HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandfill GaS Project MemoDepartment of Solid Waste
61050 SE 27th Street • Bend, Oregon 97702
(541) 317-3163
FAX (541) 317-3959
To :
From:
CC :
Date:
Re:
Board of County Commissioners
Timm Schimke ,p
Dave Kanner
July 28, 2011
Landfill Gas Project
The Department of Solid Waste has been considering the various approaches available for
implementing a beneficial use of the landfill gas generated at Knott Landfill . Currently, landfill
gas is simply flared (burned off) in order to control potential migration of the gas off-site and to
control odor at the landfill. Since landfill gas is combustible , it can be used as an alternative
energy source in a variety of applications . The most common use is to generate electricity, but
there are other potential uses as well .
Although all landfills generate gas, the limiting factor at our landfill has been the amount
generated . Projects that use landfill gas as an alternative energy source require a significant
capital investment, and a landfill must produce a significant amount of gas to recoup such an
investment in a timely manner. Landfill gas production is directly related to the amount of
moisture in the waste . Since we live in an arid climate, and have a relatively small landfill, we
have not generated sufficient gas to support a project in the past. We have known that this
problem would be overcome over time as the amount of waste in the landfill increases . In
addition , landfill gas has become a very attractive alternative energy supply, and new
technologies are being developed that make a project at Knott Landfill feasible today .
I am on your Wednesday afternoon work sess ion agenda for next week to discuss a potential
project. We have been approached by a company with a very unique approach to landfill gas
recovery that is patented, and unavailable to other project developers. We will be discussing
the various aspects of the project and seeking your approval to conduct a special procurement
to contract with them as a sole source supplier of this technology.
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