When Does a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill become an Elevated Temperature Landfill (ETLF)?
Citation:
Krause, M. When Does a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill become an Elevated Temperature Landfill (ETLF)? U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-21/285, 2022.
Impact/Purpose:
ETLFs are landfills that exhibit temperatures beyond regulatory thresholds and are not caused by the natural biodegradation processes for which landfills are regulated and designed. ETLFs are uncommon but the management challenges faced can be substantial, the odors can be a nuisance to neighbors, and the conditions can potentially be dangerous for landfill personnel. This technical summary provides an overview of the problems, indicators, and examples of ETLFs. Regulations for the management or corrective actions required for ETLFs do not currently exist but at least one state (Ohio) is updating rules to address this concern. Landfill operators and regulators are the primary audience.
Description:
Analysis of existing landfill data. Specifically national characterization of landfill leachate, tons, and gas data from state regulators (Region 5) to detect or indicate elevated temperature landfills.