Stricter landfill methane regulations in the works | Environment [Video]

Methane from solid waste landfills has become the focus of a new regulatory effort by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

The health agency is proposing to implement rules for landfill methane emissions that go above and beyond Environmental Protection Agency regulations mandating emissions controls for larger landfills.

Last month, health department board members presented an overview of why the agency is pursuing a landfill methane rule and discussed the effects of fugitive methane on atmospheric heating at a virtual public meeting, which kicked off the public comment phase of the proposed rulemaking.

Tim Taylor, supervisor of the Strategy Development Unit of the Air Pollution Control Division, gave the bulk of the presentation.

“When you look at the state’s greenhouse gas inventory, (landfill methane) is about 1% of statewide emissions, which may not seem like much,” Taylor said. “However, it’s important to keep in mind that every bit …