The Smell of Progress: Lebanon Works to Permanently Curb Landfill Odor

West Lebanon As early as next week, the periodic scent of rotten eggs may cease to be a part of the Route 12A corridors ambiance and the city may be one step closer to selling energy from gases produced by its landfill.

It would be nice to have a locally grown fuel source, Lebanons Solid Waste Manager George Murray said Tuesday morning.

Murray noted that several area businesses, including Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Kleen Laundry and Pike Industries, have recently shifted to using compressed natural gas as a fuel source, and a Hanover developer has proposed to site a natural gas depot on property in Lebanons Route 120 corridor.

The odor that wafts out of the citys landfill has long been a nuisance to residents and visitors. After a series of delays and temporary measures, a permanent fix appears to be on the horizon.

As Murray spoke, Kingsbury Co. employees worked in frigid temperatures to install a propane-powered biogas flare intended to burn off foul smells at the West Lebanon landfill, which accepts about 38,000 tons of trash annually.

Murray said the landfills stench primarily stems from hydrogen sulfide produced by the decay of gypsum, a component found in drywall.

It doesnt take much to smell it, Murray said.

Murray said he expects the flares installation to be complete by Jan. 15, and once installed, he anticipates it will eliminate 95 percent of the odors now associated with the 30-acre landfill, located between the Connecticut River and Route 12A.

Lebanon resident and Dartmouth College chemistry professor Gordon W. Gribble said he notices an amazing odor coming from the landfill during his weekly visits to the Route 12A Price Chopper store.

Upon hearing of the citys plans for the flare project, Gribble said some of the sulfur compounds producing the smell may not be flammable.

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The Smell of Progress: Lebanon Works to Permanently Curb Landfill Odor