How does a landfill gas collection system work?

Landfill gas is controlled through the installation of a gas collection system within the landfill. This system consists of series of vertical extraction wells and horizontal collectors installed within the landfill that are connected by a series of pipelines. The system is connected to a mechanical device, such as a blower or compressor, which creates a vacuum that pulls landfill gas toward the wells where it is then sent to a control device, such as a flare, where the landfill gas is destroyed. At Stony Hollow Landfill, landfill gas is sent both to a flare and/or to a nearby gas-to-energy facility that converts the gas into renewable energy. Excess gas is safely eliminated by flare and monitored to assure the process meets all required air regulations.