| City looking at selling landfill gas - Midland Daily News - 6/06 |
City Utilities Director Noel Bush said the city`s landfill is always producing landfill gases, which are about 50 percent methane and 50 percent carbon dioxide. "Methane gas is generated through the decomposition of waste, or rotting garbage," he said.
The study shows the city`s newer portion of the landfill is producing enough gas that it could be profitable to collect and use it. "This is a preliminary study; it shows it`s very feasible," City Manager Karl Tomion said.
It would cost about $1 million to install a collection system and $5 million for processing equipment to remove carbon dioxide, nitrogen and more to end up with natural gas, which could be used or sold. "I think the initial capital investment has been a deterrent to many," said Kevin Foye, senior staff engineer with CTI. With natural gas prices rising, it`s becoming more realistic for many landfill operators, Foye said. He said Midland could have a system operating in 2008.
To make the most money, the city could change the way it processes waste. One step is to separate construction and demolition waste from household refuse because it doesn`t produce methane when it deteriorates. Bush said the city already has planned to accommodate this waste separately in its five-year landfill plan.
Another step to create methane quicker is to recirculate liquids within landfill cells to promote quicker deterioration. This would provide quicker payoffs for collecting the gas.
If both steps are taken, the city could make up to $50 million, using conservative gas price figures, over the next several decades. Foye said in the near future the city will be required to collect the landfill gas so emissions don`t pass permitted levels. Instead of burning the gas, processing it would provide a more environmentally-friendly option, he said.
But, more studies must be done and the city would have to locate a purchaser for the natural gas. Tomion said in the coming months more precise costs and other details will be studied, and reports will be brought to the city council for consideration.
By Tony Lascari - Midland Daily News |
