Transforming Ohio landfills: Desulphurization projects slash emissions and improve air quality
At a glance
GHD worked as lead design firm alongside contractor ET Design-Build on WIN Waste Innovations’ Ohio Landfills Desulphurization Projects to address hydrogen sulphide (H2S) emissions from two landfills in the cities of Fostoria and New Lexington, Ohio. These projects represent the largest application of desulphurization technology for landfill gas in the United States.
The challenge
WIN owns landfills in Fostoria and New Lexington, which primarily receive Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste from the Eastern US via rail. When WIN began operating the landfills in 2019, it inherited significant challenges related to reducing the amount of hydrogen sulphide gas emanating from the landfills and its accompanying odor, which had been a source of frustration in the communities.
WIN immediately implemented several short-term measures to reduce odors and stay compliant with all Ohio and federal Environmental Protection Act (EPA)regulations, while simultaneously planning for and implementing the permanent solution. However, in 2020, the Ohio EPA issued consent orders requiring measures to mitigate H2S content in landfill gas, which expedited the need for a desulphurization solution.
In 2023, WIN responded by implementing a modular design for desulfurization systems to ensure scalability and operational efficiency for the next 20-30 years, installing two units at each landfill to remove up to 4.5 long tons per day of elemental sulfur.
Our response
WIN, ET, and GHD formed a cohesive team to design and build the systems, holding regular meetings to align on project goals, design, and execution, ensuring adherence to EPA requirements and smooth decision-making. Open communication and flow of information among of stakeholders was key for the project’s success.
As lead design firm, GHD lead weekly meetings during the conceptual design, detailed design, and preconstruction phases, which allowed for quick decisions that facilitated the flow of the design and preconstruction. As the project progressed, GHD went through the commissioning phase and project completion while ET Design-Build led as contractor.
Safety and risk management was a primary concern during the entire project. A formal risk analysis, site-specific hazard and safety plans (HASPs) and specific crisis management plans were developed for each of the four sites. The safety measures were complemented with daily safety briefings, weekly subcontractors’ meetings and monthly safety and risk management reviews that included the project leadership teams.
The impact
The systems are removing more than 99% of the H2S generated at the sites, have eliminated sulphur odors, and have emissions levels well below limits established by the Clean Air Act. They are models for landfills nationwide and are inspiring landfill operators who see the value of being a responsible business and excellent neighbor.
The successful project went on to win Engineering News Record’s (ENR’s) Midwest Project of the Year Award of Merit in the Water/Environment category. In addition, it won the ENR Midwest Cites Best Project in Safety.
The next phase will be converting the treated gas into renewable natural gas (RNG) reducing fossil fuel use and keeping greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere in the communities in which WIN operates. The RNG projects at the two landfill sites are projected to avoid more than 120,000 tons of fossil-based CO2 emissions yearly, equivalent to the emissions reduction of more than 130,000 acres of forest or the elimination of the emissions from 12 million gallons of gasoline or 250,000 barrels of oil.