ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AT FENIMORE MUNICIPAL LANDFILL IN ROXBURY TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY

The closed Fenimore Landfill in Roxbury Township, New Jersey, was partially reopened for the construction of a solar field. To reopen, Fenimore received a permit that allowed it to accept construction waste, including gypsum wallboard. However, once this debris arrived, landfill gas emissions immediately impacted the surrounding community. 

Residents reported smelling a very strong rotten egg odor—indicative of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)—something consistent with emissions produced by wallboard decay. Many times, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) investigated these complaints by dispatching testers with handheld instruments. But by the time the testers arrived at the large landfill, the odors had dissipated. To protect the public, Roxbury Township officials decided they needed a better way to measure the emissions. 

Officials sought an effective and efficient way to measure potential landfill gas contaminants at locations around Fenimore. This required a 24/7 monitoring system that could take measurements in real time, simultaneously, at parts-per-billion (ppb) sensitivity.  

Triumvirate Environmental installed nine H₂S monitoring stations at strategic locations ringing the landfill. We also placed stations in the surrounding community near sensitive receptors, including playing fields and schools. We designed the remotely monitored system to operate automatically, eliminating the need for full-time personnel on-site.  

As part of the project, technicians placed five wind and speed direction sensors to collect airflow data. Our team used the Greenlight™ Environmental Monitoring System to integrate the H₂S data with the airflow data.