RISKS POSED BY LANDFILL GAS

Broadly speaking three main risks are posed by landfill gas:

HEALTH RISKS

• VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) in even trace amounts can pose a health risk to humans and animals

SAFETY RISK

• The main constituent of landfill gas at a proportion of 50 – 80% is Methane CH4
• Methane CH4 in landfill poses a safety risk due to its flammable and explosive nature

Methane is flammable and explosive in concentrations ranging from 5% Vol (Gas in air) to 15% Vol (Gas in air).

NOTE:

Methane, in its natural form is a colorless and odorless gas and so unable to be detected without the aid of appropriate equipment.  Methane that can be smelt by the human nose has been dosed with an odorant.  Methane resulting from a landfill is a natural bio-gas with no scent.

ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS

• Methane CH4 is a potent greenhouse gas as is Carbon dioxide CO2
• Pollution to both groundwater and air

The great majority of Landfill gas legislation and guidelines are ultimately focused on the management of these risks and the sustainable development and operation of landfill sites.