Sensor System and Weather Station - Leduc 2017
Introduction and Background
While working as an environmental engineer with Tetra Tech, I led a multi-year research and development initiative focused on advancing landfill biocover technology in Alberta. We secured grant funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) and partnered with the University of Calgary to deliver a full-scale, proof-of-concept demonstration. The goal of the project was to prove that evapotranspiration biocovers could work in Alberta’s climate and provide a viable, regulation-compliant method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, specifically methane, through enhanced soil-based oxidation. A key aim was to establish a credible pathway for clients to generate carbon offset credits using this innovative approach. The project ran from 2016 to 2022 and was completed under budget and profitably, despite its R&D nature and significant unknowns.
Project Outcomes
- Full-scale proof of concept for landfill biocover technology
- Use of novel construction methods and alternative cover materials
- Development of an Albertan carbon offset protocol specific to biocovers
- Creation of a methane emissions oxidation model and measurement methodology
- Development of a PET calculator for rapid site screening and feasibility analysis
- Use of novel construction methods and alternative cover materials
- Development of an Albertan carbon offset protocol specific to biocovers
- Creation of a methane emissions oxidation model and measurement methodology
- Development of a PET calculator for rapid site screening and feasibility analysis
Project Context and Objectives
Alberta’s strict environmental regulations require rigorous validation for approval of alternative landfill cover systems. At the time, no approved method existed for generating carbon offsets from methane oxidation via biocovers or biofilters. Our goal was to develop and prove a full-scale biocover system that could work in Alberta’s climate, use readily available materials, and develop a new carbon offset protocol.
To achieve this, we explored novel construction methods using value-added and byproduct materials, designed for both performance and cost-efficiency. A custom sensor network was installed on-site, enabling real-time data collection to support modeling and ongoing validation. Balancing scientific rigor with affordability was critical for future adoption by municipalities and industry.
Sensor Data Plot - In Situ Moisture Content Profile
Sensor Data Plot - In Situ Temperature Profile
My Role
- Project engineering and management
- Led all hydrologic design and modeling
- Developed a rapid PET-based site screening method
- Created construction specs and material selection criteria tailored for field conditions
- Acted as the primary liaison with regulators, academics, and industry stakeholders
- Facilitated steering committee meetings
- Ensured the project came in under budget and delivered a profitable outcome despite its R&D complexity
- Led all hydrologic design and modeling
- Developed a rapid PET-based site screening method
- Created construction specs and material selection criteria tailored for field conditions
- Acted as the primary liaison with regulators, academics, and industry stakeholders
- Facilitated steering committee meetings
- Ensured the project came in under budget and delivered a profitable outcome despite its R&D complexity
PET Calculator
To support scalable adoption, I developed a Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) calculator using the FAO Penman-Monteith equation. Built in Excel using only open-source, publicly available climate data, the tool allows clients to quickly assess site feasibility for biocover systems.
The calculator balances transparency with ease of use, providing:
- A one-stop-shop for PET estimation
- Clear, traceable calculations
- Significant time savings compared to traditional modeling approaches
- A practical foundation for early decision-making on project viability
- A one-stop-shop for PET estimation
- Clear, traceable calculations
- Significant time savings compared to traditional modeling approaches
- A practical foundation for early decision-making on project viability
This tool became a key part of our offering, enabling clients to screen landfill sites quickly and confidently.
PET Calculator
Outcomes
- Full-scale validation of landfill biocover technology in Alberta’s climate
- Multiple peer-reviewed publications by the University of Calgary
- Development of a new carbon offset protocol
- Proprietary specifications and methodologies adopted by Tetra Tech
- Creation of the PET calculator and screening tools for client use
- Potential for millions in offset credit revenue at the Leduc pilot site
- Multiple peer-reviewed publications by the University of Calgary
- Development of a new carbon offset protocol
- Proprietary specifications and methodologies adopted by Tetra Tech
- Creation of the PET calculator and screening tools for client use
- Potential for millions in offset credit revenue at the Leduc pilot site
