You may already be aware of the US EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) and the work they have done to promote the investment of landfill gas-to-energy facilities. These landfill gas-to-energy facilities collect gas generated during the decomposition process to convert to an energy source. Collecting this gas also provides environmental benefits due to the high concentrations of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and other gases within, that are detrimental to the environment. LMOP publishes a list of landfill sites in the United States worthy of investigation for such investment.
Our industry most commonly provides data in spreadsheets and related tables. It is hard to tell a story in this form. Instead, the "Aha!" moment generally occurs when data is presented visually. After all, most of us are visual. Who wants to see a table when the data can be "displayed" to tell a story?
We are passionate about providing precise and impactful information in a manner that provides "Aha!" moments. These moments more readily identify issues and trends, enabling better decisions. We have also found that the visual data excites our customers and energizes them to action. It's human nature - we react to what we see.
To demonstrate, we have taken the LMOP tables (found on the EPA website) and presented them in a map that is posted in our public ArcGIS geospatial site. All the LMOP sites are now presented geospatially in a rich visual data format. The data "pops"... doesn't it? You can also use this tool to filter by the site owner, site type, and site status. Compare this map to the excel tables provided by the EPA in the links below. Visual data presented geospatially is more dynamic, interactive, and helps tell a better story.
ArcGIS (a software tool offered by ESRI) is a key pillar of our company's approach. We are an ESRI partner - allowing us to use ArcGIS to present our customer's data and imagery collected from our operations, as well as develop solutions that benefit our operations and those of our customers. Contact us to discuss our ArcGIS solutions and how they benefit your operation.
But ArcGIS/ESRI is half of the story.
We provide air quality inspection services to identify methane emissions as required by US EPA regulations for landfill sites. Specifically, our team is well versed and highly trained on NSPS WWW/XXX (Cf) and Method 21 regulations. Whether for manual surface emissions monitoring or inspection of penetrations, our professional team is highly proficient.
We have also pioneered the industry's first means for automated surface emissions monitoring using our SnifferDRONE™ technology. Sniffer Robotics is a technology as a service company whose primary purpose is to collect necessary data in order to provide the information you need.
Our technologies and technicians collect the data - and our analysts use ArcGIS tools to analyze and provide the information in a concise and informative manner that entices you to act.
Some examples...
Instant visibility to issues found during onsite inspections
If there has been one constant from our customers, the desire to obtain alerts as soon as possible when exceedances are found is common. With only ten (10) days to remediate, time is essential.
When our technicians perform quarterly manual SEM and/or penetration inspections on your site, we are able to provide instant notifications when exceedances or other issues are found onsite. ArcGIS tools are the basis for this ability. We have created automation tools and a workflow practice to notify you at the speed of the internet when our technicians identify an issue. Once you receive the alert, you are then able to view the location on a map and instantaneously view details along with photos taken of the location - right from your desktop - or mobile device.
This tool offered by the Sniffer team utilizes advanced software and automation tools based on the ArcGIS platform to improve your speed to remediate.
"Heat" maps.
Customers are now using our SnifferDRONE™ tool to collect raw methane (CH4) emissions data over their landfill cover system. An example of a "heat" map is shown below. The darker regions represent areas with high levels (PPM) and intensity of methane.
Site owners and their engineering consultants are now using this visual data as an aid to design gas collection systems with greater efficiency. In addition, this data is also being used for the design of temporary covers. In both cases, the purpose is to mitigate emissions in the areas identified by the SnifferDRONE as problematic.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Sniffer Robotics analysts aggregate SnifferDRONE raw data into 30-meter grids over the landfill sites using ArcGIS. This report provides the basis for tracking site emissions performance over time by monitoring the number of grids above a pre-determined methane emissions threshold. This is another view that site owners are using to manage their sites for the benefit of their operations and the environment.
Put us to work
Our approach to the industry may be unique, but customers are finding it highly effective for their operations. We have a great and long list of customers who are willing to share how we have helped their operations. Let us help you too!
Contact us to discuss your site and how we can help. Whether it is for compliance purposes or to address longstanding site issues, we have a solution that will benefit your operations.
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