LANDFILL GAS-TO-ENERGY: HOW IT WORKS

Overview
In partnership with PPL Energy Services, LCSWMA developed a renewable energy project that extracts methane gas from its two landfills: Creswell and Frey Farm. The inactive Creswell Landfill, closed in the late 80's, contains a gas collection system with 53 wells placed throughout the site. The active Frey Farm Landfill contains a gas collection system with 33 wells placed throughout the site, with another 87 wells planned as the final cell cap is placed.

How It Works
Landfill gas is generated during the natural process of bacterial decomposition of organic material contained in landfills. Landfill gas is composed of about 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide and water vapor. The gas is collected through a series of pipes. Major particulates and water are removed to assure clean gas is sent to the engines. The clean gas is then sent to two engines contained inside sound attenuated enclosures where 3,200 kilowatts of power is generated (enough power for about 3,200 homes).

Any landfill gas that is in excess of what can be used by the two engines or is available when the engines are not operating is burned in an enclosed flare to assure destruction of the gas. Finally, power generated by the two engines is transformed to a higher voltage and sent into the power grid through utility lines located nearby.

Benefits
The environmental benefits of this project are significant. The LFG Plant equates to planting 48,000 acres of forest per year, removing 45,000 cars from the road, offsetting 800 railroad cars of coal or 400,000 barrels of oil. The economic benefits are remarkable as well. The LFG Plant promotes local economic growth, lower energy costs and develops a domestic, renewable source of energy.