforts to foster sustainability, regulatory excellence, and community benefit, innovating to develop enhanced LFG emissions quantification systems in the industry.