Environment Agency and Biogas Association to collaborate over landfill gas emissions

The Environment Agency’s contribution to the programme will consist of three related projects in order to develop guidance for regulators and the landfill industry. The first will be to measure gas emissions, the second will investigate the impact of landfill gas flares, developing a monitoring protocol and guidance document. The third project will be to evaluate the feasibility and environmental benefits of treating landfill gas prior to combustion in order to produce better quality emissions.

Meanwhile, the Biogas Association, representing 30 companies involved in landfill gas utilisation, anaerobic digestion and sewage gas, will be reviewing existing standards and measuring emissions from landfill gas engines and flares in order to establish a baseline for environmental performance.

The Environment Agency is intending to use the results of the new research in order to comply with the forthcoming European Landfill Directive which will require all landfill operators to collect and, where possible, utilise landfill gas.

The work is being funded through Landfill Tax Credits, and by the three major landfill gas engine manufacturers, as well as utilisation plant operators.