A routine field inspection was conducted for this closed landfill. LEA Inspector Emily Hsieh, City of San Jose ESD engineers Mr. Geoff Blair and Mr. Jaylen Gregory (ESS) were present for the inspection. The Third Quarter 2022 landfill gas (LFG) migration monitoring results were submitted to the LEA, and a methane gas exceedance was not reported on any of the probes. The locking J-plug caps on SIN3-25 and SIN3-36 probes located along the walking trail were found loosely placed on the well. ESD was informed that they notify the landfill gas monitoring consultant that the monitoring well caps are to be tightly placed back on well following the completion of gas monitoring event (photo). The jumper line seems to be working effectively as the perimeter probe readings demonstrate that the methane levels have been significantly reduced. According to Geoff, the flare system runtime has been at 90% and above during the quarter. Due to heavy rains soil beneath one side of the concrete sleeper holding the Uni-Strut piping that’s supporting the main header line of the flare system, was washed out (photo). With more rains in the forecast this can pose as a point of structural failure on the pipe. LEA requested that ESD place some concrete blocks underneath the sleeper and tighten the soil conditions beneath it.  

The ESD provided an update that the design drawings and specifications for the new Flare System and Compound are at 95% completion stage and currently expects that the design will be out for bidding in the next quarter. ESD doesn’t anticipate the upgrades to commence till Fall 2023. LEA has requested a copy of the final bid package. Beginning 2022 ESD implemented 24/7 security to reduce flare compound break-ins and optimally operate the flare system. With break-ins eliminated completely, ESD reduced the hours the site is monitored from a 24/7 to 4pm-7am security, and it appears that landfill litter control. At the time of inspection, illegally dumped trash was observed along the southern boundary of the Singleton LF. A request was made to ESD to clear it up.

During the inspection on the western side of the landfill where the flare compound is located, the LEA observed that cockfighting roosters were raised on the landfill (photo). Several roosters were found confined in their individual cages. The ESD treid to reach out to the residents whose fences were adjacent to the rooster cages, but no one responded. The ESD is going to investigate further and provide an update to the LEA.

The LEA issued an Area of Concern for the following:

• Landfill gas monitoring probe caps were found to be loosely placed on the well. This could result in compromising the well integrity and provide inaccurate gas readings.
• Cockfighting roosters were raised illegally on the western part of the landfill. This should be addressed immediately and provide LEA with an update.
• Soil beneath one side of the concrete sleeper holding the Uni-Strut piping that’s supporting the main header line of the flare system was washed out. This can potentially damage the pipe's structural integrity, resulting in fugitive emissions to the ambient air and ineffective operations of the flare system.