Integration of an Odor Control Gas Collection System With an Active Pulp & Paper Mill Sludge Landfill, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Unpleasant odors can be a significant problem at pulp and paper mill landfills if sludges decompose to produce odoriferous sulfur-containing compounds. Problems can require special attention if the landfill is near public or residential areas. Typically, sludge landfills are not covered with soil each day, and odor-causing gases can migrate off-site and trigger public nuisance conditions and complaints, both to the mill and the local regulatory agency. This was the case at the Wausau Paper Mills landfill in Brokaw, Wisconsin, where the control of landfill odor presented a unique technical and engineering challenge.

The landfill had a gas collection and incineration system designed into the final cover that would be installed upon closure. However, since at least 2 years of capacity remained, this system had not yet been installed. A similar system had been installed on a closed landfill cell, and performed satisfactorily. However, because the odors had become a problem during operation of the active cell, a temporary, or interim, system had to be designed, installed, and operated before the final system could be constructed at closure.