Frozen pumps to blame for odor reported in Poland

POLAND

Cold weather is to blame for odors that people might have noticed coming from the Republic Services Carbon-operated Carbon Limestone Landfill, the company said.

Pumps that the company uses to extract gas and water that come out of wells at the landfill are frozen. The company operates 300 wells, gases from which are made up mostly of methane and carbon dioxide, and a small portion of which are contaminants from the landfill that can create an odor.

Gas extracted from the company’s 300 wells is used to create electricity that powers roughly 18,000 homes.

“We’re desperately trying to get those things thawed out,” said Mike Heher, Republic Services division manager.