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ESTIMATE OF METHANE EMISSIONS FROM U.S. LANDFILLS
Citation:
Doorn, M., L. Stefanski, M. Barlaz, R. Peer, AND D. Epperson. ESTIMATE OF METHANE EMISSIONS FROM U.S. LANDFILLS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/R-94/166 (NTIS PB94-213519), 1994.
Impact/Purpose:
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Description:
The report describes the development of a statistical regression model used for estimating methane (CH4) emissions, which relates landfill gas (LFG) flow rates to waste-in-place data from 105 landfills with LFG recovery projects. (NOTE: CH4 flow rates from landfills with LFG recovery systems can be used as surrogates for CH4 generation and successively for CH4 emissions.) The model has three linear segments, each of which applies to a distinct landfill size class. Assumptions were required to account for the recovery efficiency of LFG projects and for the probable oxidation of CH4 in the top soil cover of the landfill. National CH4 emissions may be estimated by applying the regression model to municipal-waste-in-place data for U.S. landfills collected in 1986 by EPA's Office of Solid Waste. This value is adjusted for CH4 emissions from industrial landfills and CH4 which is currently recovered or flared. For 1986, CH4 emissions from U.S. landfills were estimated at 11 tg/yr with lower- and upper-bound values of 7 and 15 tg/yr respectively. For 1992, estimates were between 9 and 18 tg/yr. The report details uncertainties which limit the quality of the above estimates. The report concludes with a discussion of trends which will affect future LFG emissions, as well as LFG utilization.