In a world where there is a major focus on identifying and developing renewable energy sources as well as a need to reduce air emissions, Landfill Gas (LFG) provides some hope. The utilization of LFG to provide energy in a wide variety of applications has become a common mechanism to offset landfill closure and compliance costs and some cases provide an additional, money making revenue stream. Aquaterra’s team of professionals has the experience and business savvy to assist clients with the evaluation of potential projects as well as providing the design and permitting services necessary to turn a concept into reality.
Aquaterra provided engineering and permitting services to Ameresco for the development and construction of a landfill gas utilization project in Jefferson City, Missouri. The project consisted of a 3.5 mile pipeline to transport landfill gas from the Jefferson City Landfill to reciprocating internal combustion engines located at the Algoa Correction Center. The engines are capable of generating up to 3.2 megawatts of green power which is contracted for purchase by Columbia Water & Light. In addition, waste heat generated from the engines is captured to provide steam for the Correction Center’s heating system and allowed for replacement of the facility’s aging boilers. This innovative project was recognized by the EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) as its 2009 “Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project of the Year”.
Aquaterra’s involvement in this exciting project included the preparation of a landfill gas pipeline route study, specifically focusing on location constraints, permitting issues, land use compatibility analysis, and an estimated project cost. Aquaterra also completed permitting for the project which included an air construction permit for three 3.2-megawatt reciprocating internal combustion engines, land disturbance permits; and a solid waste management permit modification. Aquaterra also developed an operations and maintenance manual for the landfill gas pipeline to comply with gas transmission and distribution piping Federal (Title 49, Part 192) and State Regulations (Division 40, Chapter 40).
