For Immediate Release:  September 29, 2011
US11-437

The Utility Services Department and Circle Drive South Project team are working together to benefit a project at Saskatoon’s landfill.

As part of the Landfill Gas Collection System Project at the Saskatoon Landfill, a clay cap (or cover) is being installed over a portion of the existing landfill.  Capping the landfill traps gases within the waste and prevents them from being emitted into the atmosphere.  Soil for the cap was being hauled from a site north of Martensville, at a round trip distance of 74 kilometres.  The soil at this location met the specifications for an effective cover material.

Recently, the Circle Drive South Project has been removing the earthen berm used to assist construction of the piers and girders for the new south bridge river crossing.  Soil samples from the berm were tested and approved for use as landfill cover soil.  Since then, soil has been hauled from the South Saskatchewan River site immediately northeast of the landfill site, removing the need to find a disposal location for the berm material.   In total, approximately 12,000 m³ of material was hauled from the river berm over 14 days.  This resulted in a savings of over 47,000 km in travel - translating into reduced fuel consumption and a total reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 40 tonnes CO₂e.  This is equivalent to removing eight passenger vehicles from our roadways.

Landfills are one of the largest sources of human-caused methane emissions -- as solid waste decomposes, gases are produced and emitted into the atmosphere.  The Landfill Gas Collection System Project is expected to be completed by early 2013.  Once operational, it is anticipated it will result in an annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions of 46,800 tonnes (CO₂e) or equivalent to removing approximately 9,000 vehicles from our roadways. 

These collaborative efforts have resulted in benefits for everyone -- the Landfill Gas Collection System Project, the Circle Drive South Project, and the environment.  

For more information on the Landfill Gas Collection System Project, visit www.saskatoon.ca (click on “L” for Landfill Gas) or view the “Alternative Energy Projects” video on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/saskatooncitynews#p/u/21/YgxYXXKK_9M. 

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