Alternative Technologies / RD&D Rule Compliance

Aquaterra was retained to evaluate the feasibility of the use of aerobic bioreactor landfill technology at a municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill to mitigate environmental hazards at an MSW landfill near Kansas City. Although the study evaluated numerous factors, the control of landfill gas migration was the paramount focus. The study included an analysis of the feasibility of aerobic technology, identification of potential regulatory obstacles, development of a conceptual design, and review of the economics of a potential project. The results of the study indicated that aerobic landfill technology have been shown to effectively mitigate environmental hazards at unlined MSW landfills; however, important regulatory factors, such as liquid injection and control of subsurface combustion, need to be addressed prior to implementation of an aerobic system. This feasibility study aided in the environmental, regulatory, and financial decision making process for this facility and indicated that aerobic bioreactor technology may be a solution moving forward.