EREF and NWRA Unveil Resource for Elevated Temperature Landfill Information and Research
Arlington, VA – In an effort to inform discussions regarding elevated temperature landfills, the Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) and the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) have partnered to create a microsite presenting some of the most recent research on the topic.
Elevated temperature landfills (ETLFs), often incorrectly labeled as landfill fires, have sparked in-depth discussions across the nation due to the management challenges and regulatory issues faced by landfill operators. While an ETLF is neither a surface nor a subsurface fire, these landfills exhibit high temperatures (with some reaching 150o degrees Fahrenheit to 250o degrees Fahrenheit) that lead to landfill gas operational compliance issues. The mechanisms leading to ETLFs are not well known; however, research is currently underway to better understand the causes.
Management challenges include: increased leachate quantity, higher concentrations of contaminants in leachate, damage to pipes and gas wells, deteriorating landfill gas quality, public perception and complaints.
Both organizations hope this tool, which is useful for both waste industry participants and the general public, will be a valuable resource to increase understanding, identify data and research gaps and aid landfill operators as they manage ETLFs.
Content includes objective, science-based information:
- Summary of EREF-funded ETLF research awarded to a multi-disciplinary team consisting of researchers from the University of Virginia, North Carolina State University, City College of New York and Geosyntec Consultants
- Articles from solid waste experts and academics outlining causes and identifiers of ETLFs
- ETLF-focused presentations from the Global Waste Management Symposium
- FAQs defining ETLFs and the issues surrounding them
As additional research becomes available, the site will be updated to share the most current information. To access the microsite, please visit erefdn.org/etlf-info.
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ABOUT EREF
EREF is a 501(c)3 class charity that funds and directs scientific research and educational initiatives for waste management practices to benefit industry participants and the communities they serve. For more complete information on EREF funded research, its scholarship program and how to donate to this great cause, visit www.erefdn.org.
ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage waste, recycling and medical waste, equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
Media Contacts:
Catherine Ardoin, Communications Manager
Email: cardoin@erefdn.org
919.861.6876 ext. 109
Brandon Wright
National Waste & Recycling Association, Director, Communications
Email: bwright@wasterecycling.org
202.364.3706
