SWANA Landfill Gas Management

Question 1

What is the primary component of landfill gas (LFG) produced during anaerobic decomposition?

Accepted Answer

Methane

Answer

Methane (CH4) is the primary component of LFG, typically comprising 45–60% of the gas mixture produced by anaerobic microbial decomposition of organic waste.

Question 2

What does NSPS stand for in the context of EPA landfill gas regulations?

Accepted Answer

New Source Performance Standards

Answer

NSPS stands for New Source Performance Standards, established under the Clean Air Act (40 CFR Part 60, Subpart XXX) to regulate emissions from new MSW landfills.

Question 3

Under EPA regulations, MSW landfills above what design capacity threshold must install a gas collection and control system (GCCS) if NMOC emissions exceed 34 Mg/yr?

Accepted Answer

2.5 million Mg

Answer

EPA requires MSW landfills with a design capacity of 2.5 million Mg or more that emit at least 34 Mg/yr of NMOC to install and operate a GCCS.

Question 4

What is the typical methane concentration range found in landfill gas?

Accepted Answer

40–60%

Answer

Landfill gas typically contains 40–60% methane by volume, with most of the remainder being carbon dioxide and trace amounts of other gases.

Question 5

In an active LFG collection system, what is the primary function of the blower/vacuum pump unit?

Accepted Answer

Create negative pressure to draw gas from extraction wells

Answer

The blower creates a negative pressure (vacuum) in the collection pipes that draws landfill gas from the extraction wells toward the header system for control or utilization.

SWANA - Solid Waste Association of North America Practice Test

SWANA - Solid Waste Association of North America Practice Test

SWANA Landfill Gas Management