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U.S. EPA: Hanover Park Landfill agrees to investigate methane gas source

Release Date: 12/05/2007
Contact Information: Mick Hans, 312-353-5050, hans.mick@epa.gov Mike Joyce, 312-353-5546, joyce.mike@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 07-OPA237

U.S. EPA: Hanover Park Landfill agrees to investigate methane gas source

CHICAGO (Dec. 5, 2007) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 said today that BFI Waste Systems of North America and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County have signed an agreement to conduct an extensive investigation into recent methane gas releases near the Mallard Lake Landfill, 26W580 Schick Road, in Hanover Park, Ill.

An EPA-led team including local officials has been screening nearby homes for potentially high levels of methane in basements, and along foundation slabs and crawl spaces. All data collected thus far from more than 60 properties shows no evidence of methane seeping into homes, with the combustible gas remaining at depths more than 40 feet underground.

The agreement, called an Administrative Order on Consent, requires the two responsible parties to further investigate the source(s) and extent of methane escaping from the landfill's gas collection system, and to develop and implement a strategy to contain the potentially explosive vapors, as well as to continue screening homes near the landfill. A preliminary partial work plan has already been submitted to EPA.

EPA and the government partners will announce a public meeting to discuss the investigation in the near future.

The current investigation area is bordered by Morton Road on the west; Lawrence Avenue and Whiney Drive to the north; Whitney and Bell Drives to the east; and DeForest Lane on the south. Homes will also be screened south of DeForest Lane on Whitney and Bell Drives as well as along County Farm Road north of Lawrence Avenue and Schick Road south of the landfill.

During the in-home methane screenings, EPA and its partners may ask residents for permission to install gas collection canisters or explosimeters, which monitor gas concentrations in real-time. There is no cost to residents for the methane monitoring.

Residents with questions about the project may contact EPA Community Involvement Coordinator Mike Joyce, 312-353-5546.