ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES
Environmental Practices at the Landfill
CRANE MOUNTAIN LANDFILL LINER SYSTEM
The Crane Mountain liner system is designed to protect groundwater from leachate—the liquid that forms when rainwater mixes with waste. Here’s how it works:
Leachate from the waste layer seeps downward through a layer of clear stone and reaches a geotextile, a felt-like material that prevents fine particles like silt from clogging the system. It then passes through another layer of clear stone and enters perforated pipes, which move it out of the landfill cell for treatment.
Beneath these pipes, the liner system consists of three key layers. At the base, a hard plastic geomembrane acts as a waterproof barrier. Above it, a geonet and an additional geotextile layer provide protection by preventing direct contact between the plastic liner and the stone.
The entire system rests on a foundation two feet of marine clay, a highly impermeable material that helps keep water from passing through. Additionally, groundwater pipes in the underdrain system manage natural water pressure and serve as a testing point for monitoring groundwater conditions.
Here are some of the key environmental practices in place at the landfill to protect groundwater, manage emissions, and monitor site conditions.
Leachate Collection System
Leachate, the liquid produced in the landfill cells, is regularly collected and treated at the Lancaster Sewage Lagoon. In extreme weather, it is stored in a surge pond before treatment.
We also monitor a network of 59 wells to ensure our leachate system performs as designed. Testing results are shared with the Department of Environment and Local Government.
Well Monitoring
Our monitoring network includes:
26 groundwater monitoring nests (clusters of wells varying by depth)
6 surface water sampling sites
50 to 60 domestic wells from South Bay to Martinon are tested annually for General Chemistry parameters (The domestic wells results are confidential and sent to the Department of Public Health and Wellness and the well owners).
Greenhouse Gas Reductions
Landfills are one of the largest producers of methane gas in Canada, which is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Our two-pronged approach to reducing methane emissions includes:
Composting Program: Reduces methane production by breaking down organic material in the presence of oxygen.
Landfill Gas to Energy Process: Captures and converts methane into fuel for electricity generation.
Odour Mitigation
Crane Mountain Landfill is designed to minimize environmental and community impact. Our system captures landfill gas to generate electricity and reduce odours.
During winter 2023, equipment issues led to odour complaints, the first in over 10 years. We’ve since drilled 21 new gas wells to prevent this from recurring. These new wells will improve gas flow to the electrical generator which destroys odorous compounds.
Energy Production - Landfill Gas Utilization System
Our innovative Landfill Gas Management and Utilization System benefits the community and the environment by producing green energy, eliminating odours, reducing greenhouse gases and improving air quality.
Landfill gas is composed of 50% methane, a potent greenhouse gas. A series of gas collection wells and pipes capture this gas from capped landfill cells, piping it to a gas cooling system and generating unit, which produces electricity.
Energy Produced in 2023
In 2023, we generated 723,000 kWh of additional electricity, enough energy to power our entire facility and approximately 61 homes.
How It Works:
Blower Unit: Maintains consistent landfill gas flow.
Flare: Backup unit for odour control, burns methane during shutdowns.
Cooling Unit: Prepares gas for generator use.
Generator: Produces 1 MW of electricity from landfill gas.
600V Transformer: Converts electricity for use by the Saint John Energy grid and our buildings.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):
Crane Mountain Landfill Capacity Augmentation & Life Extension Project
In July 2024, the FRSC Board of Directors approved the Crane Mountain Landfill Capacity and Life Extension Project. This project will extend the landfill’s operational life by at least 22 years, from 2048 to 2070, while saving Fundy Region residents approximately $22 million.
Key benefits include:
No additional increase in landfill footprint
Maximized space usage
Significant cost savings for new cell construction
Continued use of existing infrastructure
Moving Forward
In response to community feedback, the FRSC is committed to:
Enhancing public engagement
Implementing odour monitoring and management systems
Expanding organics removal programs
Upgrading the landfill gas electrical generation system
Developing a Solid Waste Strategy
