A rigorous assessment of the landfill gas resource is essential to any project aimed at controlling emissions or recovering energy. It supports the project’s long-term financial viability and enables the proper sizing of gas collection, treatment and energy-production equipment. At some closed or small-capacity landfill sites, however, gas production is insufficient to operate a flare or utilisation system. The landfill gas may then be released directly into the atmosphere, particularly through passive vents. These situations also require an assessment to determine the associated risks and appropriate management measures. Biothermica supports landfill operators at every stage, from the initial resource assessment to the design, construction, commissioning and operation of the facilities.

Landfill Gas Generation Assessment
Using a georeferenced surface-sampling technique developed in the early 1990s, Biothermica can assess the actual quantities of landfill gas released into the atmosphere and identify areas where emissions are most significant. When the results indicate a substantial landfill gas resource, a dynamic pumping test can be conducted to accurately measure the available gas flow, gas quality and the landfill’s response to controlled vacuum conditions.

Landfill Gas Characterisation
Landfill gas samples are collected and analysed by specialised laboratories to determine their chemical composition. Testing may cover organochlorine compounds, sulphur compounds, chlorofluorocarbons, siloxanes and other contaminants that may be present. This characterisation is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment technologies, preventing corrosion and protecting gas collection, destruction and utilisation equipment. It also supports a more accurate assessment of the risks associated with atmospheric emissions, odours and landfill gas migration.

Future Methane Generation Potential
Biothermica forecasts future landfill gas production using mathematical models calibrated to the site’s characteristics and field measurements. During dynamic pumping tests, waste samples may also be collected and analysed to determine their organic-matter content. These data provide a more accurate assessment of the remaining methane-generation potential and how it is expected to evolve over time.

Energy-Recovery and Greenhouse Gas Reduction Potential
Based on projected landfill gas production, gas composition and energy market conditions, Biothermica evaluates the available utilisation options. These may include the production of electricity or heat and the upgrading of landfill gas into renewable natural gas for pipeline injection or use as a vehicle fuel. The analysis identifies the solution best suited to the site, evaluates its technical and financial feasibility and estimates the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Management of Low-Production Landfill Gas Sites
At many closed or small-capacity landfill sites, gas production is insufficient or too variable to operate a flare or energy-recovery system continuously. Landfill gas may therefore be released directly into the atmosphere, particularly through passive vents. Even at low flow rates, these releases may represent a source of methane emissions, odours or subsurface gas migration. Biothermica assesses the flow rate, composition and distribution of emissions to determine the management approach best suited to the site. Depending on site conditions, potential solutions may include improvements to the passive venting system, consolidation of multiple emission points, the use of a flare or destruction system designed for low gas flows, or biological oxidation systems such as biofilters and biocovers. The objective is to implement a solution proportionate to the level of risk, site characteristics and regulatory requirements, even where energy recovery is not technically or economically viable.

Gas Collection System Design and Optimisation
The performance of a landfill gas collection system depends on the proper design, placement and operation of wells, piping, blowers and condensate-management equipment. Biothermica designs new systems and evaluates existing installations to identify opportunities for improvement. Vacuum levels must be carefully balanced. Insufficient vacuum can result in fugitive methane emissions, odours and subsurface gas migration. Excessive vacuum may draw air into the waste mass, disrupt anaerobic conditions and increase fire risks. Biothermica helps operators adapt and optimise their collection systems as landfill conditions evolve.

Landfill Gas Treatment Destruction and Utilisation
Depending on its flow rate, composition and intended use, landfill gas may require the removal of moisture, particulates, hydrogen sulphide, siloxanes, carbon dioxide and other contaminants. Biothermica develops solutions suited to the selected application, whether the gas is to be vented under controlled conditions, safely destroyed, used to generate electricity or heat, or upgraded to renewable natural gas. The equipment is sized according to measured gas availability and projected production, helping to reduce technical and financial risks throughout the life of the project.

Monitoring and Regulatory Compliance
Ongoing monitoring is essential to maintain collection efficiency and demonstrate the landfill’s environmental performance. Biothermica assists operators with well-performance assessments, gas flow and quality measurements, leak detection, surface methane-emission surveys, data management and regulatory reporting. These activities make it possible to identify deficiencies, determine their causes and implement corrective measures before they affect regulatory compliance, safety or energy production.

Emergency Response at Former Disposal Sites
The unexpected discovery of landfill gas emissions from a former disposal site may pose risks to public safety, air quality and nearby buildings or infrastructure. Biothermica provides rapid-response services to assess the situation, characterise the detected gases and determine their source and extent. The response may include field methane measurements, an assessment of subsurface gas migration, the delineation of areas at risk and the implementation of temporary control, collection or ventilation measures. Biothermica then develops a site-specific action plan covering corrective measures, environmental monitoring and, where required, the design of a permanent gas collection and treatment system.

Engineering Construction and Operation
Biothermica provides engineering, construction, commissioning and operational support for landfill gas venting, collection, destruction and utilisation systems. This continuity between resource assessment, facility design and field operation supports the implementation of technically reliable, safe and economically viable solutions. From the initial assessment to the long-term operation of the equipment, Biothermica provides the expertise required to control methane emissions and, where conditions allow, maximise the environmental and energy value of landfill gas.