The Atlantic County Utilities Authority will install a permanent cap over 16 acres of its Egg Harbor Township landfill that will increase landfill gas collection efficiency, reduce the generation of leachate, improve stormwater quality and minimize the impact of potential offsite odors.
The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners recently approved a $7 million appropriation from the federal American Rescue Plan to fund the project.
“We thank the Atlantic County Commissioners and Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson for recognizing this project as a valuable funding opportunity that will directly benefit Atlantic County residents,” ACUA President Matthew DeNafo said in a news release. “The funding allows us to complete this project five years ahead of schedule and continue to offer the lowest tip fee in the state.”
The cap is among the many defenses the authority has implemented to minimize potential offsite odors. Throughout the fall months, ACUA installed 32 gas collection wells, 12,400 linear feet of pipeline, 12,000 linear feet of airline and two dewatering sumps that all contribute to improved gas collection efficiency, according to the release.
“These investments are more than just figures,” DeNafo said. “They will significantly increase gas collection capacity today and into the future as more waste is buried.”
Last year, similar to other landfill sites in the state, the ACUA experienced an uptick in odor complaints during the cold and wet winter months.
“Cold weather tends to trap odors and prevents them from dissipating quickly,” DeNafo said.
In February 2024, ACUA installed 19 gas collection wells. Shortly after their installation, odor complaints declined, the release stated.
“We’re confident that continual investment in these proven gas collection solutions will minimize the potential for odors to migrate off-site.” DeNafo said. “We take the concerns of our community seriously and continue to meet federal and state standards for health and safety.”
In addition to the gas well and piping investments, a renewable natural gas facility is being built to transform landfill gas into natural gas that can be used to power area homes, businesses, and collection vehicles.
The project will also increase collection efficiency, reducing flare emissions by up to 95 percent. The facility, a partnership with South Jersey Gas and OPAL Fuels, will be the first of its kind in New Jersey when it opens in 2025.
Residents can follow updates and subscribe to email alerts on notable landfill projects at acua.com/landfillgas.
