9704_WilkesCounty_MSWLF_OperationsPlan_DIN26113_20160517.pdf

PREPARED FOR:
WILKES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SOLID WASTE
9219 ELKIN HIGHWAY
ROARING RIVER, NORTH CAROLINA 28669

ROARING RIVER LANDFILL
WILKES COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA
PERMIT NO. 97-04

OPERATIONS PLAN

JANUARY 2011
REVISED AUGUST 2011
REVISED OCTOBER 2014
REVISED DECEMBER 2015

PREPARED BY:

2211 WEST MEADOWVIEW ROAD SUITE 101
GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA 27407
PHONE: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
WWW.JOYCE ENGINEERING.COM
JOYCE PROJECT NO. 356
NORTH CAROLINA CORPORATE LIC: C-0782
Section V - Operation Plan i Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

VOLUME 2, SECTION V
OPERATION PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 GENERAL ...........................................................................................................................1
2.0 OPERATIONS DRAWINGS ..............................................................................................1
2.1 Existing Conditions ..............................................................................................................1
2.2 Proposed Site Development .................................................................................................1
2.3 Operations ............................................................................................................................2
3.0 GENERAL OPERATING CONDITIONS ..........................................................................2
3.1 Hours of Operation ..............................................................................................................2
3.2 Site Access and Safety .........................................................................................................2
3.3 Waste Acceptance ................................................................................................................2
3.4 Prohibited Waste ..................................................................................................................3
3.5 Special Wastes .....................................................................................................................4
3.6 Litter Control .......................................................................................................................4
3.7 Equipment ............................................................................................................................5
3.8 Air Quality ...........................................................................................................................6
3.9 Dust, Odor, Fire and Vector Control ...................................................................................6
3.10 Scavenging/Salvaging ....................................................................................................6
3.11 Type 1 Composting Facility ............................................................................................7
3.11.1 Waste Quantities ............................................................................................................7
3.11.2 Design Considerations ...................................................................................................7
3.11.3 Operations ......................................................................................................................8
3.11.4 Waste Acceptance Rule .1406 (6) ...............................................................................9
3.11.5 Monitoring Requirements Rule .1406 (9) .....................................................................9
3.11.6 Temperature Parameters Rule .1406 (10) ....................................................................9
3.11.7 Addition of Nitrogen Bearing Materials Rule .1406 (13) ..............................................9
3.11.8 Classification/Distribution of MSW Compost Products Rule .1407 ..........................10
4.0 RANDOM WASTE SCREENING PROGRAM ...............................................................10
4.1 Authority ............................................................................................................................10
4.2 Random Selection ..............................................................................................................11
4.3 Record Keeping .................................................................................................................11
4.4 Training ..............................................................................................................................11
4.5 Inspection Site Location ....................................................................................................11
4.6 Action Plan.........................................................................................................................11
5.0. SUBCELL PROGRESSION AND WASTE PLACEMENT ............................................12
5.1. Subcell Progression ..........................................................................................................12
5.2. Waste Placement and Compaction ...................................................................................12
5.3. Filling Operations .............................................................................................................13
5.4. Daily Cover.......................................................................................................................13
5.5. Intermediate Cover ...........................................................................................................13
5.6 Alternate Cover Material ..................................................................................................13
5.6.1 Tarps ............................................................................................................................14
Section V - Operation Plan ii Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

6.0. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMS ......................................................16
6.1 Water Quality .....................................................................................................................16
6.2 Landfill Gas .......................................................................................................................16
6.2.1 General .........................................................................................................................16
6.2.2 Monitoring Procedure ..................................................................................................17
6.2.3 Response to Detected Combustible Gases ...................................................................18
7.0 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS........................................19
8.0 RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS .........................................................................19
9.0 LEACHATE MANAGEMENT PLAN .............................................................................20
9.1 Maintenance of the Leachate Collection System ...............................................................20
9.2 Leachate Generation Records ............................................................................................20
9.3 Leachate Monitoring ..........................................................................................................21
9.4 Leachate Disposal and Recirculation .................................................................................21
9.5 Contingency Plan for Extreme Conditions ........................................................................21

APPENDICES

Appendix V-1 Random Waste Screening Program Forms
 Form A - Waste Inspection Forms
 US EPA Hazardous Waste Inspection Decision Tree

Appendix V-2 Tarp Data Sheet

Appendix V-3 Temperature Log Data Sheet

Appendix V-4 Compost End User Brochure

Appendix V-5 Landfill Gas Monitoring Guidance Document

DRAWINGS

Drawing No. OP-T Title Sheet
Drawing No. OP-L Legend and General Notes
Drawing No. OP-01 Existing Conditions
Drawing No. OP-02 Site Development Plan
Drawing No. OP-03 Phasing Plan: Phase 4 / Years 1-5

Section V - Operation Plan 1 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

1.0 GENERAL

This operation plan describes how the design and construction plans will be implemented during the
life of the facility. The plan consists of drawings and accompanying text which illustrate existing
conditions, cell progression, waste placement and daily operations, leachate management, special
waste management, buffer zones and soil borrow procedures.

The Wilkes County Landfill is owned and operated by Wilkes County. Approximately 180 tons
of municipal solid waste is managed daily at the site which is located off Highway 268 in
Roaring River. The facility began accepting waste in October 1993 when lined Phase 1 began
operating. Wastes are currently placed in Phase 4, which is a vertical expansion over Phases 1, 2
and 3. Leachate collected from Phases 1, 2, and 3 is stored in a lined surface impoundment, and
then transported to the Wilkesboro Wastewater Treatment Plant for disposal.

Other on-site development consists of a scale house and office, maintenance building, recycling
area, wood disposal area, and a soil borrow area. Much of the remainder of the site is wooded.
See Drawing OP-1 for an illustration of the existing conditions at the site.

2.0 OPERATIONS DRAWINGS

2.1 Existing Conditions
The site existing conditions is presented on Drawing No. OP-01 and currently includes the
following components:
 Active MSW landfill
 Convenience center (drop-off area for recyclables and waste)
 Office and maintenance building
 Weighing scales
 Tire collection area
 White goods collection area
 Land clearing debris collection area
 Yard trash collection and compost area

The drawing also shows the limits of the existing waste disposal area, the environmental
monitoring system, the landfill entrance road, landfill access and perimeter roads, scale house,
and office. Current topography for the property is shown, as well as the neighboring residence
and wells, the 300-foot buffer from the property line, and other site features.

2.2 Proposed Site Development
Development of Phase 4 is presented on Drawing No. OP-02. The construction of the Phase 4
disposal area described in the Engineering Plan consists of 6.7 acres.

The components listed in the existing conditions section above are included in this drawing in
addition to the leachate holding pond, force main line, and overhead electrical.

Section V - Operation Plan 2 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

The on-site soil resources, usage, and balances are shown in Table 3 of the Facility Plan. The
deficit of soil during the operation of Phase 4 can be satisfied by excavating from the large
stockpile on the northern end of Phase 6.

2.3 Operations
The progression of operations for Phase 4 is presented on Drawing No. OP-03. This drawing
includes the progression of initial waste placement, transition contours, and final contours.

3.0 GENERAL OPERATING CONDITIONS

3.1 Hours of Operation
The landfill is open to private waste haulers and the public from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and the
convenience center hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The following
holidays are observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July
4, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

3.2 Site Access and Safety
Access to the landfill is controlled through a single access road with a secure gate to prevent
access when the landfill is not open. A sign containing information required in Rule .1626(6)(e),
(i.e., dumping procedures, hours, permit number, etc.) is posted at the landfill entrance. During
the hours of operation, traffic is routed from the entrance gate and scale house to a gravel road
leading to the disposal area. Directional signs and speed limit signs are posted to provide traffic
control. The road is maintained so that it is passable during all weather conditions. An attendant
is on duty at the scale house at all times during operating hours.

3.3 Waste Acceptance
The landfill will accept only those solid wastes included in the current permit, including
household, commercial and industrial solid wastes. These are defined in Rule .1602 as follows:

 Household waste means any solid waste derived from households including single and
multiple residences, hotels and motels, bunkhouses, ranger stations, crew quarters,
campgrounds, picnic grounds, and day-use recreation areas.

 Commercial solid waste means all types of solid waste generated by stores, offices,
restaurants, warehouses, and other nonmanufacturing activities, excluding residential and
industrial wastes.

 Industrial solid waste means solid waste generated by manufacturing or industrial processes
that is not a hazardous waste regulated under Subtitle C of RCRA. Such waste may include,
but is not limited to, waste resulting from the following manufacturing processes: electric
power generation; fertilizer/agricultural chemicals; food and related products/by-products;
inorganic chemicals; iron and steel manufacturing; leather and leather products; nonferrous
metals manufacturing/ foundries; organic chemicals; plastics and resins manufacturing; pulp
and paper industry; rubber and miscellaneous plastic products; stone, glass, clay, and
Section V - Operation Plan 3 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

concrete products; textile manufacturing; transportation equipment; and water treatment.
This term does not include mining waste or oil and gas waste.

Neither spoiled food, hatchery waste, nor other animal waste has been received historically in
quantities large enough to be problematic for operations. In the event that such wastes are
received, they will be immediately buried and covered with a thick layer of soil followed by
nonputrescible municipal solid waste. If asbestos waste is received, it shall be managed in
accordance with 40 CFR 61. The waste will be disposed of at the bottom of the working face and
covered immediately with soil in a manner that will not cause asbestos particles to become
airborne. Asbestos disposal locations will be documented using a GPS device and kept on record.

On or before August 1 of each year, Wilkes County will report to the Solid Waste Section the
amount of waste received in tons at this facility and disposed of in the landfill units. Data will be
transmitted on forms prescribed by the Section. The report will include the following:

 The reporting period shall be for the previous year beginning July 1 and ending on June 30.
 The amount of waste received and landfilled in tons, compiled on a monthly basis by county
or transfer station of origin and by specific waste type if diverted to a specific unit within the
permitted facility; and
 The completed report shall be forwarded to the Regional Waste Management Specialist for
the facility. A copy of the completed report shall be forwarded to the County Manager of
each county from which waste was received.

3.4 Prohibited Waste
A sign is posted at the landfill gate (see Section 2.B above) that reads "No hazardous or liquid
waste accepted without written permission from the Division of Solid Waste Management". The
landfill will not accept:

 Hazardous waste as defined within 15A NCAC 13A, including hazardous waste from
conditionally exempt small quantity generators;

 Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) wastes as defined in 40 CFR 761;liquid wastes (i.e., any
waste material that is determined to contain "free liquids" as defined by SW-846 Method
9095 (Paint Filter Liquids Test), unless the waste is household waste other than septic waste
or waste oil, or leachate or gas condensate derived from the landfill (however, leachate and
gas condensate may only be recirculated in cells with liner constructed as described in Rule
.1624(b)(1)(A)(i).); and

 Barrels and drums unless they are empty and sufficiently perforated, except fiber drums
containing asbestos;

 Other wastes specifically banned from landfill disposal by rule or statute, such as lead acid
batteries, whole tires, used oil, aluminum cans, wooden pallets, oil filters, plastic bottles,
discarded computer equipment and televisions, fluorescent bulbs, mercury thermostats or
oyster shells.
Section V - Operation Plan 4 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

Wilkes County will notify the Division within 24 hours of attempted disposal of any waste the
landfill is not permitted to receive, including waste from outside the area the landfill is permitted
to serve. The waste screening program is described later in this Operation Plan.

3.5 Special Wastes
The landfill accepts "special waste" such as tires, white goods, wood waste, and yard waste.
These special wastes are separated from the general disposal area.

The tire collection shall be managed in accordance with Solid Waste Management Regulations
Section .1100. Section .1107 provides detailed scrap tire collection site operational
requirements.
1) Scrap tires stored indoors shall meet conditions for the Standard for Storage of Rubber
Tires, NFPA 231-D1986 by the National Fire Protection Association.
2) All scrap tire collection sites processing tires outdoors must comply with technical and
operational standards (2)(a) through (2)( l) of the Section .1107.
3) Processed tires shall be stored in accordance with the requirements of indoor/outdoor
storage rules (a) temperature rules, and (b) residuals from the scrap tire disposal.
4) The Division may approve exceptions to the technical and operational standards (a) at
least once during 30-day period all scrap tires are removed from the site for disposal; and
(b) the site owner has sufficient fire suppression equipment or materials on-site to
extinguish potential fire.

Tires are collected at the designated tire collection area and placed in a trailer for transportation
to disposal. The County contracts with a private hauler to transport the tires to an approved
facility for recycling and/or disposal.

White goods are separated from the general waste and stored. The Landfill staff removes and
hauls the collected white goods to a local recycling facility. The landfill's recycling area handles
cardboard, mixed paper, old newsprint, aluminum, steel cans, used motor oil, glass and plastic.

Clean, untreated wood waste (largely pallets) is separated and stored on-site until it can be
recycled, boiler fuel, or ground for mulch. C&D waste that is not appropriate for recycling or
mulching is currently disposed in the lined landfill.

Wilkes County receives yard waste from Wilkes County. This waste consists of yard and garden
waste, silvicultural waste, untreated and unpainted wood waste. The facility may contract with a
third party to grind the waste on site and compost it in their permitted Type 1 Composting
Facility, or it will be hauled to another location for processing.

3.6 Litter Control
The public judges a landfill site by the things that they see. While there is no way to catch every
piece of paper, scattered and blowing litter can be minimized by keeping the size of the working
face small and by covering parts of the cell as it is constructed. Some measures that may be taken
to minimize litter are:
Section V - Operation Plan 5 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

a. Unload vehicles at the base of the working slopes to use the working face itself as a
wind screen.

b. Unloading against the wind can help to keep the load compact until the loader can
push the waste onto the working face.

c. Add a thin layer of cover material to the compacted working face periodically
throughout windy days to help

d. Heavier waste materials can be used on the surface to help keep lighter waste
materials from dislodging or becoming airborne.

e. Temporary litter fences strategically located on the working face help intercept and
trap blowing litter. Any litter recovered from such fences, as well as litter blown into
adjacent areas shall be collected and landfilled at the conclusion of each day of
operation. Multiple defenses of temporary fences and/or berms help to contain
windblown material during operations. In addition, landfill personnel will pick up
windblown litter along the access road and in locations around the active disposal
area.

3.7 Equipment
The following list of equipment is currently in use at the landfill for current operations averaging
approximately 180 tons of waste disposed per day (TPD6):

Type Model Quantity
Trucks
Rolloff Truck 1
Road Tractor with Dump Trailer 1
Articulated Truck 1
Compactors CAT 826G or Equivalent 1
Back-up 1
Bulldozer Cat D6 or Equivalent 1
Excavator Cat 320BL or Equivalent 1
Loader Cat 963C Trackloader or Equivalent 1
Bobcat Skidsteer Loader 1
Other
Motorgrader 1
General Purpose Tractor 1
Hydroseeder 1

As the waste stream changes during the operational life of the facility, equipment needs will be
periodically reviewed and additional equipment purchased or leased as needed. New equipment
will be phased in as older equipment is retired.

Section V - Operation Plan 6 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

3.8 Air Quality
Open burning of solid waste including yard waste and brush is prohibited at the landfill. Burning
of brush and/or stumps would only be requested on an infrequent basis in conjunction with
construction events and approved by the Section in accordance with Rule .1626(5)(b) prior to
burning activities taking place.

3.9 Dust, Odor, Fire and Vector Control
Dusty road surfaces will be sprayed with water from a water truck during windy, dry weather.
Odors and disease vectors will be controlled by promptly covering the waste at the working face,
and by the use of daily cover. Daily cover is described in more detail in a subsequent section.

Incoming waste loads shall be observed by site operators for evidence of fire such as flames,
smoke, or the odor of burning material. Burning loads will be extinguished before dumping if
possible. If there is evidence of fire in the landfill itself, the Wilkes County Solid Waste Director
will be notified immediately. If possible, the waste will be removed or segregated from other
waste in the disposal area. The landfill operator will evaluate the situation to determine whether
the fire can be extinguished using fire extinguishers or equipment present at the site, or if off-site
equipment will be needed. If necessary, the local fire department (Roaring River Volunteer Fire
Department) will be called to render assistance in extinguishing the fire. Fires that occur at the
landfill will be reported verbally to the Division within 24 hours and in writing within 15 days.

Fire extinguishers shall be located on each piece of equipment on site. Equipment operators shall
be trained in the use of these extinguishers. Fire extinguishers will be used for small, localized
fires. A stockpile of soil shall be maintained near the working face to be used for extinguishing
small surface fires that may be too large to control with the fire extinguishers carried on the
landfill equipment.

Emergency equipment will be called in the case of fires too large to be extinguished with fire
extinguishers or soil as described above. Water contained in sedimentation ponds and the Yadkin
River can serve as emergency reservoirs to aid local firefighters in the extinguishing of larger
fires.

3.10 Scavenging/Salvaging
The unauthorized removal of waste and scavenging at the landfill is prohibited. Removal of
recyclable or reusable items is sometimes authorized when recovery of such items can be
accomplished with no risk to landfill staff or the general public, for instance, prior to disposal on
the working face. Landfill personnel may remove salvageable materials and place them at the
recycling center for removal by others. The general public is not allowed to scavenge items from
the working face, and landfill staff attempts to prevent them from coming in contact with waste.
The placement of additional roll-off containers near the scalehouse should help keep residential
users from coming in contact with the waste.

Section V - Operation Plan 7 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

3.11 Type 1 Composting Facility

3.11.1 Waste Quantities

Wilkes County receives yard waste from Wilkes County. This waste consists of yard and garden
waste, silvicultural waste, untreated and unpainted wood waste. The facility may receive up to
175 tons of this type of waste per month.
Accurate records of incoming waste should be kept at the scale house. These records should
differentiate between loads of brush (including all land clearing debris), clean wood and loads of
leaves or grass clippings.

3.11.2 Design Considerations
Design Capacities and Product Quality

The facility currently receives an average of 100 tons per month of compostable waste. This
waste is stockpiled until sufficient material is available to produce a windrow.
The following table summarizes the design criteria used to verify adequate space at the facility
for the composting operation. As a factor of safety, it was assumed that the density of the product
remains the same as the incoming waste stream.

Total waste stream (by weight) 1,000 tons (annual)
Total waste stream for composting (95%) 950 tons
Density (assumed average) 500 lb/cubic yard
Composting waste stream (by volume) 3,800 cubic yards (102,600 ft3)
Cross-section windrow 2' (top) x 15' (base) x 5' (ht) 42 square feet
Total length windrow required 2,500 feet
At 100' length 25 windrows needed annually
With 15' base and 10' aisle, total acreage required 0.25 acres maximum
(running 3 windrows at a time)

The site is designed with a working area for the Type 1 facility of approximately 0.25 acres as
illustrated on Drawing No. OP-01. Sufficient room is available for the operations.

Site Plan

The composting facility is located southeast of the active cell. The location is shown on
Drawing No. OP-01.

The grinding and composting area, shown on Drawing No. OP-01, has an approved Erosion and
Sediment Control Plan that diverts stormwater. The area will continue to operate under the
guidelines of the approved plan.

Section V - Operation Plan 8 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

3.11.3 Operations
General Description

Incoming yard waste and land clearing and inert debris (LCID) is weighed and directed to the
mulching operational area. The LCID will be temporarily stockpiled until processing or removal
by a third party. The LCID material will be turned over periodically to prevent the material from
heating and to reduce the potential of combustion. The facility may contract with a third party to
grind the wood waste at the site or haul it to another location for processing.
If the facility conducts active composting, the wood waste will be processed by a grinder and
placed in windrows and turned over several times to mix the materials. If necessary, water will
be added during the stabilization process. The pile will be sprayed as it is turned on an as needed
basis. For optimum composting the moisture should be maintained between 45% and 60%.
Dryer than 45% and the microbial action is slowed; higher than 60% and the material becomes
difficult to handle and difficult to aerate.

The temperatures are taken at a minimum of each third (3 separate places) of the windrow. It is
suggested that the temperature be controlled by turning (aerating) to assure that the compostable
material is maintained at an optimum range for decomposition (between 104oF and 113oF) and
then allowed to elevate to 131oF where it must be maintained for a period of 3 consecutive days
as required by Rule .1406(10). When the temperature within the windrow falls below 120 oF –
130oF during the final stages of composting, the windrow is turned. Windrow construction and
turning frequency will be sufficient to maintain aerobic conditions to produce a compost product
in the desired time frame. Separate records are kept for each windrow. Once a windrow is
constructed, it is assigned an I.D. number and folder which are used over the lifespan of the
windrow. Every time windrow data is taken, it is documented and logged in the folder.
A nitrogen source may be added to the yard waste as needed to promote the compost process.
The County uses calcium nitrate when necessary. The calcium nitrate is spread by hand and
mechanically mixed.
The process from grinding though stabilization is expected to take 4 weeks. The final time frame
is a function of material density, material type, moisture and operational controls.
Once the windrow begins to cool indicating stabilization, the County removes the larger particles
are reuses them in the process or used as woodchips or mulch. By keeping the coarser materials
in the compost, it enables more oxygen to get into the windrows and produces more compost in
the finished product. The compost is now stockpiled. Depending on the end use requirements,
the compost may be screened again prior to stockpiling if a finer screen is available. The larger
particles would be either reused in the process or used as a coarser product. If the material is free of sharp particles, has no offensive odor, and has minimal pathogens, it
may be used in an unrestricted way.

Section V - Operation Plan 9 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

Once the compost meets the regulatory requirements for distribution to the public, it can be
released for use. As the public obtains the material they must be given the information indicated
in Section 3.11.8.

3.11.4 Waste Acceptance Rule .1406 (6)

The Type 1 compost facility shall accept only yard and garden waste, silvicultural waste,
untreated and unpainted wood waste. No municipal solid waste (MSW), hazardous waste,
asbestos containing waste, or medical waste shall be accepted at the facility. The County accepts
yard waste in a non-bagged state or in approved biodegradable bags. Deliveries are monitored at
the site. The County anticipates little contamination of the material.

3.11.5 Monitoring Requirements Rule .1406 (9)

The windrows are monitored for temperature daily. A log will be kept of all temperature
readings, which includes the location of the probes. A copy of the temperature log is contained in
Appendix V-4.
Moisture should be kept in the range of 45% - 60%. Water should be added as required to stay
within this range. Temperature will be monitored daily until readings of 131°F are achieved for
three (3) consecutive days. To monitor temperature, the probe should be inserted 12"- 24" every
50' along the windrow at a 45° - 90° angle.

3.11.6 Temperature Parameters Rule .1406 (10)

For Type I facilities, the compost process must be maintained at or above 55°C (131°F) for 3
consecutive days and aerated to maintain elevated temperatures.

3.11.7 Addition of Nitrogen Bearing Materials Rule .1406 (13)

Nitrogen compounds may be added as necessary to adjust the nutrient balance for optimum
product development. Only approved waste materials (i.e. grass clippings, leaves) or chemical
compounds may be added. Nitrogen rich materials can decompose rapidly and cause odor
problems. Materials such as grass clippings must be incorporated into the process as soon as
possible.
To determine if nitrogen is necessary, the carbon to nitrogen ratio should be calculated. For
proper composting, this ratio should be greater than 25:1, but less than 40:1 at the start of
composting. Incoming materials have the following estimated ratios:
 Grass clippings 12 - 15:1
 Dry leaves 40:1
 Paper and wood 200:1
 Sawdust 200 - 500:1
Section V - Operation Plan 10 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

Thus, adjustment may be necessary after grinding, screening and blending the feedstock
materials.

3.11.8 Classification/Distribution of MSW Compost Products Rule .1407

Requirements

For unrestricted use, the finished Type I compost must meet the following criteria:
 Minimal pathogenic organisms
 Free from offensive odors
 Containing no sharp particles  Man made inerts do not exceed 1 inch in size
If these criteria are met then the finished compost material will be marketed to residents of the
County and surrounding areas with directions provided.

Labeling

When the Type 1 compost material is to be marketed to the public, sufficient information should
be provided to the public to:

 Inform users of the benefits of using compost
 Advise users on suggested uses of product
 Inform users of cautions in using product
 Inform users of composition of the material including nutrients and contaminants
 Inform users of source of feedstock

Appendix VI-5 includes samples of informative brochures that may be provided to the end user.

4.0 RANDOM WASTE SCREENING PROGRAM

4.1 Authority
The Wilkes County Solid Waste Department has developed this "Random Waste Screening
Program" in accordance with North Carolina's Solid Waste Management Regulations, Rule
.1626(1)(f). Key elements of Rule .1626(1)(f) addressing waste screening are as follows:

No hazardous or liquid wastes as defined in 15A NCAC 13A or materials shall be accepted at the
landfill except as specifically authorized by the facility permit or by the Division. The owner or
operator shall implement an inspection program to detect and prevent disposal of hazardous and
liquid wastes and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). This program shall include, at a minimum:

Section V - Operation Plan 11 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

 Random inspections of incoming loads unless the owner or operator takes other steps to
ensure that incoming loads do not contain regulated hazardous or liquid wastes or PCB
wastes;
 Records of any inspections;
 Training of facility personnel to recognize regulated hazardous waste, liquid waste, and PCB
wastes; and
 Development of a contingency plan to properly manage any identified hazardous and/or
liquid wastes.

4.2 Random Selection
Random selection of vehicles to be inspected will be conducted on a regular basis, depending on
personnel available. At least one vehicle per week, but not less than one percent by weight of the
waste stream (based on the previous week’s total), will be randomly selected at the working face
by the personnel conducting the inspection. A random truck number and time will be selected
(e.g., the tenth load after 10:00 a.m.) on the day of inspections.

4.3 Record Keeping
Report forms for record-keeping purposes are included in Appendix V-1. These forms are
completed at each inspection. All reports and resulting correspondence are maintained at the
Wilkes County Landfill office for the life of the landfill and during the post-closure period.

4.4 Training
Inspections will be carried out and supervised by landfill staff trained to identify and manage
hazardous and liquid waste. Landfill operators responsible for screening waste are trained by
attending the Waste Screening training course offered by the Solid Waste Association of North
America.

4.5 Inspection Site Location
Inspections will be conducted in a designated area near the working face of the landfill.

4.6 Action Plan
The following action plan details the procedure for conducting random waste inspections.

1) Dump single load in prepared area. Detain truck and driver until inspection is completed.

2) Spread waste with compactor and/or hand tools as appropriate. Hand rake loads that
include items such as large closed containers to avoid possible rupturing of the containers. Have
appropriate safety equipment present. Minimum safety equipment will include:
 Rubber gloves;
 Rubber boots;
 Safety glasses; and
 Long handled hoe.

3) Examine waste for excluded waste and/or safety hazards:
Section V - Operation Plan 12 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

 Containers labeled hazardous;
 Excessive or unusual moisture;
 Regulated biomedical (red bag) waste;
 Powders, dusts, smoke, vapors, or chemical odors;
 Sludges, pastes, slurries, or bright colors (such as dyes); and
 Unauthorized out-of-County waste.

4) Take appropriate action(s) as follows:
 Incorporate acceptable waste into working face.
 Hold suspect waste for identification by on-site personnel and, if necessary, confirmation
by others such as a contract laboratory, hazardous waste management firm, or state
and/or federal regulator.
 Interview driver and hauler to identify the source of suspect waste in the load.
 Hold rejected hazardous or liquid waste for generator.
 Arrange for hazardous or liquid waste collection by licensed collector.

5) Document Actions:
 Record Inspection.
 Retain Reports.
 Report hazardous, liquid or PCB wastes to Solid Waste Section – NC DEQ.

5.0. SUBCELL PROGRESSION AND WASTE PLACEMENT

5.1. Subcell Progression
Phase 4, as well as successive phases, will be constructed with multiple subcells and stormwater
segregation features to limit the amount of stormwater runoff that becomes leachate. Inactive
subcells will be separated from the active area by the use of temporary berms to segregate the
uncontaminated runoff. As subsequent subcells are opened in the planned sequence,
uncontaminated stormwater can be diverted around the active subcells for collection and removal
at the northwest corner of the cell. Stormwater will be drained from the collection area into the
existing drainage channel leading to the sediment basin north of Phase 3.

Drawing OP-03 shows annual phases of development for Phase 4 of the landfill. The grades are
projected based on the waste stream increasing at a rate of 1% as discussed in the Facility Plan.

5.2. Waste Placement and Compaction
The waste will be tipped in the active subcell as closely as possible to the working face then
pushed, if necessary, to the desired area. The length of the daily working face will be maintained
at approximately 100 feet in order to provide adequate space for several trucks to dump at the
same time. The width of the working face will vary somewhat depending on the rate of waste
acceptance on a given day, weather conditions and other factors, but will be maintained as small
as possible. The waste will be compacted as described below with one of two steel-wheeled
compactors the County owns (see equipment list earlier in this section).

Section V - Operation Plan 13 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

To minimize the chance of damage to the liner in any new subcell, the initial lift of waste will be
at least 5 feet thick, and will consist of only residential, non-bulky waste. Compaction will be
minimal because later lifts will surcharge the initial lift so that there is no net loss of density.
Typical compaction procedures on lifts above the initial one will involve placement of waste in
thin layers (1-2 feet thick) as flat as is practical. The compactor will roll across and slightly past
the waste (to prevent wind-blown material leaving from the edge of the lift) a minimum of three
times. Previous calculations have determined that the approximate in-place density of waste and
soil combined is around 1,200 pounds per cubic yard. The waste density calculation will be
reviewed periodically and operational procedures may be revised to improve the efficiency of the
site.

5.3. Filling Operations
The method of filling shall be in accordance with the filling sequence shown on Drawing No.
OP-03. The waste will be compacted according to the procedures described above. Each lift of
waste shall be approximately 10 feet thick, including an allowance for weekly cover. The
proposed waste to total soil volume ratio is approximately 7:1. The size of the working face will
be maintained as small as possible. The width of the working face will vary, depending on the
rate of waste acceptance on a given day and weather conditions.

5.4. Daily Cover
At the end of each day's operation, compacted waste in the subcell shall be covered with either a
minimum six inches of soil, or an approved alternative cover material approved by the Solid
Waste Section (SWS). When soil is used for daily cover, at least two passes of heavy equipment
will be made over the area to provide adequate soil compaction. Waste may be covered more
frequently than once per day if necessary to control fires, odors, or blowing litter.

5.5. Intermediate Cover
In areas where another lift of waste will not be placed for at least 12 months, an additional 6
inches of soil shall be placed over the daily cover for a total of 12 inches of intermediate cover.
Organic soil amendment in ratio 50/50 is allowed with the cover soil to promote healthy
vegetative growth. Provisions for a vegetative ground cover sufficient to restrain erosion shall
be accomplished within 120 calendar days following completion of each phase of development.

5.6 Alternate Cover Material
One alternate cover material (ACM) method is described in this section; tarps. The ACM shall
provide control for disease vectors, fires, odor, blowing litter, and scavenging. An ACM in
addition to soil may be used daily. Through a NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC
DEQ) Solid Waste Section demonstration period October 29, 2008 through February 20, 2009,
the ACM has been determined to provide an equal or better element control as soil.

For precautionary measures regarding fire in the waste, ACM shall not be used more than 5
consecutive days. Soil will be used on the 6th day of covering.

Section V - Operation Plan 14 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

5.6.1 Tarps

Tarps are proposed as an ACM. The tarps will be placed either manually or by using equipment.
Tarps will not be used on any waste area that will not receive additional waste over a 24 hour
period.

5.6.1.1 Properties of Tarps
Tarps shall be Fabrene TGPN3N3M or equal (manufacturer data sheet is included in Appendix
V-2) and have properties as follows:

Unit Weight 9oz/yd2
Warp Construction 23.9 Tapes/in (Warp)
16.0 Tapes/in (Weft)
Tensile Grab Strength 495 lbf (Warp)
326 lbf (Weft)
Tear Strength (tongue) 135 lbf (Warp)
152 lbf (Weft)
Tear Strength (trapezoid) 162 lbf (Warp)
107 lbf (Weft)
Coating Thickness 1.5 mil
Mullen Burst Strength 609 psi
Nominal Thickness 20 mil
Dimensions 48’-0” x 50’-0” (approximate)

Tarps shall be coated on two sides with low density polyethylene and will contain ultraviolet
inhibitors.

5.6.1.2 Tarp Cover System Application Procedures

Procedure for Inspecting Tarps
The tarps are inspected for tears each morning and afternoon. Should a tear be found in the tarp,
an attempt will be made to repair the area by stitching. If repair is inadequate or cannot be made,
the tarp will not be used on the working face.

Application Procedure for Placement of Tarps
Application of the tarp will employ the following minimum procedures:
• Visually inspect working face to ensure that no sharp objects are protruding from the
compacted waste which may tear the tarp;
• If necessary, run compacter or tracked machine over any protruding objections;
• Deploy tarp onto the landfill face by attaching the tarp to the spreader bar via integrated
D-rings. Final placement is completed by hand to ensure proper coverage;
• Place additional tarps as needed to adequately cover working face;
• Tarps are self-anchored with perimeter chains;
• The tarps will be visually inspected following placement to ensure that uplift will not
occur; and,
Section V - Operation Plan 15 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

• Soil will be placed over any areas of exposed waste and/or inadequate coverage.

Maximum Daily Area Coverage
Based on the 2015 Airspace Analysis Report:
• Annual waste disposal rate (MSW only) = approximately 55,700 tons
• Operating days per year = 305 days;
• Approximate daily waste disposal rate = 183 tons
• In-place density = 1,012 lbs/cy of MSW per cubic yard;
• Daily cubic yards disposed = daily waste disposal rate / in-place density = 362 cy or
9,770 cf
• The working face will be restricted to the smallest area feasible; and
• The working lift is typically 2-3 feet high. Based on a working lift thickness of 2 feet, the
working face area averages 5,000 square feet (daily cubic yards disposed / working lift
thickness), which is equal to the daily coverage area.

Any additional areas of uncovered waste will be covered each day with 6 inches of soil.

Daily Depth and Quantity to be Applied
N/A

Average Monthly Volume of Daily Cover
N/A

List of Equipment
Equipment utilized for Tarps consists of:
Dozer, Loader, or other equipment available on-site will be the equipment used for the
tarp installation.

Material and Equipment Storage
Tarps will be stored adjacent to the working face in a County designated area that will not
conflict with daily haul and disposal operations.
The equipment will be stored in a County designated area that will not conflict with daily haul
and disposal operations.

Wet Weather Operation
The tarping wet weather operation will be similar to operations the County currently follows
when using soil as daily cover during wet weather.

Contingency Plans
If, for any reason the County cannot use tarps as ACM material; soil will be used.

Screening Criteria
N/A

Section V - Operation Plan 16 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

6.0. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING PROGRAMS

6.1 Water Quality
The water quality monitoring program for groundwater and surface water is described in the
Water Quality Monitoring Plan. Refer to that plan in Section VII of this Permit Renewal
Application for a detailed discussion of the program.

6.2 Landfill Gas
Landfill gas is a by-product from the decomposition of organic waste in a sanitary landfill. The
major components of landfill gas are methane and carbon dioxide. Other gases, such as volatile
organic compounds, are present in trace quantities. To protect public health and safety in the
vicinity of the landfill, landfill gas produced by the decomposition of refuse will be controlled
and monitored during the operational, closure, and post- closure periods. A landfill gas
monitoring program has been implemented for the purpose of maintaining the concentration of
methane gas below the following regulatory levels:

 The concentration of methane gas generated is not to exceed 25 percent of the lower
explosive limit (LEL) for methane in on-site structures (excluding gas control or recovery
system components); and

 The concentration of methane gas is not to exceed the LEL for methane at the facility
property boundary.

The landfill gas monitoring plan (signed by a professional engineer or licensed geologist) has
been implemented to include monitoring of landfill gas boundary probes and facility structures.
Remedial measures will be implemented as needed to mitigate a potential gas migration problem.
The gas may be actively recovered in the future if generation rates are sufficient to justify the
additional costs of an active system.

Regarding compliance with air quality (New Source Performance Standards), based on NC DEQ
Administrative Code .1703 Emission Standards, the Roaring River landfill does not exceed the
permitting threshold requirements for design capacity or NMOC emission rates. There is
approximately 1,223,718 tons of waste material currently in place within the inactive and active
phases (refer to Table 1 of the Facility Plan). This equates to approximately 1,110,138 Mg. It is
projected that the remaining portion of Phase 4 will add an additional capacity of 278,508 tons
(524,991 cy), refer to Table 2 of the Facility Plan. Therefore, the projected total capacity for
Phase 1, 2, 3 and 4 is approximately 1,502,226 tons or 1,362,796 Mg, which is below the 2.5
million Mg threshold required for NSPS Title V permitting.

6.2.1 General
Gas monitoring at the Wilkes County Landfill will be performed during the active life of the
landfill and throughout the post-closure care period. At a minimum, quarterly monitoring will be
conducted at all subsurface gas detection probes and in all structures located on the landfill
property. Wilkes County has five subsurface gas detection probes: GP-1, GP-2, GP-3, and GP-5.
GP-4 was accidently destroyed by facility equipment. Upon meeting with Ervin Lane of the
Section V - Operation Plan 17 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

Solid Waste Section on February 29, 2008, it was determined that the destroyed gas probe GP-4
did not need to be replaced unless methane detections in boundary probes exceed the lower
explosive limit. GP-6 was removed from the monitoring network after it was determined to be
too shallow to effectively monitor for landfill gas migration while located between the waste
boundary and GP-1 at the property boundary. The probes are made of 1-inch schedule-40 PVC
pipe with PVC caps fitted with “quick-connect” fittings, a concrete well pad, and a 4-inch x
4-inch lockable steel casing affixed with an identification plate. The structures being monitored
for landfill gas are the scalehouse and the maintenance building. The location of each gas
detection probe and structure are presented on Drawing OP-01.

Additional gas detection probes will be installed on the site as additional phases are constructed.
They will be designed to extend to a depth at least equal to the maximum depth of waste within
1,000 feet of the monitoring point or to either bedrock or the water table, whichever is
encountered first. Proposed probe locations will likely be field engineered due to rough
topography adjacent to expansion areas which may limit access with a drill rig. Sufficient
numbers of gas wells will be installed to adequately monitor the unit. At least three probes will
be installed within each borehole to monitor shallow, intermediate, and deep zones within the
subsurface profile. The actual spacing of the probes within the borehole will be established after
review of the drilling log to identify potential preferential pathways. Construction records for the
gas probes will be submitted to the Division upon completion. Currently, the area east of Phase 3
is being used for borrow material. Once the area is no longer being used for borrow, a landfill
gas monitoring probe (GP-7) is proposed for installation. If necessary, based on geologic and
hydrologic conditions, GP-7 will be installed as a shallow and deep nested pair.

Passive landfill gas vents will be installed along with the final cover system to allow release of
gas to the atmosphere. These vents will be installed at a density of approximately one per acre of
cap surface area.

6.2.2 Monitoring Procedure
Record Keeping: The operator will record the date, time, location, sampling personnel,
atmospheric temperature, reported barometric pressure, equipment calibration information, and
general weather conditions at the time of sampling, in addition to the concentration of
combustible gases according to the SWS’s Landfill Gas Monitoring Guidance document
included as Appendix V- 5. The records will be maintained in the landfill operating record.

On-site Structures: Gas monitoring in on-site structures will attempt to identify the "worst case"
concentrations. Monitoring will be conducted at the earliest possible time after the structure has
been unused (e.g., a morning after a weekend or holiday). The monitoring locations will be in
corners along floors and ceilings, at cracks in the floor, and at other areas likely to accumulate
gas. Gas monitoring will also be conducted in any confined space requiring the entry of
personnel for maintenance or inspection. The monitoring will take place prior to entry by
personnel in accordance with OSHA regulations.

Gas Detection Probes: Gas monitoring in detection probes will consist of attaching the portable
combustible gas monitor to each probe, and recording both the initial concentration and steady
Section V - Operation Plan 18 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

state concentration of combustible gases. SWANA guidelines for purging wells and other
monitoring procedures will be followed.

Equipment: A portable combustible gas monitor, measuring the concentration of combustible
gases in units of percent of lower explosive limit, shall be used to conduct gas monitoring.
Lower explosive limit (LEL) means the lowest percent by volume of a mixture of combustible
gas in air that will propagate a flame at 25 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure. The gas
monitor shall be calibrated to methane using the manufacturer's calibration kit and procedure
before the monitoring activities begin. Calibration information must be recorded on the Landfill
Gas Monitoring Data Form.

6.2.3 Response to Detected Combustible Gases
The regulatory action levels for combustible gas monitoring in gas detection probes are 100%
LEL at the facility boundary and 25% LEL in on-site structures. Readings exceeding the
regulatory action levels shall be reported to Wilkes County immediately. The County will notify
the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources, Solid Waste
Section in writing and will take immediate steps to ensure safety and protection of human health.

At a minimum, the following actions will be taken if the methane concentration exceeds 25% in
any structure:

 Put out all smoking materials and turn off all ignition sources;
 Evacuate all personnel;
 Vent the structure;
 Do not allow personnel to reenter the building except to perform gas monitoring until the
results of additional monitoring indicate that methane concentrations are sustained or
stabilized below 25% LEL;
 Begin continuous monitoring within the structure; and
 Undertake an assessment to determine the origin and pathways of the gas migration.

Within seven days of detection, the monitoring results will be placed in the Operating Record
and the County will indicate actions taken and actions proposed to resolve the problem. Within
60 days of detection, the County will develop and implement a landfill gas remediation plan for
the combustible gas releases and notify the Division that the plan has been implemented. The
plan will describe the nature and extent of the problem and the proposed remedy.

The County will also use monitoring action levels of 75% LEL in the gas detection probes at the
property boundary, if installed in the future, and 15% LEL in structures. If gas readings exceed
the monitoring action levels, the monitoring frequency will be increased to monthly until three
consecutive readings below those levels are recorded. If the monitoring action level is exceeded
in structures, options will be evaluated to permanently reduce the current levels and to prevent a
further increase in gas levels in the structures.

Section V - Operation Plan 19 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

7.0 EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

The operator shall not cause a discharge of pollutants into waters of the United States, including
wetlands, that violates any requirements of the Clean Water Act, including, but not limited to,
the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements, pursuant to
Section 402, or cause the discharge of a nonpoint source of pollution to waters of the United
States, including wetlands, that violates any requirement of an area-wide or State-wide water
quality management plan that has been approved under Section 208 or 319 of the Clean Water
Act, as amended. Surface water shall be diverted from the operational area and shall not be
impounded over or in waste.

All vegetative and structural erosion and sediment control practices have been designed and shall
be constructed and maintained according to the North Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control
Planning and Design Manual (NCESCPDM). An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for the
Wilkes County Landfill was prepared and previously approved by the Land Quality Section. A
copy of The Letter of Approval with Modifications and Certificate of Plan Approval with
Modifications can be found in Appendix III-5 of the Engineering Plan submitted in the Permit to
Construct Application for Phase 4, dated January 2011.

8.0 RECORD KEEPING REQUIREMENTS
The following records will be maintained in the Operating Record at the landfill office:
 The operating permit and pertinent correspondence;

 Operation Plan;  Emergency Response Plan;
 Inspection records, waste determination records, and training procedures for waste screening
programs;
 Amounts by weight of solid waste received at the facility, including the source of generation;
 Gas monitoring plan, monitoring results and any remediation plans developed in accordance
with Division requirements if required as a response to elevated gas concentrations;
 Water Quality Monitoring Plan and any demonstration, certification, finding, monitoring,
testing, or analytical data required by the water quality monitoring program at the site;
 Closure and Post-Closure Plans and any required monitoring, testing or analytical data
performed during the closure and post-closure periods;  Required cost estimates and financial assurance documentation;
 Leachate management records; and

 Safety training records.
Section V - Operation Plan 20 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

9.0 LEACHATE MANAGEMENT PLAN

9.1 Maintenance of the Leachate Collection System
Leachate control and migration begins with proper operational safeguards. Proper facility
operation by maintaining design grades, placement of daily cover, intermediate and final covers,
maintaining good vegetative cover, and applying run-on and run-off controls will help to reduce
leachate production. The operator will conduct weekly inspections of the leachate collection and
storage system. Leachate levels in the storage lagoon will be monitored weekly and after storm
events to assess the need for leachate removal and hauling. Cleanouts are provided to allow
access to the leachate collection system. Water under pressure has been and will continue to be
introduced through these cleanouts periodically as preventive maintenance of the piping system.
Mechanical equipment or chemical cleaning agents may also be used to mitigate clogging.
Maintenance needs will be re-evaluated if there is an unexpected decrease or increase in leachate
production rates.

9.2 Leachate Generation Records
Wilkes County maintains records of leachate hauled from the leachate pond at the landfill to the
wastewater treatment plant. The County is currently considering the installation of a flowmeter
in the manhole upgradient of the pond so that leachate flow quantities from the landfill can be
measured. The volume of leachate in the lagoon is checked on regular basis and after every
significant storm event. Records will be maintained at the landfill throughout the operating life
and during the post-closure care period. In addition to leachate generation quantities, Wilkes
County will maintain analytical data from leachate sampling events. See Appendix III-4 of the
Engineering Plan submitted in the Permit to Construct Application for Phase 4, dated January
2011, for additional information on leachate generation rates.

Section V - Operation Plan 21 Joyce Engineering, Inc.
Roaring River Landfill, Permit Renewal January 2011
Wilkes County, North Carolina Revised August 2011
Revised October 2014
Last Revised December 2015

9.3 Leachate Monitoring
The chemical composition of untreated leachate generated will be analyzed semi-annually
concurrent with water quality sampling. The leachate will be analyzed for the Detection
Monitoring constituents (EPA Appendix I list from Subtitle D) required by Rule.1633, and pH,
specific conductance, BOD, COD, phosphate, nitrate and sulfate. Test results will be submitted
to the Solid Waste Section. Monitoring parameters include the following:

PARAMETER Sample Type FREQUENCY
PH Grab Semi-annually
Oil and Grease Grab Semi-annually
BOD Grab Semi-annually
TSS Grab Semi-annually
Cd-Cadmium Grab Semi-annually
Cr-Chromiun (Total) Grab Semi-annually
Cu-Copper Grab Semi-annually
Ni-Nickel Grab Semi-annually
Cyanide Grab Semi-annually
Zn-Zinc Grab Semi-annually
Pb-Lead Grab Semi-annually
Mercury Grab Semi-annually
Temperature Grab Semi-annually

9.4 Leachate Disposal and Recirculation
Leachate will be collected and stored in the existing on-site leachate pond. The leachate is
periodically removed by pumping into a tanker truck for transport to the Wilkesboro Wastewater
Treatment Plant for treatment and disposal. This practice is expected to continue with the
opening of subsequent phases at the landfill. An agreement with the Town of Wilkesboro is in
place for the discharge of wastewater from the landfill to the plant. Leachate will be tested in
accordance with pretreatment conditions as described above. Although no pretreatment has been
required to date, aerators are being installed in the pond to reduce BOD levels in the wastewater.

As previously approved in the Wilkes County Transition Plan and other correspondence, Wilkes
County intends to continue leachate recirculation in the existing Phase 1 area. The current
practice consists of the introduction of minimal amounts of leachate back into the lined cell by
applying it with a water truck or by using a pump and sprinkler system to control dust.

9.5 Contingency Plan for Extreme Conditions
Wilkes County Landfill staff hauls leachate from the pond to the wastewater treatment plant
using a leased vehicle. If required due to extreme conditions, additional hauling capacity will be
obtained from subcontract haulers or by the rental of additional tanker trucks. If the receiving
facility no longer accepts the leachate, it will be pre-treated to facilitate acceptance, or hauled to
another POTW or commercial pretreatment facility.

[End]

APPENDIX V-1
RANDOM WASTE SCREENING PROGRAM FORMS
 FORM A – WASTE INSPECTION FORMS
 USEPA HAZARDOUS WASTE INSPECTION DECISION TREE

Attach related correspondence to this form
File completed form in Operating Record

ROARING RIVER LANDFILL
WASTE INSPECTION FORM FORM A

DATE: TIME WEIGHED IN.
TRUCK OWNER: DRIVER NAME:
TRUCK TYPE: VEHICLE ID/TAG:
WEIGHT: TARE:
WASTE SOURCE:

Reason Load Inspected: Random Inspection ______ Staff Initials _____
Detained at Scales ______ Staff Initials _____
Detained by Operating Staff ______ Staff Initials _____
Inspection Location: ____________________________________________________________
Description of Load: ____________________________________________________________
Waste: Accepted [ ] Rejected [ ] Held [ ]
Notified: Supervisor [ ] County EMS [ ] Generator [ ]
Hauler [ ] NCDENR [ ] Federal [ ]
Loader Operator: ____________________________________________________________
Personnel Conducting the Inspection: __________________________________________
Load Accepted (signature) _____________________ Date ___________
Load Not Accepted (signature) _____________________ Date ___________
REASON LOAD NOT ACCEPTED (Complete the following section if load not accepted)_
Description of Suspicious Contents:
Color ________________ Texture ________________ Smell __________________
Drums Present __________ Haz Waste Markings _____________________________
Estimated CY present in load: _________ Estimated tons present in load: ____ ______
Emergency Management Contacted? ______________ ___________________
Hazardous Materials Present: ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Hauler notified (if waste not accepted) Phone: ____________ Time Contacted: __________
Other Observations: ____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Final Disposition Signature: _________________________ Date: _________ Time: _______
Waste Screening Inspector or Landfill Manager
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: on the back

APPENDIX V-2
TARP DATA SHEET

APPENDIX V-3
TEMPERATURE LOG DATA SHEET

APPENDIX V-4
COMPOST END USER BROCHURE

APPENDIX V-5
LANDFILL GAS MONITORING GUIDANCE DOCUMENT

1 

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

DIVISION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

SOLID WASTE SECTION

LANDFILL GAS MONITORING GUIDANCE

NOVEMBER 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 – Introduction ………………………………………………………...............................Page 2
Section 2 – Factors Influencing Landfill Gas Generation and Migration …………………………Page 3
Section 3 - Current Solid Waste Section Rules Pertaining to Landfill Gas Monitoring ……….….Page 5
Section 4 – Landfill Gas Incidents and Explosions ………………………………………………..Page 9
Section 5 – Landfill Gas Monitoring Wells……………..………………………………………….Page 11
Section 6 – Landfill Gas Monitoring Instrumentation ……………………………………………..Page 14
Section 7 – References ……………………………………………………………………………..Page 17
Section 8 – Suggested Outline for a Landfill Gas Monitoring Plan ………………………………..Page 18
Section 9 – Checklist of Items to be Included in a Landfill Gas Monitoring Plan ………………....Page 19

2 

SECTION 1 - Introduction
North Carolina Solid Waste Management Rules 15A NCAC 13B require quarterly monitoring of methane
gas (at MSW landfills) and quarterly monitoring of methane and other explosive landfill gases (LFG) (at
C&D and other landfills) to ensure that landfill gas does not exceed the lower explosive limit (LEL) at the
facility property boundary or 25 percent of the lower explosive limit in facility structures. If the
concentration exceeds the specified limits, steps must be taken to ensure the protection of public health
and a remediation plan must be implemented immediately. A landfill gas monitoring plan is necessary to
ensure that these performance standards are met and this guidance document was developed to assist in
establishing a standardized procedure for the monitoring of landfill gas.
Background
Organic matter in landfills begins to decompose almost immediately after being placed in a disposal site.
Putrescible wastes such as food products and sewage sludges begin to break down by biological processes
very rapidly whereas paper, cardboard or cellulose based materials are slower to decompose. However,
when conditions become favorable, most organic matter will decompose. The decomposition process
typically goes through several stages that depend on conditions such as pH, temperature, and moisture
content. The final stage results in the production of methane and although the rate of production may
vary, most landfills produce methane.
Landfill Gas Generation
Landfill gas is a natural by-product of the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste in a landfill. The
composition, quantity and rate of landfill gas generation are dependent on the types of waste that are
decomposing and the level of microbial activity within the wastes. The decomposition of biodegradable
waste begins with aerobic decomposition which lasts until the oxygen in the landfill is depleted. The
anaerobic phase then begins, resulting in landfill gas production.
There are four stages of landfill gas composition: the first stage is characterized by elevated nitrogen
levels and occurs when the landfill is new. The second stage is characterized by elevated carbon dioxide
levels and occurs for a relatively short period of time after the initial stage is complete. The third and
fourth stages are characterized by elevated methane concentrations and represent the active life of a
landfill and the post-closure time frame.
Landfill gas is generally composed of 50-55% methane (CH4); 45-50% carbon dioxide (CO2); less than
5% nitrogen (N2); and less than 1% non-methane organic compounds. These individual gases generally
remain co-mingled and do not naturally separate. The Solid Waste Section (SWS) Rules typically focus
on methane (CH4) and its explosive properties due to public safety issues. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is
also of particular concern in landfills and is typically recognized by its rotten egg odor. H2S is
immediately dangerous to life and health at concentrations of 100 parts per million (ppm).
Landfill Gas Migration
The production of landfill gas creates a positive pressure within the landfill that forces the gas to migrate.
Landfill gas migrates from place to place by diffusion and pressure gradient and will follow the path of
least resistance. Subsurface gas typically migrates above the groundwater table and is restricted laterally
by streams. Porous soils lying above the bedrock can serve as pathways to transmit large volumes of gas.
Underground off-site migration is common and can be facilitated by the presence of pipelines, buried
utility corridors or trenches located within or adjacent to the landfill boundaries. Movement depends on
soil type and moisture, and migration distances of 1,500 feet have been observed. Barometric pressure
also influences movement. Falling barometric pressure allows methane to migrate out of the landfill and
into surrounding areas.

3 

SECTION 2 - Factors Influencing Landfill Gas Generation and Migration
Factors that affect landfill gas generation and migration through the subsurface include the following:

Waste Composition
The production of landfill gas is directly related to the amount of organic matter present in waste. The
bacteria that break down the waste require small amounts of specific minerals such as calcium, potassium,
magnesium and other micronutrients. Bacteria are able to thrive and produce landfill gas if the
minerals/micronutrients are present. If the minerals/micronutrients are not present or if substances that
inhibit bacterial growth exist, landfill gas production will occur at a reduced rate. Some forms of organic
matter such as cellulose break down quickly whereas matter such as lignin breaks down more slowly.
The rate at which landfill gas is produced depends on the proportions of each type of organic matter
present in the waste.

Moisture Content
Landfills with higher moisture content generate higher concentrations of landfill gas in earlier stages of
development (such as during leachate recirculation). Moisture accelerates the methanogenic process.

Temperature
Landfill bacteria are temperature dependant. They are able to survive and function below the freezing
point, but they also function well at temperatures up to 65°C. Anaerobic bacteria produce small amounts
of heat and may not be able to maintain the temperature of a shallow landfill when external temperatures
decrease, so LFG generation may exhibit seasonal variations. Saturated landfills may not achieve ideal
temperatures because the bacteria do not generate sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the excess
water. Higher temperatures promote volatilization and chemical reactions with the waste so the trace gas
component of landfill gas tends to increase with higher landfill temperatures.

Age of Landfill
Typically, landfills have an increasing generation of landfill gas for a number of years until closure at
which time landfill gas generation reaches a peak and begins to subside. An evaluation of the age of the
landfill and use of a landfill gas generation curve can be helpful in determining the likelihood of
significant landfill gas concentrations from the landfill.

Landfill Cap
The type or presence of landfill cover can influence landfill gas generation and migration. Although a low
permeability cap will reduce moisture and landfill gas generation over the longer term, initially, the
installation of a landfill cap could drive landfill gas migration further from the landfill in the subsurface
without proper ventilation (either passive or active). This is especially true in the case of unlined
(unvented) landfills.

Water Table
Landfill gas movement in unlined landfills may be influenced by groundwater table variations. A rising
water table could cause displacement and force upward movement of landfill gas.

4 

Man-made and Natural Conduits
Structures such as drains, trenches, and buried utility corridors can act as conduits for landfill gas
migration. Geologic features including fractured bedrock, porous soil, and permeable strata also provide
conduits for landfill gas migration

Landfill Liner Conditions
The presence of a Subtitle-D (or equivalent) landfill liner has the capability to limit the lateral migration
of landfill gas in the subsurface. Unlined landfills have no barrier to prevent lateral landfill gas migration
in the subsurface.

Weather Conditions
Barometric pressure and precipitation have significant effects on landfill gas migration. Increased
barometric pressure yields decreased landfill gas venting from the subsurface, until the pressure within the
subsurface is greater than the atmospheric (barometric) pressure. Conversely, as the barometric pressure
decreases, the landfill will vent the stored gas until pressure equilibrium is reached. Capping of a landfill
can influence the effect of barometric pressure on landfill gas migration. Generally, a more permeable
landfill cap will allow greater influence by barometric pressure than a less permeable landfill cap.

5 

SECTION 3 – Current Solid Waste Section Rules Pertaining to Landfill Gas
Monitoring
Web link to the 15A NCAC 13B rules - http://portal.ncdenr.org/web/wm/sw/rules
15A NCAC 13B

.0101- DEFINITIONS
.0101 (14) "Explosive gas" means Methane (CH4)
.0101(25) "Lower explosive limit" (LEL) means the lowest percent by volume of a mixture of explosive
gases which will propagate a flame in air at 25 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure.

.0503 - SITING AND DESIGN REQUIREMENTS FOR DISPOSAL FACILITIES
.0503(2) A site shall meet the following design requirements:
(a) The concentration of explosive gases generated by the site shall not exceed:
(i) twenty-five percent of the limit for the gases in site structures (excluding gas control or
recovery system components); and
(ii) the lower explosive limit for the gases at the property boundary;

.0543 - CLOSURE AND POST-CLOSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR C&DLF FACILITIES
.0543(e) Post-closure criteria.
(1) Following closure of each C&DLF unit, the owner and operator must conduct post-closure
care. Postclosure care must be conducted for 30 years, except as provided under Subparagraph (2)
of this Paragraph, and consist of at least the following:
(C) maintaining and operating the gas monitoring system in accordance with the
requirements of Rule .0544 of this Section; and
(2) The length of the post-closure care period may be:
(A) decreased by the Division if the owner or operator demonstrates that
the reduced period is sufficient to protect human health and the environment and this
demonstration is approved by the Division; or
(B) increased by the Division if the Division determines that the lengthened period is
necessary to protect human health and the environment.

.0544 - MONITORING PLANS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR C&DLF FACILITIES
.0544(d) Gas Control Plan
(1) Owners and operators of all C&DLF units must ensure that:
(A) the concentration of methane gas or other explosive gases generated by the facility
does not exceed 25 percent of the lower explosive limit in on-site facility structures
(excluding gas control or recovery system components);
(B) the concentration of methane gas or other explosive gases does not exceed the lower
explosive limit for methane or other explosive gases at the facility property boundary; and
(C) the facility does not release methane gas or other explosive gases in any concentration
that can be detected in offsite structures.
(2) Owners and operators of all C&DLF units must implement a routine methane monitoring
program to ensure that the standards of this Paragraph are met.
(A) The type of monitoring must be determined based on soil conditions, the
Hydrogeologic conditions under and surrounding the facility, hydraulic conditions on and
surrounding the facility, the location of facility structures and property boundaries, and the
location of all offsite structures adjacent to property boundaries.

6 

(B) The frequency of monitoring shall be quarterly or as approved by the Division.
(3) If methane or explosive gas levels exceeding the limits specified in Subparagraph (d)(1) of this
Rule are detected, the owner and operator must:
(A) immediately take all steps necessary to ensure protection of human health and notify
the Division;
(B) within seven days of detection, place in the operating record the methane or explosive
gas levels detected and a description of the steps taken to protect human health; and
(C) within 60 days of detection, implement a remediation plan for the methane or
explosive gas releases, place a copy of the plan in the operating record, and notify the
Division that the plan has been implemented. The plan must describe the nature and extent
of the problem and the proposed remedy.
(4) Based on the need for an extension demonstrated by the operator, the Division may establish
alternative schedules for demonstrating compliance with Parts (3)(B) and (3)(C) of this Paragraph.
(5) For purposes of this Item, "lower explosive limit" means the lowest percent by volume of a
mixture of explosive gases in air that will propagate a flame at 25 C and atmospheric pressure.

.0566 - OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR LAND CLEARING/INERT DEBRIS (LCID)
LANDFILLS
.0566(13) The concentration of explosive gases generated by the facility shall not exceed:
(a) Twenty-five percent of the lower explosive limit for the gases in facility structures.
(b) The lower explosive limit for the gases at the property boundary.

.1626 – OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MSWLF FACILITIES
.1626(4) Explosive gases control.
(a) Owners or operators of all MSWLF units must ensure that:
(i) The concentration of methane gas generated by the facility does not exceed 25 percent
of the lower explosive limit for methane in facility structures (excluding gas control or
recovery system components); and
(ii) The concentration of methane gas does not exceed the lower explosive limit for
methane at the facility property boundary.
(b) Owners or operators of all MSWLF units must implement a routine methane monitoring
program to ensure that the standards of (4)(a) are met. A permanent monitoring system shall be
constructed on or before October 9, 1994. A temporary monitoring system shall be used prior to
construction of the permanent system.
(i) The type and frequency of monitoring must be determined based on the following
factors:
(A) Soil conditions;
(B) The hydrogeologic conditions surrounding the facility;
(C) The hydraulic conditions surrounding the facility; and
(D) The location of facility structures and property boundaries.
(ii) The minimum frequency of monitoring shall be quarterly.
(c) If methane gas levels exceeding the limits specified in (4)(a) are detected, the owner or
operator must:
(i) Immediately take all necessary steps to ensure protection of human health and notify the
Division;
(ii) Within seven days of detection, place in the operating record the methane gas levels
detected and a description of the steps taken to protect human health; and
(iii) Within 60 days of detection, implement a remediation plan for the methane gas
releases, place a copy of the plan in the operating record, and notify the Division that the

7 

plan has been implemented. The plan shall describe the nature and extent of the problem
and the proposed remedy.
(iv) Based on the need for an extension demonstrated by the operator, the Division may
establish alternative schedules for demonstrating compliance with (4)(c)(ii) and (iii) of this
Rule.
(d) For purposes of this Item, "lower explosive limit" means the lowest percent by volume of a
mixture of explosive gases in air that will propagate a flame at 25°C and atmospheric pressure.
.1626(10) Recordkeeping requirements.
(a) The owner or operator of a MSWLF unit must record and retain at the facility, or an alternative
location near the facility approved by the Division, in an operating record the following
information as it becomes available:
(iii) Gas monitoring results and any remediation plans required by Item (4) of this Rule;

.1627 – CLOSURE AND POST CLOSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR MSWLF ACTIVITES
.1627(d) Post-Closure Criteria
(1) Following closure of each MSWLF unit, the owner or operator shall conduct post-closure care.
Post-closure care shall be conducted for 30 years, except as provided under Subparagraph (2) of
this Paragraph, and consist of at least the following:
(D)-Maintaining and operating the gas monitoring system in accordance with the
requirements of Rule .1626 of this Section.
(2) The length of the post-closure care period may be:
(A) Decreased by the Division if the owner or operator demonstrates that the reduced
period is sufficient to protect human health and the environment and this demonstration is
approved by the Division; or
(B) Increased by the Division if the Division determines that the lengthened period is
necessary to protect human health and the environment.
(3) Following completion of the post-closure care period for each MSWLF unit, the owner or
operator shall notify the Division that a certification, signed by a registered professional engineer,
verifying that post-closure care has been completed in accordance with the post-closure plan, has
been placed in the operating record.

NOTES:

Based on the referenced rules above, the following words / phrases are presently in the Solid Waste
Section rules pertaining to methane and explosive landfill gas.

Rule .0101(14) states: “Explosive gas means Methane (CH)”.
Rule .0503 (2)(a) refers to “explosive gases”.
Rule .0544(d) refers to “Gas Control Plan”
Rule .0544(d)(1) refers to “methane or other explosive gases”.
Rule .0544(d)(2) refers to “methane monitoring program”
Rule .0544(d)(3) refers to “methane or explosive gas levels”
Rule .0566 (13) refers to “explosive gases”.
Rule .1626 (4) refers to “explosive gases control”
Rule .1626(4)(a-b) refers to “methane monitoring” and “methane monitoring program”.

8 

Monitoring Goals
Landfill design and landfill gas monitoring regulations in North Carolina require that there not be an
exceedance of 100% of the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL) (equivalent to 5% methane) at the property
boundary, or 25% LEL in on-site structures. These regulations were developed over time to protect the
health and safety of the citizens of North Carolina and the U.S. from the asphyxiation and explosive
hazards of landfill gas.
NC Rule History
A review of NC landfill guidance documents and regulations from 1972 to the present indicates that from
1972 through 1982, there was no mention of design requirements regarding the control of landfill gas, nor
were there any landfill monitoring requirements for landfill gas. In 1982, the regulations were changed to
require that sanitary landfill design prevent landfill gas concentrations of 100% LEL at the property
boundary line and 25% inside on-site structures. Although a design requirement was added, no design
requirement was established to determine if the design requirement was being met. In 1993 with the
establishment of .1600 rules, requirements for designs to limit landfill gas levels to below 100% at the
property boundary line and 25% in on-site structures and monitoring of landfill gas concentrations around
the perimeter of the landfill and inside on-site structures were adopted.

9 

SECTION 4 – Landfill Gas Incidents and Explosions
Hazards Involving Landfill Gas
Landfill fires may or may not be directly caused by landfill gas. The primary concern with these fires is
air contamination from the resulting smoke; however they also present a variety of additional problems. In
addition to concerns with containing and extinguishing landfill fires, potential reactions involving
unknown chemicals in the landfill can cause uncertain hazards. Discarded consumer products in a
landfill, such as pesticides, paints, solvents, cleaners, and other material can be the source of chemical
releases. Heat from the fire can cause chemicals to volatilize, breakdown, and enter the environment. Also
to be considered is the presence of other combustible gases in addition to methane. Whenever an
environmental investigation of a landfill is prompted by odorous compounds or explosive gases, the
presence of toxic substances should also be investigated. One example is hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that can
cause asphyxiation and is flammable. An analysis should include alkyl benzenes, sulfur compounds, vinyl
chloride, and methane, and other products associated with industrial wastes, construction and debris
waste, and normal organic and inorganic waste.

Fires and explosion hazards become a concern when gases collect in confined spaces. Buildings,
basements, and pits are typically regarded as confined spaces. However, landfill gases also collect in and
migrate to cracks in the landfill cover, leachate “springs”, cracks in adjacent structures, paved parking
areas, etc. Fires can occur on the surface and underground. Surface fires involve recently buried waste
near the surface in an aerobic decomposing layer, typically 1 to 4 feet below ground. These fires can be
intensified by subsurface landfill gas and spread throughout the landfill. Subsurface fires occur deeper
within the landfill, involve material buried for months or years, and can burn for days and months.

The following is a brief summary of some incidents involving landfill gas migration from landfills:

2007 Four employees died as a result of exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide while
attempting to repair a leachate pump at a C&D landfill in Superior, Wisconsin (Journal of
Environmental Heath 2008).

1999 An 8-year old girl was burned on her arms and legs when playing in an Atlanta, Georgia
playground. The area was reportedly used as an illegal dumping ground many years ago (Atlanta
Journal-Constitution 1999).

1994 While playing soccer in a park built over an old landfill in Charlotte, North Carolina, a woman was
seriously burned by a methane explosion (Charlotte Observer 1994).

1987 Offsite landfill gas migration is suspected to have caused a house to explode in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania (EPA 1991).

1984 Landfill gas migrated to and destroyed one house near a landfill in Akron, Ohio. Ten houses were
temporarily evacuated (EPA 1991).

1983 An explosion destroyed a residence across the street from a landfill in Cincinnati, Ohio. Minor
injuries were reported (EPA 1991).

1975 In Sheridan, Colorado, landfill gas accumulated in a storm drain pipe that ran through a landfill. An
explosion occurred when several children playing in the pipe lit a candle, resulting in serious
injury.

10 

1969 Methane gas migrated from an adjacent landfill into the basement of an armory in Winston-Salem,
North Carolina. A lit cigarette caused the gas to explode, killing three men and seriously injuring
five others (USACE 1984).

11 

SECTION 5 - Landfill Gas Monitoring Wells
Locations
Landfill gas monitoring well locations will be site specific depending upon site geology, depth to
groundwater, surface water features, on-site and off-site structures and sensitive receptors. The landfill
gas monitoring wells must be spaced no more than 500 feet apart depending upon site specifics. A readily
accessible, unobstructed path must be maintained so that landfill gas monitoring wells are always
accessible using four-wheel drive vehicles. Regardless of site specifics, the permittee must obtain
approval from the Solid Waste Section for the design and installation of any landfill gas monitoring well
system.

Well Construction and Installation
Landfill gas monitoring wells are the same as groundwater monitoring wells with two exceptions. Landfill
gas monitoring wells are installed just above the water table within the unsaturated zone and are equipped
with a stopcock valve or a quick connect coupling on the cap, which allows for accurate landfill gas
measurements. The stopcock valve must be equipped with flexible tubing and a barb connection that will
fit the gas meter’s inlet tube. The stopcock valve or a quick connect coupling must be closed between
monitoring events. The landfill gas monitoring well must also be capped, locked, and labeled with a
permanently affixed identification plate stating the well contractor name and certification number, date of
well competition, total depth of well, screen length and well ID number. See detailed schematics of a
landfill gas monitoring well (Figure 1).

The depth of each landfill gas monitoring well will be site specific depending upon depth to groundwater.
Landfill gas monitoring wells must be constructed the same as groundwater monitoring wells as described
in 15A NCAC Subchapter 2C. Typically landfill gas monitoring wells must be installed using 2” PVC
piping and screen. The screen length, also site specific, must span the majority of the unsaturated zone
while still allowing for proper well construction. A North Carolina Licensed/Professional Geologist must
be present to supervise the installation of all landfill gas monitoring wells. The exact locations, screened
intervals, and nesting of the wells must be approved by the Solid Waste Section Hydrogeologist prior to
landfill gas monitoring well installation. Each landfill gas monitoring well must be surveyed for location
and elevation by a North Carolina Registered Land Surveyor. Within thirty (30) days of the completed
construction of each new landfill gas monitoring well, the well construction record (Division of Water
Quality form GW-1b) and the boring log/well detail diagram of each well must be submitted to the Solid
Waste Section. The submittal must also include a scaled topographic map showing the location and
identification of new, existing and abandoned landfill gas monitoring wells.

Nested and Clustered Landfill Gas Monitoring Wells
Nested and/or clustered landfill gas monitoring wells may be required in unsaturated zones of 45 feet or
more to measure specific depths of the unsaturated zone. Initially, the installation of one long screen shall
be sufficient. If a monitoring event shows an exceedance of the lower explosive limit, then the Solid
Waste Section may require the installation of nested and/or clustered landfill gas monitoring wells.

Abandonment of Wells
An abandonment record must be submitted to the Solid Waste Section within 30 (thirty) days of the
abandonment of a landfill gas monitoring well. The landfill gas monitoring well(s) must be overdrilled
and sealed with grout in accordance with 15A NCAC 2C .0113(d) and certified by a North Carolina
Licensed/Professional Geologist.

12 

Professional Certification
The certification statement below must be signed and sealed by a Professional Geologist and submitted
with the Landfill Gas Monitoring Plan.
The landfill gas monitoring plan for this facility has been prepared by a qualified geologist who is
licensed to practice in the State of North Carolina. The plan has been prepared based on first-hand
knowledge of site conditions and familiarity with North Carolina solid waste rules and industry
standard protocol. This certification is made in accordance with North Carolina Solid Waste
Regulations, indicating this Landfill Gas Monitoring Plan should provide early detection of any
release of hazardous constituents to the uppermost aquifer, so as to be protective of public health
and the environment. No other warranties, expressed or implied, are made.
Signed _______________________________
Printed _______________________________
Date _________________________________

Not valid unless this document bears the seal of the above mentioned licensed professional.

13 

Figure 1 – Landfill Gas Monitoring Well Detail 

14 

SECTION 6 – Landfill Gas Monitoring Instrumentation
The person using the landfill gas monitoring instrument must understand the principles of operation and
follow the manufacturer's instructions. This includes calibrating the instrument according to the
manufacturer’s specifications. Include the following on the top portion of the landfill gas monitoring
form (See example below) : facility name, permit number, type and serial number of gas monitoring
instrument, calibration date of the instrument, date and time of field calibration, type of gas used for field
calibration (15/15 or 35/50), expiration date of field calibration gas canister, date of landfill gas
monitoring event, name and position of sample collector, pump rate of instrument being used, ambient air
temperature, and general weather conditions. Verification that the equipment was calibrated in
accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications is also required. When determining which field
calibration gas to use, take into consideration the expected levels of methane in the landfill gas monitoring
wells. If the methane levels are expected to be low, use the 15/15 gas canister (15% CO2/15% CH4). If
the methane levels are expected to be high, use the 35/50 gas canister (35% CO2/50% CH4).

For every landfill gas monitoring well, please include the following: verification of sample tube purge
prior to each sample taken (should be one minute), the time pumped in seconds (should be at least one
minute), barometric pressure, time stabilized reading collected, percent lower explosive limit, percent
methane by volume, percent oxygen, percent carbon dioxide, and any observations or comments. Most
modern gas monitoring instruments will measure percent oxygen and carbon dioxide in addition to the
methane and display the results on the same instrument. Recording the levels of percent oxygen and
carbon dioxide should require little or no extra effort.
The landfill gas monitoring data form (See example below) and results should be retained in the facility’s
operating record unless an exceedance has occurred and/or is requested by the Solid Waste Section.

Landfill gas monitoring readings from non-calibrated or inaccurately calibrated instruments are not
reliable, and will therefore be rejected by the Solid Waste Section. Landfill gas monitoring readings
collected with monitoring equipment that was not designed for landfill gas monitoring will also be
rejected by the Solid Waste Section. There are several different landfill gas monitoring instruments on
the market which may be used in order to obtain all of the information required by the Solid Waste
Section.

Monitoring Times
Monitoring times are also important when conducting landfill gas monitoring. Proper landfill gas
monitoring should include sampling during times when landfill gas is most likely to migrate. Landfill gas
can migrate and accumulate not only in landfill gas monitoring wells; it can also migrate and accumulate
in buildings and other structures. Because subsurface gas pressures are considered to be at a maximum
during the afternoon hours, monitoring should be conducted in the afternoon or whenever the barometric
pressure is low.

Scientific evidence also indicates that weather and soil conditions influence the migration of landfill gas.
Barometric pressure and precipitation have significant effects on landfill gas migration. Increased
barometric pressure generates decreased landfill gas venting from the subsurface, until the pressure within
the subsurface is greater than the atmospheric (barometric) pressure. On the other hand, when the
barometric pressure decreases, the landfill will vent the stored gas until a pressure equilibrium is reached.
Capping of a landfill can influence the effect of barometric pressure on landfill gas migration. Generally,
a more permeable landfill cap will allow greater influence by barometric pressure than a less permeable

15 

landfill cap. As a result, landfill gas monitoring should be conducted when the barometric pressure is low
and soils are saturated. During the winter season when snow cover is just beginning to melt or when the
ground is frozen or ice covered, landfill gas monitoring should be conducted when the barometric
pressure is low.

Landfill Gas Sampling Procedures
Any accumulation of landfill gas in the landfill gas monitoring wells is the result of landfill gas migration.
The following procedure is a recommended example for conducting landfill gas monitoring well
sampling, but always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions because each instrument will be
different.

Step 1 – Calibrate the instrument according to the manufacturer’s specifications. In addition, prepare the
instrument for monitoring by allowing it to properly warm up as directed by the manufacturer. Make sure
the static pressure shows a reading of zero on the instrument prior to taking the first sample.
Step 2 – Purge sample tube for at least one minute prior to taking reading. Connect the instrument tubing
to the landfill gas monitoring well cap fitted with a stopcock valve or quick connect coupling.
Step 3 – Open the valve and record the initial reading and then the stabilized reading. A stable reading is
one that does not vary more than 0.5 percent by volume on the instrument’s scale.
Step 4 - Record the stabilized reading including the oxygen concentration and barometric pressure. A
proper reading should have two percent oxygen by volume or less. If levels of oxygen are higher, it may
indicate that air is being drawn into the system giving a false reading.
Step 5 – Turn the stopcock valve to the off position and disconnect the tubing.
Step 6 – Proceed to the next landfill gas monitoring well and repeat Steps 2 – 5.

Landfill Gas Constituent Sampling and Analysis
Sampling of landfill gas to determine volume percentages/concentrations of each constituent can be
accomplished through the use of canisters which are specifically designed for landfill gas analysis.
Several analytical methods are available to determine the concentrations of a variety of constituents.
Typically, landfill gas analysis of this type is performed to determine the non-methane organic
compounds emission rate for Tier 2 testing under the Clean Air Act (Title V Subpart WWW 60.754).
Isotropic identification of landfill methane can be accomplished to identify one source of methane from
another. In this case, isotopes of carbon and hydrogen in the methane are analyzed to determine the
methane source.

16 

NC Division of Waste Management - Solid Waste Section

Landfill Gas Monitoring Data Form

Notice: This form and any information attached to it are "Public Records" as defined in NC General Statute 132-1. As such,
these documents are available for inspection and examination by any person upon request (NC General Statute 132-6).

Facility Name: ______________________________________________ Permit Number: ____________________________

Date of Sampling: ___________________ NC Landfill Rule (.0500 or .1600): _____________________________________

Name and Position of Sample Collector: _________________________________________

Type and Serial Number of Gas Meter: _______________________________ Calibration Date of Gas Meter: ___________

Date and Time of Field Calibration: _____________________

Type of Field Calibration Gas (15/15 or 35/50): ____________ Expiration Date of Field Calibration Gas Canister: ________

Pump Rate of Gas Meter: _____________

Ambient Air Temperature: __________ Barometric Pressure: ______________ General Weather Conditions: _____________

Instructions: Under “Location or LFG Well” identify the monitoring wells or describe the location for other tests (e.g., inside
buildings). A drawing showing the location of test must be attached. Report methane readings in both % LEL and % methane
by volume. A reading in percent methane by volume can be converted to % LEL as follows: % methane by volume = %
LEL/20

If your facility has more gas monitoring locations than there is room on this form, please attach additional sheets listing the
same information as contained on this form.

Certification
To the best of my knowledge, the information reported and statements made on this data submittal and attachments
are true and correct. I am aware that there are significant penalties for making any false statement, representation, or
certification including the possibility of a fine and imprisonment.

_________________________________________ _________________________________________
SIGNATURE TITLE

17 

SECTION 7 - References
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. “Landfill Gas Primer- An Overview for Environmental
Health Professionals. 2001.” http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/landfill/html/toc.html (accessed February 24.
2010).

California Environmental Protection Agency. “Landfill Gas Monitoring Well Functionality at 20
California Landfills, 2008”. http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Publications/Organics/2008022.pdf (accessed
February 24 2010).

Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Gas Management Systems, under Rule 62-701.530.
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/quick_topics/rules/default.htm (accessed February 24, 2010).

Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Flood Grant Team. “An Analysis of Landfill Gas Monitoring
Well Design and Construction, 2007”. http://www.clu-
in.org/conf/itrc/directpush/prez/Missouri_Study.pdf (accessed February 24, 2010).

Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Design and Construction of Landfill Gas Monitoring Wells”.
http://www.dnr.missouri.gov/pubs/pub2054.pdf (accessed February 24. 2010).

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Environmental Monitoring for Landfills, under Chapter NR
507.22. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/aw/wm/information/wiacsss.htm
(accessed February 24, 2010).

“Landfill Gas-an Overview” Landfill-gas.com. Web, 22, Feb. 2010
http://www.landfill-gas.com/webpage -LFG-overview.doc

18 

SECTION 8 – Suggested Outline for a Landfill Gas Monitoring Plan
1. Introduction
1.1. Background (project overview, site observations, NCDENR rules referenced)
1.2. Site Geology with discussion of groundwater depth and flow (potentiometric surface map)
1.3. Regulatory Limits
2. Landfill Gas Monitoring
2.1. Landfill Gas Monitoring Well Locations (discussion of reasoning behind proposed locations,
discussion of well construction, reference map showing proposed locations, reference table
displaying well ID, well depth, screen interval and depth to groundwater)
2.2. Structure and Ambient Sampling
2.3. Landfill Gas Monitoring Frequency
3. Landfill Gas Sampling Procedures
3.1. Detection Equipment Used (discussion of calibration procedures)
3.2. Landfill Gas Sampling Procedure
4. Record Keeping and Reporting
4.1. Landfill Gas Monitoring Data Form
4.2. Sampling Reports
4.3. Permanent Record Keeping
5. Contingency Plan
6. Certification of Professional Geologist
7. Certification of Registered Land Surveyor
Figures
Map displaying proposed landfill gas monitoring well locations
Potentiometric Surface Map
Diagram showing construction of stopcock valve or quick connect coupling on well cap
Diagram showing well construction of each landfill gas monitoring well
Table
Table displaying well ID, well depth, screen interval, depth to groundwater
Example of landfill gas monitoring data form

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SECTION 9 – Checklist of Items to be Included in a Landfill Gas Monitoring Plan

1. Depth to groundwater discussion
2. Well locations
a. Number of wells
b. Well spacing
3. Instrumentation being used
a. Calibration procedures
4. Sampling procedures as per the manufacture’s instructions
5. Map of well locations
6. Table describing each well location
a. Well ID
b. Well depth
c. Screen interval
d. Depth to groundwater
e. Subsurface lithology
7. Diagram of cap construction w/ stopcock valve or quick connect coupling
8. Diagram of well construction
9. Potentiometric surface map
10. Professional Geologist certification
11. Registered Land Surveyor certification

DRAWINGS