Gases and liquids are generated due to natural processes occurring in landfills. Percolation of rainwater through solid waste leaches out soluble salts and bio-degraded organic products to form an odorous, grey liquid known as leachate. Typically, municipal solid waste leachate is a complex liquid which changes in characteristics as it gets older. The early phase of leachate is characterized by high organics with high oxygen demand which render leachate weakly acidic and readily removes metals from the waste. Methane is an odourless, colourless, non-poisonous, and explosive gas when mixed with air or oxygen in certain proportions.

The implementation of the proposed Composting and Materials Recycling Facilities at the Alice & Fraser Landfill is expected to have several positive effects in terms of leachate strength and methane generation from the landfilled residual waste material. When decomposable organics (food and yard waste,paper)are diverted from the landfill, the oxygen demand of the leachate will decrease. Also the pH of the waste will likely not get as low as in a typical municipal solid waste landfill and the concentration of metals should therfore decline. The removal of organics from the waste stream should also significantly reduce the quanity of methane generation.

Project Benefits

• Local Long Term Waste Management System(potentially 60 years)
• Maximized Use and Potential Life of existing Disposal Site
• Waste diversion and Utilization Enhanced Significantly;
• would exceed MOE's 50% Waste Diversion Objective.
• Reduced Groundwater/Surface Water/Air Impacts by Diverting Organic Waste
• Waste Converted into Marketable Product
• Entire Waste Stream is Managed
• Less Costly than Waste Export
• Creation of 18 to 20 local jobs
   

Approvals for Diversion Facilities already in place:
Construction to proceed in 2001

Approval under the Environmental Protection Act for implementation of the proposed facilities was recently obtained by the Township of Laurentian Valley. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2001 with a target commissioning date of December 1, 2001 and an official "red ribbon cutting ceremony" for June 2002.

This project is an example of a successful Municipal Partnership which will clearly benefit our environment. J.L. Richards & Associates and Golder Associates Ltd. are pleased to be part of this progressive initiative.

Co-Authors:
Dan Lalande, P.Eng., J.L.Richards & Associates
Paul Smolkin, P.Eng., Golder Associates Ltd.
Bruce Lloyd, Deputy CAO, Township of Laurentian Valley