EPA: Methane leak fix on the way

Residents affected by methane gas leaks from the Mallard Lake landfill got some good news from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after months of worry.

EPA investigators outlined plans to install large gas extraction wells west and north of the former garbage dump near Hanover Park this fall. The wells connected with portable combustion engines will suck up methane gas and burn it off, officials said at a meeting on Wednesday.

The EPA began investigating high levels of methane gas found just west of Mallard Lake's border in early November 2007. The landfill, near County Farm and Schick roads, has a history of environmental problems.

So far, 243 homes have been checked for gas with no detections. The landfill is owned by the DuPage County Forest Preserve and currently operated by BFI Waste Systems.

BFI and the forest preserve entered into a binding agreement with the EPA last year in which the company is required to monitor, investigate and stop gas from escaping.

EPA officials estimated the process of eliminating the methane could take four to six months and possibly longer. The equipment will be fenced and soundproofed.

Residents at the meeting had questions about health implications while some wondered why gas escaped in the first place.

On-scene coordinator Steve Faryan explained the methane is leaking through silty soil about 37 feet below the surface that is covered by a heavy layer of clay, which has helped to contain the gas. Older sections of the landfill also have no liner.

So far, agency experts believe there are no health risks from the methane or from low levels of volatile chemicals found in a few homes. Such chemicals have been linked to landfills although BFI representatives say the source is household items, not the landfill.

Officials said they were confident the gas extraction would work. "We'll get rid of the methane gas and make sure the problem goes away," Faryan said.

Several people looked for assurances that gas leaks wouldn't recur.

"The worst thing would be for these people to go through this and three years later it starts all up again," DuPage County Board member Jim Zay said.

EPA deputy project coordinator Donna Twickler said BFI had installed new methane collection wells, was repairing existing equipment and making other improvements. In addition, officials expect a Web site with information about methane levels at the landfill will be established in the future.

In answer to residents who wondered about selling their homes later on, agency officials said they could provide a letter with background on the issue and what had been done.

EPA engineers also said an underground fire at the landfill had been isolated and appeared to be contained. For more information contact epa.gov/region5/sites/mallard.