Landfill expansion at Monarch Hill means bigger responsibilities ahead for gas technician managing methane emissions
Coconut, Creek, Florida – Tucked away in the heart of Broward County, the sprawling Monarch Hill Landfill is about to get even larger — and so is the workload for those who help keep it safe and environmentally sound. One of those people is Landon Melfe, a gas technician whose daily duties are about to become more demanding.
As one of only three landfill gas technicians working at the site, Melfe plays a vital role in keeping methane emissions in check. Each day, he maneuvers across the 500-acre landfill — currently standing at 225 feet tall — in a utility buggy, stopping at some of the 622 underground wells that dot the landscape. He checks gas levels and makes sure that methane is safely collected and directed to an energy station, where it’s converted into electricity that powers about 9,000 nearby homes.
“This is a super important job,” Melfe explained. “I make sure everything is monitored correctly. We don’t want any gas migration.”
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That task is about to get even more intense. In a move that’s stirred both anticipation and controversy, the Broward County Commission recently approved a significant expansion of Monarch Hill. The landfill will grow by 24 acres, and its height will eventually reach 325 feet. This development is aimed at accommodating the region’s increasing waste, but not everyone is on board.
Officials in Coconut Creek, the city closest to Monarch Hill, have raised strong concerns about the environmental and quality-of-life impacts of the expansion. The city has filed legal challenges at both the state level and in Broward County Circuit Court in an attempt to halt or limit the project.
While the legal battle unfolds, workers like Melfe continue their routine, preparing for what’s to come. Originally from the Albany, New York area, Melfe made his way to South Florida just two years ago and now lives in Davie. Before stepping into the world of landfill gas monitoring, his career path was more varied — he worked in home renovations, tree services, and even had a stint as a UPS driver.
Now, he says he’s found a job that challenges him in a different way. “It’s a very technical job,” Melfe said. “I like working outside.”
The technical side of things is no small matter. Monarch Hill’s gas extraction system is complex, and with hundreds of wells to monitor, technicians like Melfe must be meticulous and efficient. The methane they manage is not only a safety concern — it’s also a valuable energy source. By capturing and converting this greenhouse gas, the facility contributes to renewable energy production in the area.
Craig Pelton, who oversees gas operations at Monarch Hill, emphasizes the importance of the role technicians like Melfe play. “They are the eyes and ears of the environmental compliance of the facility,” Pelton said.
As the landfill prepares to grow, so does the responsibility of those tasked with managing it. For Melfe, that means more miles to cover, more data to track, and more pressure to keep the system running smoothly. But for someone who enjoys the outdoors and thrives in hands-on work, it seems like a challenge he’s ready to meet.
With the expansion now in motion, all eyes will be on Monarch Hill — and on the team ensuring that the growing mountain of waste remains as safe and sustainable as possible.
