2019-078 Landfill Methane EmissionsDate: April 19, 2019 Report No. 2019-078
INFORMAL STAFF REPORT
TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT:
Landfill methane emissions
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION:
In an April 10, 2019 email to staff, Councilmember Meltzer requested information on the
significance of methane emissions from the City of Denton’s landfill. Additionally, he asked if
there were health impacts to the surrounding areas.
Based on Solid Waste’s quarterly assessment, fugitive methane emissions are approximately 2.5
tons per year or 0.0389% of total methane/VOC produced by the site. The Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ) conducted an onsite assessment of emissions last summer (see
attachment) and found no air quality violations.
While methane is a greenhouse gas, low levels of the gas is not expected to cause any adverse
health effects. The Denton landfill is well within standard permit limits and does not present a
negative health impact on areas surrounding the site.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1 – TCEQ Air Quality Compliance Letter
STAFF CONTACT(S):
Ethan Cox
Director of Solid Waste
(940) 349-7421
Ethan.Cox@cityofdenton.com