Projects

ACUA installed a temporary cap that spans more than 30 acres of the landfill’s side slopes in September 2015. The cap prevents gas from escaping the sides of the landfill and directs it toward the existing gas collection systems. It also keeps water from infiltrating the landfill, which reduces the production of gas and prevents the formation of leachate – all actions that will decrease odors. The project cost approximately $2 million.

In early 2021, ACUA began an Environmental Improvement Pilot Test (EIPT) to gauge the effectiveness of a new tool designed to minimize landfill odor. This permit allows a Neutralene vapor misting system to operate between 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day, on the current active landfill cell. Tall misters are powered by an electric compressor and disperse a mixture of water and Neutralene in the form of short, intermittent bursts.

Neutralene does not contain hazardous air pollutants or air toxics.  It is a scentless substance used at other landfills, that does not mask odors, but absorbs and eliminates odor molecules.  Ingredients found in Neutralene are also used in products such as Armor All Cleaner, Vicks VapoRub, and Air Wick Scented Candles.

Additional misters were added in 2022.

ACUA has 120 gas collection wells in operation and installs new wells as needed to increase gas collection efficiency and reduce odorous gases from escaping the landfill. 

Six large metal tanks contain an iron-infused wood chip medium that binds to and removes sulfur gas, reducing landfill gas odor. The treatment system was installed in 2017.

Excess gas is collected and safely destroyed in this high temperature flare. 

The enclosed flare was installed at the landfill in January 2017 and cost approximately $440,000.

ACUA staff and third-party consultants continually monitor conditions at the landfill to meet and when possible, exceed state and federal environmental requirements. Some of these monitoring tasks include: 

 • Inspecting the landfill cover daily  
 • Inspecting and monitoring surface emissions quarterly  
 • Reviewing the efficiency and function of gas and leachate collection systems  
 • Continually monitoring and analyzing weather data and conditions that impact gas production  
 • Independently monitoring onsite and offsite odors to identify odor sources 

When organic materials break down in the landfill they produce a variety of gases like carbon dioxide and methane. Methane, which comprises roughly 60 percent of the landfill gas, is also a powerful source of energy.

ACUA previously captured landfill gas and turned it into energy onsite which powered the entire Environmental Park with excess energy provided to the grid where it can be used to power area homes and businesses. The project saved ratepayers more than $8.5 million while in operation and prevented more than 25,602 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.

ACUA and South Jersey Industries will partner on a new project that will convert landfill gas into pipeline-quality renewable natural gas. The project will remove hydrogen sulfide and other impurities from the landfill gas then feed it into the natural gas distribution network that supplies area homes, businesses, and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle fueling stations. Construction is expected to begin in Summer 2023. 

ACUA is installing an intermediate Posi-Shell cover to approximately 20 acres of its landfill to help reduce odors and prevent erosion. The quick-drying, spray-on cover is made with portland cement, fibers, and clay. It adheres to the surface of the landfill and acts as a barrier from the elements. The intermediate cover also helps reduce odors by keeping gases contained. The gases will then flow into our landfill gas collection system rather than escape into the atmosphere.