scope:

This guideline deals with the determination of the composition of the gas phase, at monitoring points specially installed for this purpose both within the landfill body and in the subsoil of the immediate surroundings. The compounds of interest are the main landfill gas components methane (CH₄), carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂) and nitrogen (N₂), the concentrations of which are used as the basis for the assessment of potential landfill gas impacts on local environment and health.

This method is also appropriate for the determination of trace components which may be present in landfill gas and may be relevant in individual cases. This guideline will, however, touch on this latter aspect only to the extent that the presence of such substances has to be taken into account when planning and performing those subsurface landfill gas measurements considered here.

This method may also be applied in order to measure methane and carbon dioxide contents from other subterranean sources (e.g. mine gas).

Landfill gases contain dangerous and noxious substances. For this reason, when carrying out the measurements described in this guideline, the applicable occupational safety and explosion protection regulations shall always be observed.