Are bar hole punches adequate for LFG monitoring in lieu of wells/probes?
No. Bar hole punches at best only monitor gas at a level of 2 – 3 feet below the ground surface. The depth of waste at most landfills is much deeper. Therefore, bar hole punches do not monitor for migration of LFG at depth. Furthermore, in the technical guidance document (Solid Waste Disposal Facility Criteria, Technical Manual, November 1993) prepared by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency the guidance describes gas monitoring wells and probes as the method necessary to comply with the Federal RCRA Subtitle D standards. The State standards are consistent with and based on the Federal standards.
