Landfill gas is created when microorganisms cause organic wastes, such as food wastes and paper, that have been placed in landfills to decompose. Landfill gas is the product of aerobic and anaerobic decomposition of organic wastes. Initially, wastes begin to decompose under aerobic conditions, in the presence of oxygen. However, as the oxygen contained within the waste mass is consumed, anaerobic decomposition begins. It is during anaerobic decomposition that landfill gas, consisting of approximately 50 percent methane (CH4) and 50 percent carbon dioxide (CO2), along with trace amounts of non-methane organic compounds, is produced.
Landfill gas is typically collected and burned in flares, which are control devices designed to prevent the emission of methane into the atmosphere. In landfill gas to energy projects, rather than burning the landfill gas in flares without any energy recovery or benefit, landfill gas is burned in boilers, reciprocating engines, or combustion turbines to produce electricity. It can also so be used directly as a fuel in boilers or industrial applications, or it can be “cleaned” by removing carbon dioxide and other impurities so that it can be placed in the natural gas supply. The landfill size and age, quantity of organic waste, and the local climate help determine the rate and quantity of gas that a landfill can produce (EPA website).
One of the cornerstones of the Pennsylvania Government's “PennSecurity Fuels Initiative” is to fully develop the State's indigenous energy resources while enhancing environmental protection. Methane from landfill gas is considered by the State of Pennsylvania to be a “reliable and renewable fuel.” Rather than simply venting or flaring this methane gas, one that is considered a significant component of global warming, ARM is helping its landfill clients to harness the energy contained in this gas to use it for heating purposes or for electricity generation.
ARM has a seasoned staff of engineers with extensive experience in landfill gas management, design, conveyance, and utilization. Our personnel have provided design and construction related services for numerous landfill gas to energy projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. ARM specializes in providing the following landfill gas utilization services:
- Landfill Gas Generation Assessment
- Engineering Design Services including
- Landfill Gas Resources Analysis and Optimization Assessment
- Gas Conveyance Pipeline Design
- Vacuum Pressure Evaluation and Exhauster/Blower Selection
- Condensate Management System Design
- Evaluation and Selection of Appropriate Gas Utilization Technology
- Permit Application Preparation including
- Title V Air Permit
- Bureau of Air Quality Permit
- Minor Landfill Permit Modification (if applicable)
- General Permit for Beneficial Use of Landfill Gas
- Preparation of Construction Drawings and Specifications
- CQA and Construction Certification Services
ARM's goal is to help you maximize your renewable energy resources to promote increased energy independence and a cleaner environment.