EPA Reclassification of Hydrogen Sulfide Could be Headache for Landfills

Date: December 11, 2007

Source: News Room

A new proposal by the US EPA to list the gas hydrogen sulfide as a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act is likely to add headache and expense for landfill operators. Hydrogen sulfide, known for smelling like rotten eggs, is particularly prevalent in construction and demolition landfills. It results from the decomposition of gypsum, a key component of wallboard, in a wet airless environment. Landfill operators would likely face increased reporting requirements and expenses related to the mitigation of these gases. Recent research has linked the gas to a variety of health problems for people living and working near landfills, petroleum, confined livestock, and paper operations. Those afflicted have reported problems with memory, coordination, eyes and breathing.

References:

  • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) completed more than a month of field activities in Warren, Ohio, as part of a hydrogen sulfide health investigation near the Warren Recycling Landfill (www.atsdr.cdc.gov/NEWS/warrenoh080304.html).

  • The Wall Street Journal, 11 December 2007, 1350 words p. B1.

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