SECTION 2

CASE STUDY-1

ASSESSMENT OF LANDFILL GAS AT THE OKHLA LANDFILL AND ITS

UTILIZATION AS DOMESTIC FUEL IN NEARBY AREAS

The study was carried out through site visit, personal contacts, collection of information from
different authorities and literature surveys. A team comprising of Mr. Vineet Kumar, IRADe and
Dr. R.C. Trivedi, Ex-Additional Director, Central Pollution Control Board visited the Okhla land
fill site in Delhi, met and discussed with concerned authorities and others involved in solid waste
management in Delhi and collected relevant information. Subsequently, a detailed survey was
carried out of the landfill sites to understand the disposal practices and assess the technical
aspects of possibility of methane recovery. The team also visited Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant
being operated and maintained by Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to see the practice of gas recovery and
collect information on supply of biogas to the nearby colonies and discuss about the proposed
plan of power generation and the network functioning and its subsequent use in the event of its
disconnection of biogas from the Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant. The team also discussed witrh
various authorities about possibility of using the network for supply of LFG in case the LFG
recovery is implanted.

2.1 SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Following agencies provided the information:
1. Dr. A.B. Akolkar, Additional Director, Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi
2. Dr. S.K. Nigam, Scientist C, Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi
3. Mr. Toufail Ahmed, Executive Engineer, MCD
4. Delhi Pollution Control Committee (to be contacted)
5. Okhla Lanfill Site, Municipal Corporation of Delhi: The Landfill Officials Mr. Ravindra
Kumar – Operator Mob: 9250925580 and (Mr. Narayan Singh, Mob: 9891402174)
6. Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant, Delhi Jal Board: Mr. S. Khanna – Junior Engineer, Gas
Supply Division and Mr. R. Roy, Junior Engineer.

Based on the information collected from different sources, following analysis was made:

2.2 LANDFILL DESCRIPTION

2.2.1 Landfill Physical Characteristics

The Okhla Landfill is located in New Delhi, India. The landfill is owned and operated by the
Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Disposal operations began in 1994 and are expected to continue
until mid-2011, depending on waste disposal rates and site expansion capacity. The climate in
the region is subtropical, with extreme heat in the late summer months. Rainfall varies seasonally
and ranges from a minimum monthly average of 3 mm in November to a maximum monthly
average of over 200 mm in July and August. The annual average rainfall amount is 706 mm.
Annual average temperature is 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). The population of New Delhi is 16
million and the metropolitan area has a population of almost 20 million.

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The existing landfill property covers a total of 54 hectare, which is almost completely covered
with waste. There are minimal buffer zones around the outside of the waste mass and areas for
the entrance, administration building, weigh station, and machinery storage and repair that are
not on the waste mass. The weigh station, during the visit was in operation. The landfill does not
have any liner or cover systems in place. All of the waste has been placed above ground. The
local ground characteristics are a silty soil with some clay material. The solid wastes are
transported by a private agency (Delhi Waste Management). The trips are regularly monitored by
a group of people located in a temporary building.

The waste mass at the landfill has an estimated depth of 20 to 30 meters, with steep slide slopes
(50-60 degrees) as shown in photograph (Figure 1). The top of the waste mass is flat or gently
sloping to allow for delivery of waste and management of the open face with bulldozers. This
results in some standing water that, as shown in Figure 3, was still present one week after the last
rain event.
There is system of compaction of waste using bulldozers or by trucks delivering waste.
Estimated compaction for this landfill is 800 to 900 Mg/m3 for the lower portion of the landfill
and 400 to 500 Mg/m3 in the upper portion. There are no formal recycling operations at the
landfill.

Figure 2.1 Location of Okhla Landfill Site and Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant

2.2.2 Other Information on Okhla Landfill Site

Okhla Landfill is a controlled open dump, owned and operated by the Municipal Corporation of
Delhi. Okhla Landfill accepts domestic and commercial waste from the Delhi area. Some of the
vital statistics is as follows:

Table 2.1: Information on Okhla Landfill Site

S.No. Parameter Information

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1 Year of Opening 1994
2 Area 54 Hectare
3 Expected year of closing Mid-2011
4 Garbage accepted/year 1,76,000-461,000 tonnes
5 Present waste quantity Approx 6.8 Million Tonnes
6 Final Waste Quantity Approx 7.71 Million Tonnes
7 Average Depth of Wastes 20-25 mts
8 Total wastes received 924 tonnes/day
9 Zone-wise distribution of wastes 1. South Zone: 387 tonnes/day
2. Central Zone: 411 tones/day
3. Najafgarh Zone: 42 Tonnes/day
4. Deb: 21 tonnes/day
5. Private agencies: 10 tonnes
6. CPWD: 2 tonnes/day

10 Number of Trips 300/day

Table 2.2: Machinery Available

S. No. Type Quantity
1 Bulldozers 4
2 Wheel Loaders 2
3 Excavator 1
4 Backloader 1

Table 2.3: Manpower Available

S. No. Type Quantity
1 Record keepers 2
2 Baildars 29
3 Chowkidars 5
4 Drivers 3
5 Safai Karmchari 1
6 Daily wager – bull dozer operators 8
7 Daily wager – cleaners 3
8 Daily wager – safai karmcharis 5
9 Daily wager - Baildar 1
10 Driver 1
Total Permanent: 40
Daily wagers: 18

Prevailing Practices of Waste Disposal at Okhla Landfill

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 • Waste is dumped through trucks
• Transport is privatized and given to Delhi Waste Management
• Around 300 trips on an average is performed daily.
• Cover material used is soil and building rubbish.
• Leachate is collected and repumped.
• In rainy season space is left for trucks to pass through.
• Site is above ground level.
• Divided into 10 pockets.
• Excavator is multipurpose: used to shift waste from a higher level to a lower
level, excavated land is used for filling and excavated soil is used to cover.
• At the end of the day insecticides such as solfac and phenyl are sprayed over the
waste in high concentrations.
• At Okhla, ground water table is 15m below surface, leachate will take 50 years to
reach it.
• ESI hospital is objecting for the dump of waste as it affects the patients.
• Provisions for flood light is there
• Depth of waste is 35 ft.
• Every day 2-5 ft waste in any one of the 10 pockets.
• 10-15 cm covering is provided
• 10 borings are there which act as gas wells
• Methane quality is not good
• Gas is flared through a proper flaring system.
• Flaring system has H2S trap so that it doesn’t allow it to react with water to form
sulphuric acid.

2.2.3 Disposal History and Estimated Future Disposal

Table 2.4. Estimated Waste Disposal History for Okhla Landfill

Year Disposal Rate (Mg/yr) Total Waste Disposed (Mg)

1994 176,270 176,270

1995 423,040 599,310

1996 449,480 1,048,790

1997 449,480 1,498,270

1998 487,980 1,986,250

1999 428,830 2,415,080

2000 454,650 2,869,730

2001 461,230 3,330,960

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2002 461,200 3,792,160

2003 461,200 4,253,360

2004 461,200 4,714,560

2005 461,200 5,175,760

2006 461,200 5,636,960

2007 461,200 6,098,160

2008 461,200 6,559,360

2009 461,200 7,020,560

2010 461,200 7,481,760

2011 230,600 7,712, 360

The solid wastes expected to come in next 2 years would be accommodated by expansion of the
landfill. The magnitude of possible lateral or vertical landfill expansions, and the likelihood of
such expansions, is unknown. Given the lack of buffer areas around the landfill, the only
expansion potential exists in vertical expansion or additional infilling in low-lying areas.
However, if the landfill is targeted for LFG collection and potential end-use, the side-slopes will
need to be graded to reduce the pitch and waste will have to be moved to other areas within the
site which may limit future expansion.

2.2.4 Waste Composition Data

The composition of MSW is important in evaluating alternative equipment needs, systems and
management plans, especially with respect to the implementation of disposal and energy
recovery options.

Physical Composition
The physical composition includes individual components, moisture and density. Individual
components contain paper, cardboard, food wastes, plastics, metals, glass, ash, bricks etc.
However, the moisture content of MSW is expressed as the weight of moisture per unit weight of
wet or dry material. Density data are often needed to assess the total mass and volume of waste
that must be managed.

Chemical Composition
In chemical composition of MSW, the most important properties to be known are: the moisture
(loss at 105o C for 1 h), volatile matter (additional loss on igniting at 950o C), ash (residue after
burning), fixed carbon (remainder), percent of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and
ash and heating value (energy content).

15
In India, MSW differs greatly with regard to the composition and hazardous nature, when
compared to the western countries. The composition of Indian MSW at generation sources and
collection points was determined on wet weight basis and it consists mainly from a large organic
fraction (40-60%), ash and fine earth (30–40%), paper (3–6%) and plastic, glass and metals
(each less than 1%) the C/N ratio ranges between 20 to 30 and the lower calorific value ranges
between 800 and 1000 kcal/kg (CPCB, 2006).

For estimation of LFG, waste composition is an important consideration, especially the organic
matter, moisture contents and biodegradability. For example, landfills with a high amount of
food wastes, which are highly degradable, will tend to produce LFG sooner but over a shorter
length of time. Waste composition data generated by CPCB through NEERI was used for
purposes of LFG modeling. Table 5 shows the estimated waste composition percentages for the
Okhla Landfill.

Table 2.5. Estimated Waste Composition for the Okhla Landfill

Waste Type %

Metals 0.8

Construction and demolition waste 21.8

Wooden waste 2.5

Paper 14.8

Plastics 5.0

Food 40

Garden waste 8.1

Rubber, leather 5.0

Textiles 6.6

Glass and ceramics 0.4

2.3 LFG RECOVERY MODELING

2.3.1 Calculation of Biogas Potential

For biogas potential calculations following information was used:

• Waste disposal area: 54 hectares

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 • Depth of waste: 20 to 25 meters
• Gas collection and control system: none
• Leachate collection system: inadequate
• Final cover: none
• Scavengers: yes

2.3.2 Model Introduction

SCS has developed a first-order decay model for estimating the LFG recovery potential of
landfills based on annual waste disposal rates, the amount of methane a tonne of waste produces
(Lo value), and the rate that waste decays and produces LFG (k value). The LFG model,
essentially a modified version of the EPA’s Land GEM, was developed by modifying U.S.
model input variables (Lo and k) to account for landfill and waste characteristics in other
countries.
Adjustments to the Lo account for the organic and dry solids content of wastes disposed.
Projections of LFG recovery rates can be calculated using model outputs of potential recovery
and estimates of percent collection system coverage, a measure of the performance of the
collection system at capturing the potentially recoverable LFG (analogous to collection
efficiency). For sites without a collection system installed, future collection system coverage is
estimated based on landfill configuration, disposal area sequencing, waste depth, soil cover,
depth to leachate, and the presence of rag pickers. U.S.EPA’s “Landfill gas generation model”
(Land GEM) is most widely used model. The Model equation estimates annual landfill biogas
generation and annual landfill biogas recovery.

Factors affecting amount of landfill biogas production:

amount of waste

type of waste

age of waste

moisture content

temperature

pH

site conditions

2.3.3 Model Equation

Landfill biogas generation equation:
n
∑ 2 k L0 M e-kti
i=1
where:
k = refuse decay rate (1/yr)
L0 = methane generation potential (m3/tonne)
M = mass of waste deposited (tonnes) in year “i”
ti = age of waste (years) in year “i”

2.3.4 Biogas Model Input Variables

Based on considerations of climate and estimated composition of wastes disposed at the Okhla

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Landfill, SCS has assigned the following values for model input variables for the LFG
projections:
Major considerations are:

Historic and projected waste disposal rates

Methane decay rate (“k”)

Methane generation potential (“Lo”)

Collection efficiency

The assumed values of different variables for Okhla are:

Methane generation potential (Lo): 70 m3/Mg

Generation rate constant (k): 0.1 for fast decay organic waste (e.g., food)

0.03 for medium decay organic waste (e.g., paper, wood, textiles, garden wastes)

0.009 for slow decay organic waste (e.g.leather, rubber)

Recoverable biogas: 50%

Values for these modeling variables have been developed based on the waste composition data
found in literature on India solid waste characteristics and available meteorological information
for the City of Delhi. It is not feasible to collect all the gas generated at the site for flaring or
energy recovery, given site conditions and collection system limitations. Therefore, the amount
of recoverable biogas is calculated by applying a gas availability factor to the results of the
biogas generation model.
• Recoverable Biogas = 99% Landfill Area Available for Gas Collection x 52% Gas
Collection Efficiency = 50%
• Electricity generation project (nearby electrical substation)
• Direct use (nearby distribution network at Okhla or in hospital and cement plant)
• Flaring only

Given the LFG gas projections, the site assessment indicates that the Okhla Landfill could have
several LFG recovery project options. These options include electricity generation, direct use,
and flaring only. The site has two nearby industries, a cement plant and a local hospital, which
may be ideal candidates for a direct use project due to their proximity. The development of
successful LFG projects could involve significant remediation costs due to the challenges
resulting from the current landfill operational practices.

2.3.4.1 Model input – Methane Generation Potential (Lo)

“L0” methane generation potential (units = methane per metric tonne of waste)

Total amount of methane 1 tonne of waste produces

Is mainly a function of waste composition – amount of organic waste

Range of observed values:

0 - 312 m3 methane/tonne of waste

For Okhla landfill assumed value is 70 m3/tonne

2.3.4.2 Model Inputs – Rate Constant

“k” – refuse decay rate constant (units = 1/year)

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Sets rate of waste decay and methane production

Influenced by waste moisture – use annual rainfall

Range of observed values:

– 0.01/year (desert landfills) to 0.4/year (“bioreactors”)

2.3.4.3 Model input - Collection Efficiency

Amount of landfill biogas collected depends on amount of biogas generated and hence the
collection efficiency depends on:

Type of facility (landfill vs. dump)

Type/design of collection system

Extent collection system covers waste volume

Waste characteristics – permeability

Collection system operation

2.3.4.4 Landfill Biogas Recovery Rate

Landfill biogas recovery = landfill Biogas generation x collection efficiency

Achievable collection efficiencies at disposal sites:

Engineered and sanitary landfills: ~60-90%

Open and controlled dump sites: ~30-60%

Lo (regular waste) = 70 m3/tonne (1,735 ft3/ton).

k (fast-decaying waste) = 0.1/year.

k (medium-decaying waste) = 0.03/year.

k (slowly-decaying waste) = 0.009/year.
Multiple model runs were prepared to account for a range of possible future collection system
effectiveness and coverage estimates that result in low, mid-range, and high LFG recovery
projections. SCS estimates that the mid-range collection system coverage estimates are the most
likely to be achieved due to the condition and geometry of the existing waste mass if a LFG
collection system were to be installed.

2.3.5 Model Results

The amount of waste in place is relatively consistent with the provided data on waste disposal
area, waste depth, and compaction rates. Preliminary biogas modeling estimates that biogas
recovery will rise to a peak of 1,552 m3/hr of biogas at 50% methane in 2011.
LFG recovery projections for the Okhla Landfill are provided in Table 8 and figure 1. Potential
LFG recovery will begin to decline after 2011 and will continue to decline over time. By 2020 it
is estimated that the recovery rates will go down to about 805 m3 /hour and by 2030 to about 441
m3 /hour.

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2.4 LFG PROJECT OPTIONS

Presently all the LFG is emitted in to the atmosphere causing harm to the environment. Instead
of allowing the gas to escape into the air, it can be captured and used as an energy source. Using
LFG helps to reduce odors and other hazards associated with LFG emissions, and it helps
prevent methane from migrating into the atmosphere and contributing to local smog and global
climate change. Landfill gas is extracted from landfills using a series of wells and a blower/flare
(or vacuum) system. This system directs the collected gas to a central point where it can be
processed and treated depending upon the ultimate use for the gas. From this point, the gas can
be simply flared or used as domestic fuel or generate electricity, replace fossil fuels in industrial
and manufacturing operations, fuel greenhouse operations, or be upgraded to pipeline quality
gas. The present study examined LFG options include: (1) its use as domestic fuel in nearby
colonies; or flaring only. Both the options would require some level of grading work, capping of
the landfill, and installation of an active gas collection and control system (GCCS), including a
flare to ensure combustion of all collected LFG when the methane is not being utilized. Both the
options also are expected to generate revenues from the sale of emission reduction credits. The
grading and capping of land for gas collection and control is needed to maximize the efficiency
of collection and prevention of air intrusion.

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The methane flow and potential generating capacity rapidly increases until the landfill is closed,
and then rapidly declines. There are many conventional and innovative opportunities for
converting LFG to energy. Below are descriptions of some of the typical project types and
emerging technologies.

2.4.1 Direct Use

The sale of LFG for direct use at a nearby residential area can generate significant revenues
while requiring less initial facility costs than an LFG electric facility. About 3 km away from the
Landfill site in the East direction there is a sewage treatment plant, which is generating biogas
through its digesters. This biogas is used as domestic fuel in the nearby colonies for which a
elaborate supply network was established by the Delhi Jal Board. A detailed description of the
treatment plant and gas supply system is as follows:

2.4.2 Biogas Use at Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant

Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is the largest STP of Delhi having design treatment
capacity of 636 mld. It was commissioned in 1937. In the beginning, the capacity was 81 mld,
which was gradually increased to 636 mld. The treatment is conventional aeration. The raw
sewage inlet is common for all the units from where the sewage is distributed after screening.
Treatment system comprises of bar screens followed by grit chambers and PSTs. The effluent of
PSTs is then taken to FSTs after aeration in aeration tanks. The sludge is dried in sludge drying
beds, which is used as manure. The raw sludge from PSTs is pumped into digesters, where
anaerobic decomposition results in the generation of bio-gas. Anaerobic digestion involves the
biological conversion of organic and inorganic matter in the absence of molecular oxygen to a
variety of end-products including methane and carbon dioxide. Anaerobic digestion of
biodegradable wastes involves a large spectrum of bacteria of which three main groups are
distinguishable. In first group fermenting bacteria perform hydrolysis and acidogenesis, the
second group of bacteria are responsible for breaking down the products of acidification step to
form acetate. The third group involves methanogenic bacteria which convert acetate or carbon
dioxide and hydrogen into methane. The process takes place in an airtight reactor. Sludge is
introduced continuously or intermittently and retained in the reactor for varying periods of time.
After withdrawal from the reactor, whether continuous or intermittent, the stabilized sludge is
reduced in organic and pathogen content and is non-putrescible waste. The digested sludge is
used as manure. The gas generated in the digesters is collected in the gasholders. The biogas is
scrubbed to purify and supplied to the consumers as a domestic fuel through pipelines.

2.4.3 Present Biogas Supply Network at Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant

There exists a well designed biogas supply system network in Okhla, Maharani Bagh, Zakir
Nagar, Sukhdev Vihar, Sarai Julena, Noor Nagar, Masi Ghar Village, New Friends Colony,
Jamia Nagar, Lajpat Nagar, Friends Colony East and West, Taimoor Nagar DDA Flats, Kalindi
Colony, DESU Colony, Sunlight Colony DDA Flats, Nehru Nagar, Lajpat Nagar I & II, Vinoba
Puri, DJB staff quarters at Okhla STP, Okhla Water Works, Jal Vihar, Ring Road Pumping
Station. Besides, bulk supply is being provided to Holy Family Hospital, Don Bosco School,
Jamia Millia and Delhi Cheshire. The DJB established this system for supply of biogas generated
from the sewage treatment plant to domestic users.

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As per the website information during 2004-2005, 1680 lakh ft3 of bio gas was generated from
Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant, which was supplied to residents having gas connections in the
nearby colonies as mentioned below. The supply is for 2 to 3 hours in the morning from 8.00 hrs
to 11.00 hour and 16.00 to 20.00 hrs. The consumers are not satisfied with the amount of gas
supplied and its quality.

Based on the information from the website it is estimated that about 4.6 lakh cubic feet or 13035
m3/day or 543 m3/hr of biogas was generated during 2004-05. Since, the Okhla Sewage
Treatment Plant has same sewage treatment capacity today, as it had in 2004-05, there is no any
reason for less biogas generation. However, during the site visit the Incharge Engineers (Mr. S.
Khanna and Mr. Roy) informed that the total biogas generation is only about 2.5 to 3 lakh cubic
feet per day or about 295 m3/hr to 354 m3/hr.

2.4.4 DJB’s Proposal

It’s the age of diversification and Delhi Jal Board is set to come of age, literally. The board is
thinking in terms of power production from the biogas produced in its Okhla plant, to meet the
electricity requirement in its various plants. After successfully using bio-gas to produce
electricity at the Rithala sewage treatment plant, the Jal Board now wants to replicate the model
at its 140 million gallons a day sewage treatment plant in Okhla that produces a large quantity of
bio-gas. The money recovered from both domestic fuel supply to consumers and sludge manure
supply to farmers does not cover the costs. In fact the only profitable exercise carried by the
plant is the supply of farming water (about 140 million gallon at Rs 1.25 per kilolitre) to farmers
in Delhi and the neighbouring states of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. With its present sewage
supply, DJB can generate 2,000 kilowatt power at a cost of just Rs 5.50 per unit.

The Delhi Jal Board wants to cut down on its electricity bills, earn carbon credits, and all this by
utilising bio-gas that is produced at its Okhla sewage treatment plant.

The water utility is hopeful of producing 2 MW of power using the bio-gas. This in turn will help
reduce its electricity bills. The Board will partner with a private operator who will be in charge
of designing, construction, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the bio-gas engines
needed for power production.

According to sources, work will be undertaken on a design-build-operate-maintain-and-transfer

basis for a period of ten years. Three bio-gas engines will be required, one of them to serve as a
stand-by, to generate 2 MW of power.

The running cost of Okhla sewage treatment plant of Delhi Jal Board is about INR 40-45 lakhs
per month. At present, about 5,000 residents in areas like Lajpat Nagar, Taimur Nagar, Okhla
Village, Friends’ Colony, Jal Vihar Colony, Nehru Nagar, New Friends’ Colony, Maharani
Bagh, Kalindi Colony, Siddharth Enclave receive biogas supply from the Okhla Plant. The
commercial consumers include Holy Family Hospital, Don Bosco School, Jamia Millia Islamia
University and the Cheshire Home. With the present rate of INR 125/house, the cost recovery
would be around INR 7-8 lakh. The power generated through the use of this bio-gas will be
cheaper, because the utility will not have to pay anything for the fuel. And once electricity is

22
generated, it will cut the dependency on power from the distribution companies. They explain
that power production from sewage is done using a simple process of fermenting sewage to
produce bio-gas. “The advantage of using bio-gas to produce power is gradually dawning on
utilities. It is, however, a very popular concept in Switzerland where they produce large-scale
power at the STPs for their own use and contribute to the electricity network.” Raw sewage
received at this plant undergoes conventional activated sludge treatment process.

2.4.5 Affected Consumers

Once the DJB’s plan is implemented, the present domestic fuel consumers will be affected as
they will be deprived of the cheaper fuel. For them, this means that the days of unlimited
domestic fuel supply for a paltry INR 115 per month, may soon be over. The network established
with large investment of public money will also become defunct.

2.4.6 Proposal for LFG Use through Okhla STP Biogas Supply Network

For effective and efficient use of LFG, it is essential that the consumers are located at a short
distance of Landfill, other-wise a LFG transmission pipeline will be required. If the direct use
project requires transporting the LFG a significant distance to the end user, it typically requires a
gas compression and treatment skid (filter, compressor or blower, dehydration unit). LFG
treatment requirements are also driven by the equipment that will utilize the LFG. Pipeline
construction is the largest cost item, including the cost of payments for right-of-way easements.
Hence, the feasibility of gas supply is largely determined by the distance of supply line.

The biogas supply network existing at Okhla Sewage Treatment Plant and proposed to be
abandoned in next 1-2 years can be utilized for supply of LFG to the domestic consumers. In
present case the total length of the pipeline needed would be approximately 3 kilometer.
Subsequent network already exists for the gas supply. However, the present gas generation at
Okhla STP is only about 300 to 500 m3/hour. When compared with the potential gas recovery
from Okhla Landfill, the biogas generated from Okhla Sewage treatment Plant is 5 times less.
The present rate of gas supply can be easily enhanced.

For getting new biogas connection one can apply as per the following procedure:

Table 2.6: General Information Pertaining to Bio-Gas Connection

Existing provision for bio-gas connection 10000 Nos.

Total no of bio-gas connection 5000 Nos.
a) Bulk Rs.125 per 1000 CF(Commercial)
Present tariff (per month)
b) Domestic Rs. 100 p.m.
Security Deposit (refundable) Domestic - Rs. 300/-
Estimate Details below.
Disconnection/Reconnection Fee Rs. 50/-
Excise Duty and Sales Tax is also
applicable as received by the Govt. from time to ---
time.

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Complaint Center Okhla S.T.P.

Table 2.7: Prevailing procedure for New Gas connection

Executive Engineer, Okhla Sewage Treatment

Availability of Application Form
Plant on payment of Rs. 10/-
On all working days between 10.00 am to 4.00
Acceptance of form
p.m.
Acknowledgement of form On the spot
Intimation to the applicant regarding
sanction of connection and issue of Within 7 days.
letter for deposit of estimated cost and security.
Deposit of Estimated charges and Zonal Revenue Officer (W) of the area, within
security by applicant 15 days.
Deposit of Road Restoration charges. Zonal Engineer (Works), M.C.D.
Within 15 days of deposit of Estimated charges,
Energisation of Connection
security, Road Restoration

The consumer shall have to deposit the cost of G.I. pipe / fittings, Valves etc.and other fittings
installed in his premises for gas connection including labour charges. For this an estimate will be
framed by the department as per site requirement. The estimate, including 23.75% overhead
charges shall have to be deposited by the Consumer through Bank Draft in the name of Chief
Engineer (W), Delhi Jal Board or in cash in the Office of Zonal Revenue Officer (Water), Jal
Sadan, Lajpat Nagar.II, New Delhi-110024.

Documents Required Alongwith Application Form

• Copy of the Ration Card with original.

• Proof of ownership of property (Sale Deed / Lease Deed / Power of Attorney / Latest House
Tax Bill).
• In case of Tenancy, copy of Rent Agreement/Receipt with no objection from the
owner/landlord, duly attested.

2.4.7 Emissions Trading

It is now possible to account for, and transfer, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
resulting from activities that reduce or capture any of the six main greenhouse gases. Because
methane from solid waste disposal on land is one of the major sources of greenhouse gas
emissions, its capture and oxidation to carbon dioxide results in an environmental benefit. This
benefit may be measured and traded under a number of different emission reduction trading
schemes world wide.

In order to qualify for trading of emission reductions, normally a project must be able to prove
that there is no requirement under law, or mandated by waste disposal licenses or other

24
regulations, to control the emission of the particular greenhouse gas relating to the project. This
appears to be the case at Okhla Landfill. While flaring is the normal method for thermal
oxidation of landfill gas, any process which prevents the emission of methane to the atmosphere
would also qualify for tradable emission reductions. The carbon dioxide created by the thermal
oxidation of methane is considered to be short cycle" and the product of the normal carbon cycle;
and therefore, does not need to be accounted for under the current methodologies.

Based on preliminary LFG modeling, the reduction of GHG emissions from a flaring or direct-
use at the Okhla Landfill would result in the reduction of over 112,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
emissions between 2011 and 2015. Assuming a market value for CO2E of $10/tonne, this could
provide a potential income stream from emissions trading of over $1,120,000 or INR 5.6 crores
for the five-year period. If used as domestic fuel it can have additional benefits of displacement
of fossil fuel.

2.5 CONCLUSIONS

Based on a preliminary evaluation of potential LFG recovery and available LFG project options
of direct use as domestic fuel may be economically feasible for the Okhla Landfill. Looking to
the condition of Okhla Landfill site, characteristics and quantity of the waste in place, there is
promising possibility of use of biogas as domestic fuel. Its location nearby a sewage treatment
plant, which has a network of gas supply and proposed to discontinue it in near future are
promising for the use of this network for LFG supply. Funding from certified emission reduction
credits also increases the financial feasibility of a project at this site. However, projected LFG
recovery and project feasibility is limited by declining LFG generation rates after closure and the
modest estimated LFG recovery rate (approximately 50%) from the landfill. In addition,
significant work to grade and cap the landfill would be needed to stabilize the waste mass gas
prior to installing a gas control system to maximize the collection efficiency of such a system.
The next steps in project development would include: (1) preparing designs and cost estimates
for capping and GCCS installation at the landfill; (2) contacting the DJB and consumers for LFG
sales pricing that would be required for a project. Significant investment would be needed to
realize the potential revenue streams associated with LFG utilization projects at this site, but
income streams from GHG reduction credits and beneficial use of the LFG could offset those
costs and make the project feasible.

Present report is based on the information provided by the authorities at Central Pollution
Control Boar, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Okhla
Landfill Site and Okhla Sewage treatment Plant. Neither the IRADe nor the U.S. EPA can take
responsibility for the accuracy of this data. The assessments and predictions presented in this
report are purely based on the data and physical conditions of the landfill observed at the time of
the site visit. It should be kept in mind that the landfill conditions are largely affected by number
of factors like climatic conditions, waste characteristics and management practices. The quantity
of LFG extracted from the landfill site may vary from the values predicted in this report, which
are based on conditions observed during the site visit. At present there is no any gas collection,
flaring or utilization system. While all due care and attention has been given to development of
this report, the investors in landfill gas utilization projects at the landfill are advised to satisfy

25
themselves as to the accuracy of the data and predictions contained in this report. This report has
been prepared for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is public information.

3.6 REFERENCES:

Bhide A.D (1994) “Methane Emissions from Landfills”, Journal IAEM, vol.21, pp 1-7 .

CPHEEO, (2000). “Manual on Municipal Solid Waste Management”, Central Public Health and
vironmental Engineering Organisation and Ministry of Urban Development, Government of
India, New Delhi (2000).
CPCB,(1999) “Status of solid waste generation, collection, treatment and disposal in metro
cities“, Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi (1999).
CPCB (2006). Status of solid waste generation, collection, treatment and disposal in Capita
Cities of India, Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi (1999).
Sudhakar Yedla, (2000) “Purpose built landfill system for the control of methane emissions from
municipal solid waste”, Indira Gandhi Institute of Developmental Research, Mumbai, India
USEPA, (2006). Global Anthropogenic Emissions of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases 1990-2020,
June 2006.
Pani B., (2007). Environmental Science and Engineering. Galgotia Publications Pvt. Ltd., New
Delhi, India.
Vasudevan N., (2006). Essentials of Environmental Science. Narosa Publishing House, New
Delhi, India.
Sinha J., (2006). Environmental Science. Galgotia Publications Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India.
Kum V., Sharp A. and Harnpornchai N., (2005). Improving the Solid Waste Management in
Phnom Penh City: A Strategic Approach. Journal of Waste Management, vol. 25, issue 1: 101-
109.
Lal B. and Reddy M. R. V., (2005). Wealth from Wastes. Second edition, Published by Tata
Energy Research Institute Press, The Energy and Resources Institute, New Delhi, India.
Idris A., Inane B. and Hassan M. N., (2004). Overview of Waste Disposal and Landfills/Dumps
in Asian Countries. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, vol. 6:104-110.
Bhatia H.S., (2003). A Text Book on Environmental Pollution and Control. Galgotia publications
Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India.
Bhide A. D and Shekdar A. V., (1998). Solid Waste Management in Indian Urban Centers.
International Solid Waste Association Times (ISWA), no. 1: 26 – 28.
Bhide, A.D. and Sunderesan, B.B., 1983. Solid Waste Management in Developing Countries.
Indian National Scientific Documentation Center, New Delhi, India.
Urban Development Sector Unit (UDSU), East Asia and Pacific Region, (1999). Solid Waste
Management in Asia.
Kansal A., Prasad R. K. and Gupta S., (1998). Delhi Municipal Solid Waste and Environment –
an Appraisal. Indian Journal of Environmental Protection, vol. 18, no. 2: 123-128.
Kansal A., (2002). Solid Waste Management Strategies for India. Indian Journal of
Environmental Protection, vol. 22, no. 4: 444-448.
The World bank (2006), Improving Management of Municipal Solid Waste in India – Overview
and Challenges. Environment Unit, South Asia Region

26
 Annexure: 1
LFG MODELING RESULTS FOR OKHLA LANDFILL
year Disposal Refuse in LFG Emission Rate, m3/year
rate place
High Medium Low Total
degradable degradable degradable
wastes Wastes wastes

1994 176,270 176,270

892963.1 230869.4 1100.333 1124932.7
1995 423,040 599,310
2951568 778271.5 27503.21 3757342.6
1996 449,480 1,048,790
4948245 1344134 55320.32 6347699.3
1997 449,480 1,498,270
6754912 1893274 82888.2 8731074.1
1998 487,980 1,986,250
8584736 2476622 112612.8 11173971
1999 428,830 2,415,080
9940710 2403981 138378.1 12483069
2000 454,650 2,869,730
11298479 2928570 165524.6 14392573
2001 461,230 3,330,960
12560380 3446276 447905 16454561
2002 461,200 3,792,160
13702044 3948642 472278.2 18122963
2003 461,200 4,253,360
14735063 4436161 496433.1 19667657
2004 461,200 4,714,560
15669778 4909271 520371.6 21099421
2005 461,200 5,175,760
16515544 5368399 544174.8 22428117
2006 461,200 5,636,960
17280823 5813957 569508.9 23664290
2007 461,200 6,098,160
17973277 6246348 592928.6 24812554
2014
2008 0461,200 7,712,360
6,559,360
14057356
18599836 6899934
6665959 652301.1
616020.6 21609592
25881815
2015
2009 0461,200 7,712,360
7,020,560
12719622
19166769 6696010
7073169 646475
639078.8 20062107
26879017
2016
2010 0461,200 7,712,360
7,481,760
11509190
19679751 6498113
7468344 640701.2
661492.9 18648005
27809589
2017
2011 0230,600 7,712,360
7,712,360
10413946
18975446 6306065
7549731 634979.1
670097.2 17354990
27195274
2018
2012 00 7,712,360
7,712,360
9422928
17169694 6119693
7326602 629308.2
682508.2 16171929
25178804
2019
2013 00 7,712,360
7,712,360
8526218
15535781 5938828
7110069 623688.2
658179.8 15088734
23304030

27
2020 0 7,712,360
7714841 5763310 618118.5 14096269
2021 0 7,712,360
6980677 5611402 612811.6 13204891
2022 0 7,712,360
6316377 5471910 611231.4 12399519
2023 0 7,712,360
5715295 5314262 605092.7 11634650
2024 0 7,712,360
5171412 5158591 599719.9 10929723
2025 0 7,712,360
4513113 5011445 594857.7 10119415
2026 0 7,712,360
4233994 4813965 588868.9 9636828.3
2027 0 7,712,360
3831077 4719182 583951.2 9134210.2
2028 0 7,712,360
3466501 4581802 628198.1 8676501.9
2029 0 7,712,360
3136620 4447812 573632.1 8158064
2030 0 7,712,360
2838131 4317784 568541.8 7724457.2

28
 Annexure-2
Photographs of Landfill site

29
30