Valoris Technical Landfill Site
Valoris Technical Landfill Site
2023
The expansion of the Valoris technical landfill site, carried out by the gbi team, involves the creation of a new cell with a capacity of 248,060 m³ of residual materials, along with the related structures required to operate the entire expansion area located near the former site, which has now reached full capacity. The work was completed within a tight timeframe and in compliance with the conditions of the ministerial decree and the Environment Quality Act.
The mandate includes designing a landfill cell above the groundwater table, managing stormwater both quantitatively and qualitatively, and optimizing biogas collection.
New infrastructures, entirely independent from the existing cells, were designed, an uncommon approach for this type of project. Its distinctiveness lies in the design of a complex underground piping system initially planned to bypass the former landfill site.
Biogas management
gbi’s mandate incorporated a proactive approach to biogas management, anticipating its collection during the operation of the landfill cells and planning for the addition of an extra flare. The client envisions valorizing the biogas to generate energy in the coming years. Accordingly, the infrastructure has been designed to enable the future production of renewable natural gas from biogas.
A biogas monitoring system was installed at the current landfill site, connected to the biogas network. This initiative aims to quantify the amount of biogas generated, allowing continuous monitoring to assess the adequacy of the flare and adjust the gas extraction wells. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to reducing methane (CH₄) emissions, contributing to environmental protection. Challenges related to finding a suitable biogas flow meter were overcome through careful evaluation with collaborators..
Tight time constraints
The project was subject to tight time constraints, with a deadline set for the end of June 2023 for the commissioning of the new site. The tender imposed a shortened design, construction, and monitoring window, with no possibility of delay due to the conditions of the ministerial decree regarding the end of operations for the previously authorized landfill cells. Delivering a fully operational site within 365 days was a major challenge. gbi successfully commissioned the new cell as planned, demonstrating effective project management and the ability to carry out work during winter conditions.
Project sustainability
The mandate is not limited to the site expansion but also anticipates complementary projects in the coming years. Proactive planning has taken into account a future water treatment, refining, and biogas valorization facility, and the infrastructure has been designed to evolve with the client’s future projects on the site.
The project has a long-term vision, with a sustainability projection of at least 50 years. The opening of the first cell in June 2023 marks the beginning of a management strategy that anticipates the future. Modeling was carried out to design the next cells and optimize residual material management, ensuring efficient operations for several decades.
A project that stands out
The Valoris technical landfill expansion project was a finalist at the Grands Prix du génie-conseil québécois 2024 in the Environment category, organized by l’Association des firmes de génie conseil québécoises.
The excellence of coordination among the various stakeholders was a key factor in this success, highlighting the strength of teamwork and the value of proactivity. The gbi team, through its dedication and unwavering availability, proved to be a revelation for Valoris, demonstrating that great achievements stem from the fusion of skills and vision. Together, we not only met the challenge but also raised the standard of what engineering can accomplish when driven by a passion for innovation and respect for our planet. This project is not just a technical success, it is a statement for a more sustainable future.
Joey Labranche, ing., M.Sc A.
Project Manager at Valoris
