New gas extraction system examined at Burwood Landfill

The design for a gas extraction system aimed to alleviate neighbourhood concerns about odour from the Burwood Landfill is being commissioned by the City Council, says the City Council City Water and Waste Manager, Mike Stockwell.

It is proposed that gas will be pumped out of the landfill through vertical suction wells and piped to flares to be burnt off. Stage One of the project will cost about $800,000 but could be expanded to a more comprehensive gas extraction system costing up to $6m.

Mr Stockwell says the driver for the Stage One work is neighbourhood concern at odours from the landfill which the Council believes are caused by landfill gas, not refuse. The gas is not a health hazard when diluted by air, but the Council is responding to local concern.

If Stage Two proves viable, rather than flaring off the gas, it would be channelled to generators from which energy would be sold back to the main city grid. It is possible that the Council would enter a joint venture with industry to develop Stage Two on a commercial basis.

Mr Stockwell says Stage One could be commissioned around March, 2004.

The Council's consultants for the project are URS New Zealand Ltd.

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