Renewable Natural Gas to be Produced at Roanoke County, VA Landfill

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The Roanoke Valley Resource Authority announced plans this week for an operation that will convert methane — naturally produced underground as organic materials decompose in the Smith Gap Regional Landfill — into what is called renewable natural gas. A system of wells and pipes will collect methane and other gases emitted by the western Roanoke County landfill and deliver them to an onsite processing facility operated by Archaea Energy.

There, the byproducts of trash will be converted to a form of natural gas that will serve as a substitute for traditional fossil fuels, the resource authority says. “This project underlines our commitment to advancing environmental stewardship while benefiting our local communities,” Jeremy Garrett, director of operations and technical services for the authority, said in an announcement. The processing facility, to be paid for and operated by Archaea, is expected to be operational in 2025.

Currently, the landfill uses a flare system to burn off methane before it is released into the atmosphere, where it would otherwise act as a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. At one point, the benefits of that system were used to sell carbon offsets, but the resource authority is no longer eligible for the program and is therefore not giving up any financial benefits, Garrett said.

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com