Landfill gas investigation at Sydney Park

This paper reports the results of a landfill gas investigation at Sydney Park during a 28 day period in 1986/87. The concentration of methane, carbon dioxide and oxygen was measured at 0.3, 1 and 2 m depth. Methane and carbon dioxide generally increased with depth, while oxygen diminished. These conditions were thought to be adverse for the establishment of certain types of trees and vegetation. Open air sampling did not indicate the presence of explosive gas, but methane concentrations measured immediately below ground surface were at that time high enough to present an explosion hazard at some locations. However, with appropriate technical and horticultural practices, the development of Sydney Park could continue successfully and will in future provide a recreational area as attractive as Moore Park, also a former landfill site.