NSPS Surface Emissions Monitoring - A Look Back at the First Year

摘要

In 1999, NSPS applicable facilities began complying with the requirement of quarterly surface emissions monitoring (SEM), as specified in para 60.753(d). Each NSPS applicable facility must operate an LFG collection system so that the methane concentration is less than 500 ppmv above background at the surface of the landfill. The NSPS stipulates surface emissions monitoring along the entire length of the collection system perimeter, as well as along a serpentine pattern spaced 30 meters apart across the interior portion of the landfill to provide equivalent coverage of the facility. A site-specific monitoring plan provides monitoring personnel with a monitoring pathway developed for each specific facility. A facility is exempt from monitoring on steep slopes or other dangerous areas that would be inaccessible by monitoring personnel. In addition to monitoring methane exceedances above 500 ppmv, monitoring personnel must also make visual observations of the facility signifying elevated concentrations of methane, including cracks in the cover system or distressed vegetation.