United States Office of Air and EPA 430-K-99-002
Environmental Protection Radiation (6202J) January 1999
Agency
Landfill Gas-to-Energy
Project Opportunities
Background Information on
Landfill Profiles
LANDFILL METHANE
OUTREACH PROGRAM
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EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program
The EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program,
a key component of the United State's Climate
Change Action Plan, encourages the use of
landfill gas (LFG) as an energy resource. EPA
assists utilities, municipal and private landfill
owners and operators, tribes, and state
agencies in reducing methane emissions from
landfills through the development of profitable landfill energy
recovery projects. Methane captured from landfills can be
transformed into a cost-effective fuel source for electricity, heat,
boiler and vehicular fuel, or sale to a pipeline. EPA estimates
there are approximately 200 landfill methane recovery projects in
the U.S. and that up to 750 landfills could install economically
viable landfill energy projects.
The Landfill Methane Outreach Program includes five important
components: the State Ally, Energy Ally, Industry Ally, Community
Partner, and Endorser programs. EPA establishes separate
alliances with state agencies, energy providers (including investor-
owned, municipal and other public power utilities and
cooperatives), key trade and public sector associations, members
of the landfill gas development industry (including developers,
engineers, equipment vendors, and others) and local communities,
municipalities and landfill owner/operators through a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). By signing the MOU, each
Ally/Partner acknowledges a shared commitment to the promotion
of landfill gas-to-energy recovery at solid waste landfills,
recognizes that the widespread use of landfill gas will reduce
emissions of methane and other gases, and commits to undertake
activities to enhance development of this resource. In return, EPA
agrees to provide landfill gas-to-energy project assistance and
public recognition of the Allies' and Partners' participation in the
program.
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Landfill Gas-to-Energy
Project Opportunities
Background Information on Landfill Profiles
Prepared For:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Prepared By:
ICF Incorporated
Washington, DC
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Acknowleclgments
ICF Incorporated prepared this document under U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Contract
68-W7-0069, Task Order 008. The principal authors of this document were Diana Pape,
Elizabeth O'Neil, and Jennifer Kish of ICF Incorporated. The authors would like to thank Ed
Coe of EPA-APPD for his management and guidance during the preparation of this document.
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Table of Contents
Acronyms and Terms ii
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
1.2 Landfill Classification . .
1.3 Background Information
1.4 Benefits
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2. Data Collection Methods 2-1
2.1 Methodology Used to Collect Data 2-1
2.2 Landfill Candidacy Screening Process 2-1
2.3 National Databases Used to Complete Profiles 2-3
3. Landfill Profiles: Definition of Data Fields 3-1
3.1 A. General Landfill Information 3-1
3.2 B. Landfill Gas Collection 3-3
3.3 C. Landfill Gas Utilization 3-5
3.4 D. Environmental Benefits of Utilization 3-7
3.5 E. Contact Information 3-13
3.6 Summary of Default Values 3-13
4. References 4-1
List of Exhibits
Exhibit 1-1. Criteria Used to Catagorize Landfills 1-2
Exhibit 1-2. Schematic of Various Landfill Gas-to-Energy Recovery Systems 1-4
Exhibit 2-1. Summary of National Databases 2-5
Exhibit 3-1. Offset Emissions for Displaced Fuel Used for
Electricity Generation Project 3-9
Exhibit 3-2. Offset Emissions for Displaced Fuel Used for
Direct Use Project 3-11
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Acronyms and Terms
i 'A**, ymiw\
Btu British thermal unit
cf cubic feet
CH4 methane
CO2 carbon dioxide
DOE U.S. Department of Energy
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
GW gigawatt (1 billion watts)
GWh/yr gigawatt hours/year
GWP Global Warming Potential
hr hour
1C internal combustion
kW kilowatt (1,000 watts)
kWh kilowatt hour
LFGTE landfill gas-to-energy
LMOP Landfill Methane Outreach Program
m3 cubic meters
mmBtu million Btu
mmscf/d million standard cubic feet per day
mmscf/yr million standard cubic feet per year
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MSW municipal solid waste
MW megawatt (1 million watts)
NA not available
NARUC National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners
NMOC non-methane organic compound
NOx nitrogen oxides
PUC Public Utility Commission
REPI Renewable Energy Production Incentive
scf/d standard cubic feet per day
SO2 sulfur dioxide
tpy tons per year
VOCs volatile organic compounds
WIP waste-in-place
yd3 cubic yards
yr year
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1- Introduction
/ ^i.
1.1 Purpose
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that approximately 200 landfill methane
recovery projects exist in the United States and that up to 750 economically viable landfill gas-
to-energy projects could be developed; these potential projects are constrained by informational,
regulatory, and other barriers. Through the Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP), the
EPA is working to overcome these barriers and encourage the benefits of developing landfill
gas-to-energy projects. A key objective of the LMOP is to provide landfill owners and
operators, developers of landfill gas-to-energy projects, utilities, and other potential project
participants with information on landfills that may offer attractive energy development
opportunities.
Since 1994, U.S. EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) has participated in an
ongoing effort to gather information on Municipal Solid Waste landfills (MSW). This
document describes the methodology used to develop the state-specific landfill profiles and the
economic and environmental benefits of using landfill gas as an energy source. The state-
specific profiles are contained in the document entitled, Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project
Opportunities, Landfill Profiles for the State of [STATE]. EPA has developed landfill profiles
for 31 states: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Profiles are available from
EPA's Landfill Methane Outreach Program, Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Division, Office
of Air and Radiation. For more information call 1-888-STAR-YES.
1.2 Landfill Classification
Compiling information on MSW landfills is a first step in determining the potential for
developing landfill gas recovery projects and can also serve to address informational barriers by
providing details about specific candidate landfills to organizations that may be interested in
developing such projects. It does not, however, include a detailed technical and economic
analysis of each site, a critical step in determining whether developing a landfill gas-to-energy
recovery project at a particular site is feasible.
To facilitate the use of available landfill information, EPA has categorized the landfills into five
categories: Current Project,1 Candidate Project, Shutdown, Other, and Unknown Waste-In-
Place (WIP). This characterization is based on the status of the landfills' landfill gas-to-energy
project(s) and is intended to facilitate identification of project opportunities. This
characterization scheme is based on the generation of methane which is a function of many
factors, the most critical being the amount of waste-in-place and the number of years the waste
has been in the landfill. Therefore, the longer a landfill has been closed, the less attractive it
becomes for methane recovery. Landfills closed prior to 1993 generally have a low probability
Current projects illustrate the wide range of successful project development options.
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.,_ ./- of generating enough methane to make a gas recovery project economical, and, consequently, to
be categorized as a candidate landfill, the landfill must be in operation or closed after 1993.
Exhibit 1-1 presents the criteria used to catagorize the MSW landfills.
Exhibit 1-1. Criteria Used to Catagorize Landfills
Current Project:
Q Landfill with operational LFGTE project; or
Q Landfill with LFGTE project under construction.
Candidate Project:
Q Landfill does not currently have a LFGTE utilization project and the status is
reported as 'potential' or 'planned'; or
Q Landfill is currently operating or closed after 1993, and has more than 1,000,000
tons of methane generating waste-in-place.a>b
Shutdown:
Q Landfill has a shutdown LFGTE project.
Other:
Landfill has less than 1,000,000 tons of methane generating waste-in-place with no
current or planned LFGTE project.
Unknown WIP:
Q Landfill where insufficient data are available to determine the waste-in-place.
a Methane generating WIP is WIP over the past 30 years of operation.
By modeling the relationship between WIP and methane generation, a cut-off of 1,000,000 tons of WIP was
established; landfills having at least 1,000,000 tons of WIP are considered Candidate Project landfills.
The following information briefly describes the organization and content of the remainder of
this document.
Sections 1.3-1.4: Background Information on Gas Collection and Use. These sections
contain background information on the generation, collection, and utilization of landfill gas.
Section 1.3 discusses the composition and characteristics of landfill gas, and the utilization of
landfill gas as an energy source for various applications. Section 1.4 discusses the benefits of
landfill gas-to-energy projects to specific groups, and project opportunities for landfill owners
and operators, industrial end users, and utilities.
Section 2: Data Collection Methods. This section describes the methodology used to collect data
from state and local sources, and the national databases used to generate the profiles. The landfill
screening process and a summary table of database sources are also discussed in this section.
Sections: Landfill Profiles Definition of Data Fields. This section provides definitions of the
data fields included in the landfill profiles. Each data field is defined and, where applicable,
calculations and default values used to derive estimates are provided. The section is organized
according to the five sections that comprise the landfill profiles: General Landfill Information,
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Landfill Gas Collection, Landfill Gas Utilization, Environmental Benefits of Utilization, and
Contact Information. A sample profile sheet is provided at the end of Section 3.
1.3 Background Information
This section provides general background information on landfill gas generation, collection, and
utilization. This section further discusses landfill gas-to-energy (LFGTE) project gas utilization
options, gas delivery systems and electric power generation. For more detailed information, a
number of additional sources are available, including Turning a Liability into an Asset: A
Landfill Gas-to-Energy Handbook for Landfill Owners and Operators (U.S. EPA, 1994) and
Opportunities to Reduce Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in the United States: Report to
Congress (EPA, 1993).
1.3.1 Landfill Gas Generation
Landfill gas is produced through the natural process of anaerobic (i.e., without oxygen)
decomposition of organic wastes. Typically, landfill gas is composed of about 50 percent methane,
45 percent carbon dioxide, and 5 percent other gases including hydrogen sulfides and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs). The primary constituent of natural gas is methane, therefore landfill gas can be
used as fuel. Characteristics of the landfill gas, such as quantity of methane per unit of landfill gas
and amount of landfill gas generated per unit of waste, are a function of the quantity and type of
waste-in-place, climate, and several other site-specific factors.
Landfill gas generation is estimated to begin from six months to two years after waste is placed
in a landfill. Gas generation rates vary depending on moisture content and other site-specific
factors. However, the gas profile for an individual landfill may vary considerably from this
trajectory; for example, landfill gas generation may continue at a significantly higher rate than
expected for many years after landfill closure depending on site conditions.
Landfill gas generation is often predicted using a first order decay model, which takes into
account the changing rate of gas generation described above. However, a simpler model was
used for the profiles contained in this report. This model assumes a constant rate of landfill gas
generation and, as a result of this difference, the two models may predict different gas
generation rates. The model used is explained in greater detail in Chapter 3 of this report.
1.3.2 Landfill Gas Collection
Landfill gas can be collected using a relatively simple system of vertical wells drilled into the
landfill at selected points. Well spacing depends on site-specific variables, but typically ranges
from 150 to 300 feet. Horizontal trenches can also be used in place of, or in addition to, vertical
wells. Horizontal trenches tend to be less durable than vertical wells because refuse added to
the top of the trenches can weaken the pipes and cause breakage. All of the wells (or trenches)
are connected by horizontal piping to a central point where a motor/blower provides a vacuum to
remove the gas from the landfill. In an effectively designed and constructed system, methane
recovery efficiencies in excess of 85 percent can be achieved (Maxwell, 1990). Exhibit 1-2
presents a schematic of landfill gas-to-energy recovery systems.
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Exhibit 1-2. Schematic of Various Landfill Gas-to-Energy Recovery Systems
NETWORK
PROCESS V
DISTRICT r
HEAT
BOILER
Collection systems are usually operated as part of an overall landfill gas control system. In
many cases, a collection system is necessary to suppress landfill odors or control gas migration
that, if left unchecked, could create potential safety hazards.
In addition, under the Clean Air Act, Title 40CFR, Part 60 Subparts WWW and Cc, New
Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and Emissions Guidelines (EG) for Municipal Solid
Waste (MSW) Landfills, require many landfills to install gas collection systems in order to
reduce emissions of non-methane organic compounds (NMOCs). EPA's New Source
Performance Standards and Emission Guidelines (i.e., the Landfill Rule) were promulgated on
March 12, 1996 and amended June 1998. NSPS affects "new landfills" that commenced
construction, modification or reconstruction on or after May 31, 1991. EG affects "existing
landfills" that commenced construction, modification, or reconstruction before May 30, 1991.
The compliance requirements for NSPS and EG are essentially the same. If the landfill has a
total permitted capacity below 2.5 million megagrams of waste or 2.5 million cubic meters of
waste, the landfill is exempt from further evaluation. If the landfill is above the design capacity
threshold, 2.5 mmg and 2.5 million cubic meters of waste, then the landfill's annual non-
methane organic compound emissions (NMOC) must be determined. If the NMOC emissions
are greater than or equal to 50 MG/yr the landfill must adhere to the NSPS or EG requirements.
These requirements include submitting compliance reports, installing a gas collection system,
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.,_ ^ - destroying the landfill gas at 98 percent efficiency, and adhering to specified operation and
maintenance procedures. For further information on the NSPS or EG, please see the EPA
LMOP document, Helping Landfill Owners Achieve Effective, Low-Cost Compliance with
Federal Landfill Gas Regulations Document, December 1998.
1.3.3 Landfill Gas Utilization
Once collected, landfill gas can be used as an energy source for many different applications,
including electricity generation, space heating and cooling, industrial processes, and vehicle
fuels. In addition, landfill gas can simply be flared when a cost-effective utilization option
cannot be developed. In each of these options, the methane contained in the recovered landfill
gas is consumed, either through combustion (e.g., use as a fuel, including upgrading to pipeline
quality gas and flaring) or conversion to a non-greenhouse gas, thereby reducing emissions of
methane to the atmosphere. Moreover, using landfill gas to generate electricity can displace
other fossil fuel use, thereby reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other local air pollutants.
As mentioned previously, approximately 200 fully operational landfill gas recovery and
utilization projects exist in the U.S., with over 58 additional projects under development
(LMOP, 1998). Landfill gas-to-energy projects have established a track record that
demonstrates the reliability and economic viability of landfill gas recovery and utilization
technology. Electric power generation is the most common gas utilization method for landfill
gas recovery projects. In fact, more than 78 percent of the planned or operational landfill energy
projects generate electricity, while about 18 percent sell medium-Btu gas to a direct user,
3 percent upgrade their gas to pipeline quality, and approximately 1 percent use landfill gas in
leachate and condensate disposal systems (Thorneloe, 1997). The electricity generating capacity
of landfill gas projects typically ranges between 0.5 and 4 megawatts (MW), with the largest
operational facility generating almost 50 MW. Total U.S. installed electric capacity fired by
landfill gas is roughly 520 MW (Thorneloe, 1997). In addition, current landfill gas sales
displacing fossil fuels are equivalent to 140 MW of generating capacity (Thorneloe, 1997).
The following is a brief summary of landfill methane utilization options. For more information
on these technologies and their costs, see EPA, Turning a Liability into an Asset: A Landfill
Gas-to-Energy Handbook for Owners and Operators (U.S. EPA, 1994).
Electricity Generation. For landfills that generate significant amounts of landfill gas (i.e., more
than 1.3 million cubic feet per day), electric power generation can be a cost-effective method of
utilization. Several proven technologies can be used to generate electricity from landfill gas.
J Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines (1C). These engines have proven to be
cost-effective in many applications, and, in the case of small landfills, may be the only
available, proven generating option. 1C engines are currently in use at about 89 sites
(Thorneloe, 1997), with typical engine sizes ranging from 250 kilowatts (kW) to 1 MW
in size (more than one engine can be installed at a single site, and a typical project's
total generating capacity is 3 to 4 MW). The three primary manufacturers of these
engines have modified their designs and operating procedures to make the engines
"landfill-gas-adapted."
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.._/-' Q Gas Turbines. Although gas turbines have higher capital costs than 1C engines per kilowatt
of installed capacity, at larger landfills, gas turbines have a lower cost of electricity (i.e.,
0/kWh). The cost per kW hour of the generating capacity drops as gas turbine size grows,
requiring a reliable gas flow of approximately 2 million standard cubic feet per day
(mmscf/d) in order to be economically feasible. This corresponds to a generating capacity of
at least 3 to 4 MW. Although they require higher gas flows, gas turbines have a number of
advantages over 1C engines. Because of the large quantities of excess air, NOX emissions
are considerably lower than from 1C engines. In addition, gas turbines have continuous
combustion which better adjusts to fluctuations in heat values of the landfill gas fuel.
Furthermore, the alloys used in turbines tend to be more resistant to corrosion from
impurities within the gas supply. There are about 22 landfill gas projects in the U.S. using
gas turbines (Thorneloe, 1997).
Q Rankine Cycle (Steam) Turbines. In rare cases where gas flow rates are extremely high, a
rankine cycle turbine may be used. If the scale of the operation will support a rankine cycle
turbine, high electrical efficiencies can be achieved with lower emissions of air pollutants
and lower costs per kWh of output. Steam turbines also produce large amounts of high
temperature water that can be easily utilized for thermal co-generation activities. The
smallest facilities usually generate at least 8 to 9 MW of power. Currently, rankine cycle
turbines are only used at approximately five of the landfills in the U. S., the largest being a 47
MW facility at Puente Hills, California (Thorneloe, 1997).
J Combined Cycle Engines (gas turbine and steam turbine). Combined cycle engines
offer the highest efficiency and cost effectiveness for large landfills. These engines are
used in the independent power industry for power plants over 20 MW. Currently, only
two facilities have operational combined cycle engines, but the capacity of both
operational and in construction facilities is about 55 MW (Thorneloe, 1997).
Q Gas Delivery Systems. Gas processing and delivery systems process landfill gas so it
can be sold as a gaseous fuel. The fuel can be delivered directly to a customer via
dedicated pipes or to the natural gas pipeline network. The two main options include:
Sale as a Medium-Btu Fuel. Landfill gas can be used for a variety of
industrial and commercial applications, such as firing boilers and space
heating, and can also be co-fired with other fuels. Medium-Btu gas can be
economically transported via dedicated pipelines to one or more industrial
facilities. An ideal medium-Btu gas customer is located within 5 miles of the
landfill and has constant demand for gas. Currently, 27 landfills have
medium-Btu gas projects that produce approximately 44 mmscf/day
(Thorneloe, 1997).
Sale as a High-Btu Fuel. Landfill gas can be upgraded to a high-Btu fuel and
sold directly to natural gas companies. The cost to upgrade the gas to pipeline
quality is generally very high, as the process involves the removal of water,
carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), hydrocarbons, and on some
occasions, nitrogen. In addition, sale as a high-Btu fuel to a pipeline usually
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.,_ ^ - requires that a natural gas pipeline be located within close proximity of the
site. Currently, there are 5 Btu plants in the United States (Thorneloe, 1997).
Q Emerging Utilization Options. Other less conventional utilization options for landfill
gas are also available or may soon become available. Some of these options, such as
fuel cells, have demonstrated advantages over conventional landfill gas-to-energy
equipment. Although fuel cells are not in wide commercial production due to costs,
they may become more widely used due to advantages including the minimization of
emissions, noise, and vibrations through the chemical conversion of landfill gas to
electricity. Several landfill owners, operators, and project developers have considered
fuel cells for landfill gas application (Thorneloe, 1997). Other options, such as the
conversion of landfill gas to vehicle fuel, underway at several landfills, have not been
built on a large scale. A small number of landfills have also used recovered gas to
incinerate soil contaminated with hazardous waste (Thorneloe, 1997).
1.4 Benefits
This section discusses the many benefits of recovering energy from landfill gas. Landfill gas-to-
energy projects provide both direct and indirect benefits to the global environment and local
community. Section 1.4.1 discusses general benefits of landfill gas-to-energy recovery projects,
and Section 1.4.2 discusses benefits realized by specific groups.
1.4.1 General Benefits
Recovery of energy from landfill gas conveys many important global and local environmental
benefits as well as the economic benefits of energy production. For example, landfill gas-to-
energy improves the global environment by reducing methane emissions, and provides local
environmental benefits by reducing volatile organic chemical (VOC) emissions, as well as
displacing other pollutants associated with fossil fuel use. In addition, it provides a secure, low-
cost energy supply (an energy supply that is currently wasted) that can reduce dependence on
fossil fuels. These benefits are discussed in more detail below.
Environmental Benefits. Landfill gas projects provide both direct and indirect environmental
benefits. Direct environmental benefits from utilizing landfill gas include reducing VOC
emissions, reducing the risk of global warming, and reducing the odor of pungent decaying
waste. Landfill gas contains VOCs, which contribute substantially to ground-level ozone and
include air toxins. Without control systems, these compounds are released to the atmosphere as
waste decomposes. When landfill gas is collected and burned through flaring or in an energy
recovery system, VOCs are destroyed. Energy recovery projects further minimize emissions
through optimization of gas recovery in order to maximize economic benefit.
Combusting landfill gas also destroys methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Landfill gas
is the single largest source of methane emissions in the U.S., contributing almost 40 percent of
annual methane emissions. Because of methane's potency and its rapid cycling through the
atmosphere, reducing methane emissions is crucial in slowing global warming; a ton of methane
emitted into the atmosphere is 21 times more damaging than a ton of carbon dioxide over a 100
year time frame (IPCC, 1995).
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.._ ^ The primary indirect environmental benefit of landfill gas-to-energy recovery projects is the
displacement of fossil fuels. Generating electricity from oil and coal leads to the emission of
carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas, and several pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), a
major contributor to acid rain. By generating electricity from landfill gas, emissions from fossil
fuel use are avoided. Moreover, displacing fossil fuels substantially reduces the production of
ash and scrubber sludge.
Energy Benefits. Several energy benefits are associated with utilizing landfill gas. First,
because decomposing organic waste continuously produces landfill gas, landfill gas-to-energy
recovery projects are a nearly constant source of energy. For example, a landfill that has two
million tons of landfilled municipal solid waste (MSW) produces, on average, 1.8 mmscf/day of
landfill gas and can generate 2.5 MW of electricity. Second, landfill gas has a variety of
applications such as electricity generation and direct use by industries. Third, landfill energy
projects add to a community's and utility's fuel diversity, as well as provide valuable experience
in renewable energy. Finally, landfill projects can provide important distributive generation
benefits typical of demand-side management options. For example, since electricity generated
from landfill gas is typically directed to local users, transmission losses from the point of
generation to the point of consumption are negligible.
Economic Benefits. Landfill gas provides a low-cost source of renewable energy. In addition,
more widespread use of landfill gas as an energy source will create jobs related to the design,
construction, and operation and maintenance of these systems and lead to advancements in U.S.
environmental technology.
1.4.2 Benefits to Specific Groups
Traditionally, landfill gas has been viewed as a safety hazard and a general nuisance. However,
there is now an increasing awareness on the part of landfill owners and operators, project
developers, utilities, state and local governments, and others, of the environmental, energy, and
economic benefits that can result from recovering the energy value of this gas. Some of the
principle benefits for different groups and their potential roles in the development process are
highlighted below.
Utilities. Several ways exist in which electric utilities can benefit from the development of
landfill gas-to-energy. Examples include:
Q Stronger Relations With Key Customer Groups. Landfill gas-to-energy recovery
projects enable utilities to enhance long-term relationships with a variety of customer
groups. A utility can add significant value to their service offerings through direct or
indirect involvement in landfill gas-to-energy development. Some innovative
approaches a utility may wish to consider include participation in projects that directly
supply landfill gas as a medium-Btu fuel to industrial or commercial end-users, offering
project development assistance to a municipality, or initiating a residential or
commercially-oriented green marketing program.
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Q Diversified Resource Base. Landfill gas-to-energy projects offer utilities the
opportunity to add dispersed base-load capacity to their current system and to diversify
their fuel mix. They also offer a competitive source of renewable energy to utilities.
Q Contribution to Environmental Protection. By participating in landfill gas-to-energy
projects, utilities help prevent local and global air pollution. The EPA Landfill
Methane Outreach Program recognizes utilities that work with EPA to identify,
explore, and act on the best project opportunities. These utilities gain recognition from
EPA as well as greenhouse gas reductions that satisfy Climate Challenge commitments.
Landfill Owners and Operators. Benefits of participating in landfill gas-to-energy recovery
projects for landfill owners and operators include:
J Revenue Creation/Reduction of Regulatory Costs. Landfill gas projects may be a
significant source of revenue generation for landfill owners/operators, depending on the size
of the landfill, energy costs, and other site specific factors. Even where projects do not
generate profits, they may offset the cost of regulatory compliance. EPA's New Source
Performance Standards and Emission Guidelines2 require many landfill owners and
operators to collect and combust their landfill gas. Numerous states already require
collection and flaring of landfill gas. Utilizing the collected landfill gas as an energy
resource, instead of flaring it, will offer many owners and operators an opportunity to
recover some of the regulatory costs, and may generate profit.
Q Reduction Of Risk. Even in low concentrations, methane is explosive and can result in fires
and explosions that can imperil both people and property. Regulations promulgated under
Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act require owners and operators of
landfills to monitor their facilities for methane levels to reduce the risk of landfill gas
explosions. If methane concentrations exceed specified limits, owners and operators are
required to take necessary steps to ensure protection of human health. Landfill gas-to-
energy recovery projects offer the opportunity to virtually eliminate the risk of injury and
property damage by collecting and combusting landfill gas before it can accumulate to
dangerous concentration levels within the landfill.
Q Financial Incentives. Developers of landfill gas-to-energy recovery projects may
qualify for a number of financial incentives. The Renewable Energy Production
Incentive (REPI), mandated under the Energy Policy Act of 1992, provides a cash
subsidy of up to $1.5 cents/kWh, subject to the availability of appropriations, to
publicly owned facilities that generate electricity from renewable energy sources, such
as landfills, for the period October 1993 through September 2013. In FY1997,
payments to landfill methane projects totaled $1.02 million, a significant increase
compared to payments made in FY1994, when they totaled just $0.6 million. For more
information contact the LMOP at 1-888-STAR-YES.
The final standards and guidelines were published in the Federal Register on March 12, 1996.
Amendments to the rule were published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1998.
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.._./-' Q Community Image Enhancement. Developing a landfill gas-to-energy project will
enhance the public perception of landfills in local communities. Landfill projects
contribute a valuable resource to local communities and municipalities by providing a
reliable and efficient energy source and improving local air quality.
Industrial and Other End-Users. Industrial and other potential landfill gas end-users can
benefit from landfill gas-to-energy recovery projects. Facilities with constant energy needs that
are located near landfills can lower their fuel costs, improve environmental quality, and enhance
their public image by using landfill gas in place of traditional fuels. Specific benefits to
industrial and other end-users include:
Q Lower Fuel Costs. For industrial end-users, a nearby landfill that is collecting its
landfill gas can be an inexpensive source of medium Btu fuel or steam.
Q Environmental Benefits. By using landfill gas, industrial end-users contribute to
environmental protection by displacing local air emissions associated with fossil fuel
use and reducing emissions of methane.
Q Public Image Enhancement. Through participation in the development of landfill
energy recovery projects, industrial end-users can enhance their public image by
mitigating the threat of global warming and contributing to improvements in the local
economy and environment.
Municipalities/Communities. Municipalities and local communities can also benefit from
landfill gas-to-energy recovery projects. Benefits include:
Q Increased Tax Base. Municipalities or communities that have a landfill gas project in
their area increase their tax base, as well as create new job opportunities.
Q Attract New Industries. A local energy source may attract new industry to the area.
For example, industrial producers that could use large quantities of medium Btu gas
might want to locate a plant near the landfill since the landfill could provide a cheap
source of energy.
J Reduction of Air Pollution Emissions and Odors. VOCs emitted from landfill waste
decomposition can endanger human health, particularly for those who work on or live
near landfills without a collection system. Landfill gas recovery projects offer an
opportunity to greatly reduce this health risk by collecting and destroying these harmful
compounds before they escape into the atmosphere. In addition, collection and
combustion of landfill gas reduces noxious odors.
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1.4.3 Opportunities For Project Participants
As mentioned above, there are numerous benefits from participating in a landfill gas-to-energy
project. For each potential project participant, a brief discussion of how to assess opportunities
is provided below.
Utilities. Utilities should assess how, in light of rapid restructuring in the energy industry,
participating in landfill gas projects can enhance critical business objectives. These business
objectives include building stronger relationships with key customer groups, broadening utility's
resource base, and realizing substantial environmental benefits. This document can help utilities
determine the best opportunities for using landfill gas to help achieve these company objectives.
Innovative approaches to consider include: assistance to municipalities that must install gas collection
systems to comply with regulations or that have candidate landfills ready for project development;
participation in projects that directly provide landfill gas as a medium-Btu fuel to targeted industrial or
commercial end-users; and development of new marketing programs, such as green pricing, with
landfill gas as part of the energy mix to meet customer demands for cleaner, renewable energy
sources. These "value-added" services are effective mechanisms to build stronger, more responsive
relationships with key customer groups, while acquiring a competitive renewable resource. Moreover,
utilities should consider how landfill gas-to-energy furthers their environmental objectives. By
participating in landfill gas-to-energy projects, utilities help improve local and global air quality;
receive national recognition from the EPA; and fulfill commitments under the U.S. Department of
Energy's (DOE) Climate Challenge Program.
Landfill Owners and Operators. Landfill owners and operators can assess conditions at their
sites to determine whether their landfill can support an economically attractive project. If it
appears that the landfill has potential for energy recovery, owners and operators can take active
roles in determining what project configuration is right for the landfill, identifying potential
energy customers, and seeking potential development partners. As necessary during each stage
of this process, landfill owners and operators can work with project development experts for
guidance in designing a successful and profitable project.
Industrial End-Users. Potential industrial, commercial, or other end-users should assess the
potential for reducing energy expenses by using landfill gas in their facilities. These industrial
customers can assess project potential by examining conditions at the local landfill and
evaluating their current and future energy requirements. If it appears that there is a match
between the end-user and the landfill, they can work as partners in project development,
potentially involving additional project developers as well.
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2. Data Collection Methods
This chapter describes the methodology used to collect data from state and local sources, the
national databases used to complete profiles, and the landfill candidacy screening process.
2.1 Methodology Used to Collect Data
In general, a top-down approach was used to gather data, by obtaining the maximum amount of
information on all landfills from state records, and then filling and checking in data gaps with
information from records at the
regional, county, or municipal
levels, as well as from published
national reports and landfill
owners and operators. Data used
to produce the landfill profiles
were assembled from state and
local sources as well as various
national solid waste publications.
In addition, landfill owners,
operators, and project developers
regularly provide information on
landfills and landfill gas-to-
energy projects. Although the
landfill profiles are updated
regularly, the accuracy of the
landfill profile information
depends on the quality of
information from these various
sources.
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Data Sources Used to Prepare Landfill Profiles
EPA-ORD Landfill Gas Utilization -Survey
(Thorneloe, 1997)
Directory and Atlas of Solid Waste Disposal
Facilities (SWA, 1994)
Implementation Guide for Landfill Gas Recovery
Projects in the Northeast (SCS, 1994)
Landfill Gas-to-Energy 1994-1995 Activity
Report (SWT, 1994)
Methane Recovery from Landfill Yearbook
(GAA, 1994)
Project developers, landfill owners, and operators
State and local records
Survey of Landfill Gas Generation Potential
(EPRI, 1992)
U.S. Landfill Directory (SWANA, 1992)
In many cases, states did not have data available in a consolidated format (e.g., a database). In
these situations, discrete data sources that provided essential data were gathered. When state
documents did not provide the level of detailed information necessary to evaluate candidate
landfills, regional offices located within each state and/or county or municipal offices were
contacted to access information in their files. Landfill owners and operators often presented
data for updating current LFGTE Project information.
2.2 Landfill Candidacy Screening Process
To facilitate the identification of landfills that could potentially be considered for LFGTE
projects, each landfill is classified into one of five categories:
Q Current Project. The landfill currently operates a gas-to-energy recovery project, or is
constructing a gas recovery project.
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Q Candidate Project. The landfill does not currently have a LFGTE utilization project
and the status is reported as 'potential or 'planned; or the landfill is currently operating
or closed after 1993 and the landfill has more than 1,000,000 tons of methane
generating waste-in-place.
Q Shutdown. The landfill has a shutdown LFGTE project.
Q Other. Landfill has less than 1,000,000 tons of methane generating waste-in-place with
no current or planned LFGTE project.
Q Unknown WIP. Landfill where insufficient data are available to determine the waste-in-
place.
The categorization scheme is based on the premise that a landfill must be capable of generating
a certain amount of methane to make a gas recovery project desirable. The generation of
methane is a function of many factors, the most critical being the amount of waste-in-place and
the number of years the waste has been in the landfill. Peak methane generation occurs soon
after closure. Therefore, the longer a landfill has been closed, the less attractive it becomes for
methane recovery. For the purposes of determining Candidate Project landfills, those landfills
that ceased accepting waste prior to 1993 were eliminated because they have a low probability
of generating enough methane to make a gas recovery project economical. By modeling the
relationship between waste-in-place and methane generation, a cut-off of 1,000,000 tons of
waste was established; landfills having at least 1,000,000 tons of waste-in-place were considered
Candidate Project landfills.
An alternative application of landfill gas -to-energy, particularly for smaller landfills that are not
considered Candidate Project landfills for the purpose of this document, is the local use of landfill gas
for niche applications such as the heating of greenhouses. Where these applications are viable, they
may be the most economically attractive for landfills that have less than 1,000,000 tons of waste-in-
place. For more information contact the EPA's STAR hotline, 1-888-STAR-YES.
The following three steps describe the landfill candidacy screening process for determining
Candidate Project Landfills.
Step 1: Evaluate the Reported Status of the Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project.
If the reported utilization system status of the landfill gas-to-energy project is current or
under construction, the landfill is classified as current.
If the reported utilization system status of the landfill gas-to-energy project is 'planned' or
'potential' the landfill is classified as candidate.
If the reported utilization system status is shutdown the landfill is classified as shutdown.
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Step 2: Determine the 1998 Waste-in-Place (WIP).
Waste-in-place data were examined for all active landfills and inactive landfills. Additional
screening was performed to determine if the landfill had 1,000,000 tons of methane
generating waste-in-place.
Landfills with less than 1,000,000 tons of methane generating waste-in-place were classified
as other. Landfills with insufficient waste-in-place data were classified as unknown WIP.
Some states do not collect the total amount of waste-in-place at each landfill. Instead, the state
may have on file annual acceptance rates, open years, landfill acreage and depth, daily acceptance
rates, and number of days operating per week. From different combinations of these data
elements, a value for the landfill's waste-in-place could be estimated in some cases.
Step 3: Determine Operational Status.
Landfills closed prior to January 1, 1993 were classified as other.
Landfills with reported status as operational or closed after 1993 and that had more than
1,000,000 tons of municipal solid waste in place were considered candidate projects.
2.3 National Databases Used to Complete Profiles
In addition to data collected from state, regional, or local offices, data was drawn from several
national data sources. These sources include:
Q Government Advisory Associates (GAA, 1994) provides information on current and
planned LFG Energy Recovery Projects;
Q Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI, 1992) examines the potential to use fuel-
cells at large landfills;
Q SCS Engineers (SCS, 1994) examines the potential for landfill energy recovery
projects in the Northeast;
Q Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA, 1992) lists all landfills
in the U.S.;
Q Solid Waste Technologies (SWT, 1994) reports on landfill gas-to-energy facilities
throughout North America;
Q Solid Waste Atlas (SWA, 1994) lists all solid waste landfills in the U.S., transfer
stations, incinerators, and waste-to-energy facilities; and
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.._./-' Q Landfill Gas Utilization-Survey of United States Projects (Thorneloe, 1997) lists all
planned, under construction, and operational landfill gas-to-energy projects as of 1997.
Exhibit 2-1 provides a detailed description of the types of information available from each data
source. The data obtained from the national databases were used mainly to supplement or verify
data received from state or local offices. One exception is the Government Advisory Associates
(GAA, 1994) data, which provided information on current and planned landfill gas recovery
projects. Because data on landfill gas recovery projects were difficult to obtain from the states,
GAA data were used as the primary source of information on current and planned energy
recovery projects.
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Exhibit 2-1. Summary of National Databases
Purpose of Report
Types of Landfills Discussed in
the Report
States Included in Report
Types of Landfill Data Included
in Report
Methods and Sources Used for
Data Collection
Year When Landfill Data Were
Collected
How Data from National
Report are Used in EPA
Profiles Report
GAA
Methane Recovery from Landfill Yearbook
Provides information on current and planned
LFG energy recovery projects
MSW landfills that have current or planned
energy recovery projects
All states
Detailed information on more than 120 fully
operational LFG energy recovery projects and
over 90 in development, including general
landfill data, landfill gas collection system,
landfill gas processing/energy generation
system, institutional arrangements, operating
issues, and costs
Listing of sites compiled through GAA's
contacts in the public and private sector as
well as a review of articles. A detailed
questionnaire was administered by phone, in
several cases the contact person provided
supplementary written materials
1994; Updated on a yearly basis
Data used to supplement missing
information
EPRI
Survey of Landfill Gas Generation Potential; 2 MW
Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell
Examines the potential to use fuel-cells at large
landfills
Large MSW landfills with a minimum active life of 15
years and an average solid waste delivery rate of
72,000 tpy
All states, but more detailed information provided for
Minnesota and Wisconsin
Identifies 749 candidate landfills in all states, and
provides: site name, location, waste flow, years
remaining, maximum and ten year gas flows, and
number of 2MW units. For Minnesota and
Wisconsin, the above information includes year
opened, contact name and phone, utility, and gas
controls
Data gathered from Cambridge Environmental Group,
GAA, and SWANA. Data on landfills in Minnesota
and Wisconsin were obtained directly from state
agencies and from landfill operators
1992
Data used to supplement missing information
scs
Implementation Guide for Landfill Gas Recovery
Projects in the Northeast
Examines the potential for landfill energy recovery
projects in the Northeast
MSW landfills with 20 or more acres and daily waste
receipts of 100 tons per day or more
Northeastern states
Identifies 207 candidate landfills in the northeast,
and provides: landfill site name, location, address,
phone number, contact person, and ownership;
landfill acreage; estimated in-place refuse; waste
flow; estimated closure year; and landfill gas
features
Contacted solid waste regulatory agencies; reviewed
Solid Waste Atlas, SWANA Directory, and SCS
Project files; and incorporated EPRI data
1994
Data used to supplement missing information
ro
en
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Exhibit 2-1. Summary of National Databases (cont'd)
Purpose of Report
Types of Landfills Discussed
in the Report
States Included in Report
Types of Landfill Data
Included in Report
EPA-ORD
Landfill Gas Utilization- Survey
Lists information on all planned,
under construction, and operational
landfill gas-to-energy projects
New, existing and closed landfills
throughout the U.S.
All states
The database includes landfill gas
utilization technologies,
Operator/Developer information,
project start dates, KW of energy
produced, and type of collection
systems
SWANA
U.S. Landfill Directory
Lists all landfills in the U.S.; goal of
report not linked to energy recovery
MSW landfills
All states with the exception of
Montana
The Directory is comprised of over
4,300 facility names and
addresses with most referencing
the contact name and telephone
number
SWT
Landfill Gas-to-Energy 1994-1995
Activity Report
Status report providing landfill gas-
to-energy facilities throughout
North America
214 landfill gas recovery facilities;
143 operational, 14 under
construction, and 57 planned
35 states with operating facilities,
and under construction and
planned facilities. Includes landfills
in Canada
Information includes the capital
cost of each facility, the current
gas generation of the landfill, mega
watt capacity for projects
producing electricity, and the
identity of electricity or direct gas
sales customers
SWA
Directory and Atlas of Solid
Waste Disposal Facilities
Lists all landfills in the U.S.,
transfer stations, and incinerators
and waste-to-energy facilities
MSW disposal facilities
All states
Directory contains 4,500 public
and private disposal facilities.
Provides names and locations,
with corresponding names,
addresses, and phone numbers for
both owners and operators,
average daily intake, and the
expected or permitted closure
dates
-------
Exhibit 2-1. Summary of National Databases (cont'd)
Methods and Sources Used for
Data Collection
Year When Landfill Data Was
Collected
EPA-ORD
Landfill Gas Utilization- Survey
Information obtained from existing
databases, LFGTE industry,
magazine publications, government
publications, and case studies
1997
SWANA
U.S. Landfill Directory
Directory information obtained by
contacting each state using the
"Directory of Solid Waste
Management Program Officials"
1993; Pin Point Technologies now
collects this data, updated daily
SWT
Landfill Gas-to-Energy 1994-1995
Activity Report
Community personnel and owners
of landfills and landfill gas-to-
energy projects
1994
SWA
Directory and Atlas of Solid Waste
Disposal Facilities
Publisher's solid waste database,
state agencies, trade associations,
and facilities
1994
How Data from
National Report are Used in EPA
Profiles Report
Data used to supplement outdated
information
Data used to supplement missing
information
Data on operating facilities, under
construction and planned facilities
is used
Confirmation of owner or operator
contact data
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3. Landfill Profiles: Definition of Data Fields
/ ^i.
This chapter describes the information contained in the landfill profiles. A sample profile is
provided at the end of this section. Landfill profiles are available for current projects (which
include both operational and under construction landfill gas-to-energy projects), candidate
landfills (landfills that have a reported status of 'planned' or 'potential'; or landfills currently
operating or closed after 1993 and have more than 1,000,000 waste-in-place), and those landfills
with shutdown LFGTE projects. The information in the profile is grouped into five sections:
A. General Landfill Information
B. Landfill Gas Collection
C. Landfill Gas Utilization
D. Environmental Benefits of Utilization
E. Contact Information
Current Projects, Candidate Projects, and Shutdown landfill profiles are provided in the separate
state-specific profiles document entitled Landfill Gas-to-Energy Project Opportunities, Landfill
Profiles for the State of [STATE]. Landfills classified as Other and Unknown WIP are only
identified in Exhibit 3 of the state-specific profiles document.
A detailed description of each entry on the landfill profile sheet is presented below. When no
information was available for a value, the data field is reported as blank or zero. The accuracy
of the data depends on the quality of the information contained in the source documents
reviewed (further information on data collection activities and data interpretations is provided in
Chapter 2).
3.1 A. General Landfill Information
The first section of each profile provides a brief overview of the landfill, including information
on its physical location, owner, operating status, waste acceptance rate, and design capacity.
This overview section also lists any alternate names for the landfill. Specific items included are:
Q Landfill Owner. The landfill owner/owners names or company name.
Q Landfill Owner Type. Type of landfill owner (e.g., municipal or private).
Q Alternative Landfill Name(s). Any identified name for the landfill that is significantly
different from the main landfill name. Many landfills have operated under different
names at different times in their history.
Q City, County, State. The physical location of the landfill site, including city, county,
and state.
Q Year Open. The year the landfill opened. Throughout the data collection process, for
cases in which the open year was not available, the year the first (or oldest) permit was
issued was used as the open year.
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.._/-' Q Year Closed. The year the landfill stopped accepting waste (closed landfills), or is
scheduled to stop accepting waste (i.e., for open landfills, the year landfill plans to
close).
Q Annual Acceptance Rate (tons). The amount of waste received and landfilled for a
reported year, including all waste types, reported in short tons (tons). If only a daily
acceptance rate is available, an annual acceptance rate is calculated by multiplying the
daily acceptance rate by 52 weeks and the days open per week. When multi-year
annual acceptance rate data are available, the most recent year's acceptance rate is
presented in the profile.
Q Year Annual Acceptance Rate Reported. The year corresponding to the annual
acceptance rate.
Q Design Capacity (tons). The total amount of waste that the landfill is designed to
accept, reported in tons. This information is also called current permitted capacity.
Values reported in cubic yards are converted to tons, by assuming a density of
1 ton/1.667 cubic yards.
Q Area Currently Landfilled (acres). The number of acres that have been landfilled.
Where possible, this has been made distinct from the area permitted or the property
boundary.
Q Average Depth (feet). The average depth of the landfilled waste, reported in feet. This
value should exclude any buried soil cover and landfill cap material.
Q XXXX Waste-in-Place Year (tons). WIP corresponding to the year xxxx. The data
base stores a time series of WIP values. The WIP reported on the landfill profile is the
value corresponding to the year for which the WIP is reported.
Q 1998 Current Waste-in-Place (tons). The total amount of waste that has been landfilled
since the landfill opened. All waste types are included, and units other than tons are
converted using landfill specific information where available, or by assuming a density of 1
ton/1.667 cubic yards. The following four calculations are used, in the order presented, to
estimate WIP when variables are missing due to unreported raw data:
1. For landfills where the estimated current year WIP is not known, it is
estimated from the most recent available estimates of waste-in-place (WIP)
and acceptance rate.3
Profile sheet indicates year associated with WIP. For example: 1998 WIP is the WIP as of 1998.
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Equation 1:
Current WIP (tons) =
Reported WIPa (tons) + (Annual Acceptance Rate (tons/yr) x (Current or Closed Year - Year
WIP Reportedb))
aReported amount of waste-in-place.
Year corresponding to reported WIP.
2. If no estimate of the reported WIP was available for any year, then the
estimated current WIP is estimated from the Year Opened, and the Annual
Acceptance Rate, as follows:
Equation 2:
Current WIP (tons)=
Annual Acceptance Rate (tons/yr) x (((Current or Closed Year) + 1) - Year Opened)
Equation 2 also applies to those landfills for which a reported WIP estimate is
available, however, the year corresponding to the WIP is not available. In
these cases, the 1998 WIP may be less than the reported WIP (without a
corresponding year) indicated on the landfill profile as the 1998 WIP is based
on the average annual acceptance rate. (When multi-year annual acceptance
rates are available, the average value of the reported acceptance rates was used
in the above equations.)
If acceptance rate data are not available, the latest reported WIP is used as the
estimated current WIP (i.e., the WIP was not adjusted to account for the waste
disposed of since the year of the WIP was reported).
If acceptance rate data and reported WIP are not available, the estimated
current WIP is estimated from the landfilled acreage, the average depth, and
an assumed MSW density 1 ton/1.667 cubic yards.
Equation 3:
Current WIP (tons) = Area Currently Landfilled x Average Depth x Density of Waste
or
Current WIP (tons) = Area (acres) x Depth (ft) x 1,613.33 (yd3/acre-ft) x (1 ton/1.667 yd3)
3.2 B. Landfill Gas Collection
This section presents information on current gas collection activities, including whether a gas
collection system is in place, the current volume of landfill gas collected, and the estimated
3-3
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.,_ ./- methane generation. Many landfills without gas utilization systems still collect landfill gas for
safety reasons. For those landfills that are in the planning stages of developing a collection
system, the data presented in this section represent the anticipated characteristics of the system.
For landfills that have shut down their collection systems, the data reflect the characteristics of
the collection system when it was operating.
Q Estimated Methane Generation (mmscf/d). Methane (CH4) is generated in landfills as
the organic content of the waste decomposes. Estimated Methane Generation in
million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) is based on two equations adapted from
U.S. EPA 1993b, Opportunities to Reduce Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in the
United States. Equation 4a estimates annual methane for landfills with less than
907,200 tons of waste -in-place. Equation 4b estimates annual methane for landfills
equal to or greater than 907,200 tons of Waste in Place. These equations were derived
from statistical analyses of existing projects.4
This methodology is based on the assumption that waste has a 30-year methane
generation life span. Therefore, the Waste-in-Place value used to estimate emissions
excludes waste that was accepted more than 30 years before the current year. This
waste value is referred to as WIPm. For further information refer to the EPA's LMOP's
1997 Energy Project Landfill Gas Utilization Software, E-PLUS User's Manual,
Version 1.0; pp. 40-41.
Equation 4a:
(WIP<907,200 tons)
CH4 generation (mmcf/d) =
0.05085 x (6.95X10'6 x WIPm (tons))
Equation 4b:
(WIP> 907,200 tons)
CH4 generation (mmcf/d) =
0.05085 x [8.22+(5.03xlO-6xWIPm(tons))]
If the landfill began accepting waste less than 30-years from the publication date of the
landfill profiles, then WIPm is considered to be the same as the WIP calculated using
the method described in Section 3.1. If the landfill began accepting waste over 30
years ago, then WIPm is calculated by estimating the total quantity of waste that was
placed in the landfill within the last 30 years.5 For these landfills WIPm is calculated as
follows:
4 These equations are generally applicable to landfills in non-arid regions (i.e., more than 25 inches of
precipitation annually). Consequently, methane generation will be overestimated for landfills in arid
regions.
5 If the open year is missing, then the open year is defaulted to 1900. This assumption reduces the
likelihood of overestimating the methane generation for those landfills for which limited data are available
(in particular for older landfills that have limited methane generation potential).
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Equation 4c:
WIPm (tons) =
(WIP (tons)/(current year-open year)) x (number of years the landfill has been open in the
past 30 years)
Q
J
One limitation of this methane generation model is its use of national averages to
estimate individual landfills' gas generation rates. While such a model may provide a
useful indication of potential gas flow, site specific factors are not included, such as
percent MSW, age, moisture content, temperature, pH, and density of waste. This may
diminish the accuracy of the predicted gas flow. Since such models can generate
estimates with potentially large uncertainties, site monitoring is extremely important in
order to verify gas flows.
Collection System Status. Indicates whether a LFG collection system is operational,
planned, shutdown, under construction, none, orNA (i.e., unknown).
Current LFG Collected (mmscf/d). The reported volume of landfill gas flowing through
the collection system, in million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d).
Collection and Treatment System Required under NSPS/EG. As reported by state
agencies, and landfill owners or operator, indicates whether a collection and treatment
system is required under NSPS/EG. (A 'No' indicates either not required or unknown).
3.3 C. Landfill Gas Utilization
This section presents information on the status of the landfill's landfill-gas-to-energy projects.
First, the utilization status, electric utility and natural gas providers, and existing energy
purchases are presented. Second, estimates are provided for the potential capacity for electricity
generation projects (in MW) and direct use projects (in mmBtu/hr). Available data on current
and planned capacity are also provided.
Q Utilization System Status. The status of gas utilization activities at the landfill.
Standard entries are: operational, construction, planned, shutdown, potential, low
interest or N.A. (Not Available).
Q Utilization System Type. Type of methane gas usage (e.g., 1C gas, gas turbine, fuel cell,
boiler, highBtu, medium Btu, leachate evaporation, and vehicle fuel).
Q Utilization Start Year. The year the landfill began collecting and treating and utilizing
their landfill gas.
Q Electric Utility Provider. Current electric utility provider(s) at the landfill.
Q Natural Gas Utility Provider. Current natural gas utility provider(s) at the landfill.
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Q Energy Purchaser. The end user or purchaser utilizing the energy from landfill gas.
Q Estimated Potential Capacity. These values represent the total installed potential
capacity that could be supported by the landfill site, assuming the landfill gas is
collected and used for either 1) electricity generation project, or 2) a direct use project
(.e., boiler fuel).6
Equations:
Estimated Potential Capacity for Electricity Generation Project (MW) =
Estimated Methane Generation (mmscf/day)7 x Gas Collection Efficiency (0.75)a x
1 day/24 hrs x 1,000 Btu/scf x 106 scf/mmscf x 1 kWh/10,OOOb Bru x 1 MW/1,000 kW
aA default value of 0.75 is assumed for the Gas Collection Efficiency.
bA default value of 10,000 Btu/kWh is assumed for the 1C engine heat rate.
Equation 6:
Estimated Potential Capacity for Direct Use Project (mmBtu/hr) =
Estimated Methane Generation (mmscf/day) x Gas Collection Efficiency (0.75) x
mmBtu/1,000,000 Bru x 1,000 Btu/scf x 1,000,000 scf/mmscf x 1 day/24 hours
Q Current Capacity. These values are the reported installed capacity for existing
electricity generation or direct use projects. For direct use projects, the capacity has
been converted from the reported units of mmBtu per year to mmBtu/hr using a
conversion factor of 1 year/ 8,760 hours.
Equation 7:
Current Capacity for Direct Use Project (mmBtu/hr) =
Current Gas Capacity (mmBtu/yr) x 1 yr/8760 hours
Q
Planned Capacity. If a landfill gas project is in the planning stages or under
construction, the planned capacity is presented here. These values are typically
obtained from GAA (1994), SWT (1994), Thorneloe (1997), project developers, and
landfill owners and operators. For direct use projects, the capacity has been converted
from the reported units of mmBtu per year to mmBtu/hr using a conversion factor of 1
year/ 8,760 hours.
Although other users exist for landfill gas, these types of projects are the most common applications and,
therefore, these types of projects have been selected for the purpose of the landfill profiles.
7 The volume of landfill gas is approximately double the estimated volume of methane generation.
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Equation 8:
Planned Capacity for Direct Use Project (mmBtu/hr) =
Planned Gas Capacity (mmBtu/yr) x 1 yr/8760 hours
Q Utilities in County. The utilities in the county in which the landfill is located are listed.
3.4 D. Environmental Benefits of Utilization
This section presents data on both the potential and current environmental benefits of landfill
gas collection and utilization. Based on the estimates of potential methane generation and
capacity for electricity generation and direct use projects, estimates for emissions avoided by
fossil fuel displacement are presented.
Q Potential Methane Reduction (tons/yr). This value differs from Estimated Methane
Generation because it incorporates the collection efficiency. For landfills where an
actual collection efficiency is not available, a default value collection efficiency of 75
percent is used. The efficiency will be less than 100 percent due to a number of factors
including: poor well placement and air infiltration through landfill covers, the well-
head, and lateral pipe connections. Collection efficiency can range from 5 to 95 percent
based on landfill age and design (see EPA's E-Plus User's Manual, for further
information).
Equation 9:
Potential Methane Reduction (tons/yr) =
Estimated Methane Generation (mmscf/day) x
Collection Efficiency (0.75) x 365 days/yr x 21.12 tons/mmscf
Q
The estimate of Potential Methane Reduction presented here is likely to be an
overestimate because, in the absence of the gas recovery system, a portion of the
methane produced in the landfill would be oxidized as it migrates out of the landfill.
The portion of the methane that is oxidized is not emitted to the atmosphere, and
therefore does not contribute to landfill methane emissions. Withdrawing the gas with a
collection system prevents this oxidation step, so that more methane is recovered than
would otherwise have been emitted. The extent of oxidation that will occur can vary
greatly depending on local conditions, and an estimated is not incorporated here.
Current Methane Reduction (tons/yr). The current volume of reported landfill gas
collected converted to tons per year.
3-7
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f *w
Equation 10:
Current Methane Reduction (tons/yr) =
Current LFG Collected (nimscf/day) x Percent Methane* x 365 days/yr x
(21.12tons/mmscf)b
aAssume default value of 50 percent methane in LFG.
b Assume the density of methane at degrees Celsius and 1 atmosphere is 21.12 tons/mmscf.
CO2 Equivalent of Potential Methane Reductions (tons/yr). The magnitude of the
methane emissions that could potentially be reduced through increased landfill gas
collection, expressed in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. The Potential
Methane Reduction is converted to tons of CO2 equivalent per year using a Global
Warming Potential of methane equal to 21.8
Equation 11:
CO2 Equivalent of Potential CH4 Emission Reductions (tons/yr) =
Potential Methane Reduction (tons/yr) x 21 CO2/CH4
J C02 Equivalent of Current Methane Reduction (tons/yr). The magnitude of the
current methane reductions achieved through current landfill gas collection, expressed
in thousand tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
Equation 12:
CO2 Equivalent of Current Methane Reduction (tons/yr) =
Current Methane Reduction (tons/yr) x 21 CO2 / CH4
J Emissions Avoided By Fossil Fuel Displacement (tons/yr). Landfill gas utilization
projects can result in avoided emissions not only of methane, but also of CO2 and SO2.
The collection of landfill gas and its subsequent use as a fuel for electricity generation
and direct use projects will displace the fuse of fossil fuel and thereby reduce net
emissions. The magnitude of the emissions avoided in this manner depends on the
emission characteristics of the displaced fuel. These emissions are highly dependent on
the exact type of fuel (especially the sulfur content of coal), the equipment type, and
emission control technologies in place. While the emission characteristics for
8 The Global Warming Potential (GWP) is an expression of the radiative forcing of one mass unit of
methane relative to one mass unit of carbon dioxide. Thus, one gram of methane has 21 times the radiative
forcing of one gram of carbon dioxide over a 100 year time frame. For additional information see
IPCC 1995.
3-8
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individual projects should be estimated using regional or local values, national averages
have been used for illustrative purposes in the profiles.
Presented below are the approaches for estimating emissions avoided by substituting landfill gas
as a fuel source in electricity generation and direct use projects. These estimates exclude the
additional avoided emissions caused by reducing emissions from flares at capped landfills or
uncontrolled emissions at uncapped landfills.
Electricity Generation Project
To estimate the avoided CO2 and SO2 emissions from substitution of landfill gas for other fossil
fuels for electricity generation projects, the potential energy displaced is multiplied by an
emissions factor. Exhibit 3-1 presents the emissions factors for three types of fossil fuels. The
estimated avoided emissions are based on the assumption that the displaced fuel is all coal, oil,
or natural gas rather than a combination of these fuel types.9 A more realistic and accurate
approach to quantifying avoided emissions is to estimate the fuel mix being 'backed-off' of the
electric grid as a result of the project. However, because each region has its own particular
resource mix, this single-fuel displacement assumption is being used to provide an order-of-
magnitude estimate of avoided emissions.
Exhibit 3-1. Offset Emissions for Displaced Fuel Used for
Electricity Generation Project3
Type of Displaced Fuel
Coal
Fuel Oil
Natural Gas
CO2 " (Ibs/mmBtu)
212
174
117
SO2 c (Ibs/kWh)
0.0134
0.0112
0.000007
aOffset emissions factors are national averages (i.e., total national emissions/total national generation).
bSource: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, Instructions for Form EIA-
1605 (1998), Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases, OMB No. 1905-0194, p. 47.
"Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Annual 1997,
Volume I, Table 10, and Volume II, Tables 25, 61, and 62, DOE/EIA-0348(97).
9 The emissions avoided are not additive across fuel types because the estimates are based on the
assumption that all of the specific fossil fuel is being displaced with landfill gas (rather than a fuel mix
being displaced with landfill gas).
3-9
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Equation 13:
Potential Energy Displaced (Electricity) (kWh/yr) =
Estimated Potential Capacity for Electricity Generation Project (MW) x
8760 hrs/yr x 1C Engine Availability Factor (0.85) x 1,000 kW/MW
Equation 14:
Avoided CO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Coal in
Electricity Generation Project (tons/yr) =
Potential Energy Displaced (Electricity) (kWh/yr) x 10,000 Btu/1 kWh x 212 Ibs/mmBtu x
1 mmBtu/1,000,000 Btu x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
Equation 15:
Avoided SO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Coal in
Electricity Generation Project (tons/yr) =
Potential Energy Displaced (Electricity) (kWh/yr) x 0.0134 Ibs/kWh x
1 ton/2,000 Ibs
Equation 16:
Avoided CO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Fuel Oil in
Electricity Generation Project (tons/yr) =
Potential Energy Displaced (Electricity) (kWh/yr) x 10,000 Btu/1 kWh x
174 Ibs/mmBtu x 1 mmBtu/1,000,000 Btu x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
Equation 17:
Avoided SO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Fuel Oil in
Electricity Generation Project (tons/yr) =
Potential Energy Displaced (Electricity) (kWh/yr) x 0.0112 Ibs/kWh x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
Equation 18:
Avoided CO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Natural Gas in
Electricity Generation Project (tons/yr) =
Potential Energy Displaced (Electricity) (kWh/yr) x 10,000 Btu/1 kWh x
117 Ibs/mmBtu x 1 mmBtu/1,000,000 Btu x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
Equation 19:
Avoided SO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Natural Gas in
Electricity Generation Project (tons/yr) =
Potential Energy Displaced (Electricity) (kWh/yr) x 0.000007 Ibs/kWh x
3-10
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f *w
Direct Use Project
To estimate the emissions of CO2 and SO2 avoided by substituting landfill gas for other fossil
fuels in direct use projects, the potential energy displaced is multiplied by an emissions factor.
Exhibit 3-2 presents the emissions factors for three types of fossil fuels. The derived estimates
are based on the assumption that the displaced fuel is all coal, oil, or natural gas rather than a
combination of these fuel types. Given that direct use projects generally utilize one fuel type,
this approach is appropriate, however the emissions avoided are not additive across fuel types.
Exhibit 3-2. Offset Emissions for Displaced Fuel Used for
Direct Use Project3
Type of Displaced Fuel
Coal
Fuel Oil
Natural Gas
CO2 " (Ibs/mmBtu)
212
174
117
SO2 c (Ibs/mmBtu)
1.929
1.014
0.001
aOffset emissions factors are national averages (i.e., total national emissions/total national generation).
bSource: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration, Instructions for Form EIA-
1605 (1998), Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases, OMB No. 1905-0194, p. 47.
"Source: ICF Resources, Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) Boiler Database, 1998.
Equation 20:
Potential Energy Displaced (Fuel) (mmBtu/yr) =
Estimated Methane Generation (mmscf/day) x Gas Collection Efficiency (0.75) x
Hours of Operation (0.60) x 1,000 Btu/scf x mmBtu/1,000,000 Btu x
1,000,000 scf/mmscf x 365 days/yr
Equation 21:
Avoided CO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Coal in
Direct Use Project (tons/yr) =
Energy Displaced (fuel) (mmBtu/yr) x 212 Ibs/mmBtu x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
Equation 22:
Avoided SO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Coal in
Direct Use Project (tons/yr) =
Energy Displaced (fuel) (mmBtu/yr) x 1.929 Ibs/mmBtu x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
3-11
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f *w
Equation 23:
Avoided CO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Fuel Oil in
Direct Use Project (tons/yr) =
Energy Displaced (fuel) (mmBtu/yr) x 174 Ibs/mmBtu x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
Equation 24:
Avoided SO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Fuel Oil in
Direct Use Project (tons/yr) =
Energy Displaced (fuel) (mmBtu/yr) x 1.014 Ibs/mmBtu x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
Equation 25:
Avoided CO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Natural Gas in
Direct Use Project (tons/yr) =
Energy Displaced (fuel) (mmBtu/yr) x 117 Ibs/mmBtu x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
Equation 26:
Avoided SO2 Emissions From Substituting LFG for Natural Gas in
Direct Use Project (tons/yr) =
Energy Displaced (fuel) (mmBtu/yr) x 0.001 Ibs/mmBtu x 1 ton/2,000 Ibs
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f *w
3.5 E. Contact Information
This section presents, where available and applicable, contact information on the landfill owner
and landfill operator, including, primary contact name, mailing address, city, state, zip, phone,
and fax are included.
3.6 Summary of Default Values
This table lists default values used in calculations where critical raw data are not available.
Default Element
Default Value
Days Landfill Open 5.5 days per week
Gas Collection Efficiency" 0.75
Methane in Landfill Gas 50 %
Density of Landfilled Waste 1 ton/1.667 cubic yards
1C Engine Heat Rate 10,000 BTU/1 kWh
Density of Methane at 15 degrees
Celsius and 1 atmosphere 21.12 tons/mmscf
Energy Content of Methane 1,000 Btu/scf
Boiler Availability Factor 85
1C Engine Availability Factor 0.85
This value accounts for LFG system down time and electricity used to operate the gas
recovery engine equipment.
3-13
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4. References
GAA, 1994. 1994-5 Methane Recovery from Landfill Yearbook, Governmental Advisory
Associates.
EPRI, 1992. Survey of landfill Gas Generation Potential: 2 MW Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell,
Electric Power Research Institute.
Federal Register, 1998. June 16, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 115) Rules and Regulations, page
32743-32753.
IPCC, 1995. Climate Change 1995: The Science of Climate Change. Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change.
Landfill Control Technologies, 1994. "Landfill Gas System Engineering Design Seminar."
Maxwell, 1990. Will Gas-to-Energy Work at Your Landfill? Solid Waste & Power.
Michels, 1997. Solid Waste Technologies, July 18, 1997.
NSWMA, 1985. Basic Data: Solid Waste Amounts, Composition and Management Systems,
National Solid Waste Management Association, Technical bulletin #85-6, October 1, 1985.
SCS, 1994. Implementation Guide for Landfill Gas Recovery Projects in the Northeast: Draft
Final Report, SCS Engineers.
Solid Waste Technologies, 1994. Landfill Gas-to-Energy 1994-1995 Activity Report, HCI
Publications.
SWANA, 1992. U.S. Landfill Directory, Solid Waste Association of North America.
Thorneloe, Cosulich, Pacey and Roqueta, 1997. Landfill Gas Utilization- Survey of United
States Projects. Presented at the Solid Waste Association of North America's Twentieth Annual
International Landfill Gas Symposium, Monterey, California, March 25-27, 1997. Publish in
Conference Proceedings. EPA-ORD 1997. Environmental Protection Agency office of
Research and Development.
Thorneloe, 1992. Landfill Gas Recovery/Utilization- Options and Economics. Presented at the
Sixteenth Annual Conference by the Institute of Gas Technology on Energy from Biomass and
Wastes, Orlando, Florida, March 15, 1992.
Thorneloe and Pacey, 1994a. Database of North American Landfill Gas-to-Energy Projects.
Presented at the 17th Annual International Landfill Gas Symposium by the Solid Waste
Association of North America, Long Beach, California, March 22-24, 1994. Published in
Conference Proceedings.
4-1
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_^ Thorneloe and Pacey, 1994b. Landfill Gas Utilization - Technical and Non-Technical
Considerations. Presented at the 17th Annual International Landfill Gas Symposium by the
Solid Waste Association of North America, Long Beach, California, March 22-24, 1994.
Published in Conference Proceedings.
Thorneloe and Pacey, 1995. Database of North American Landfill Gas-to-Energy Projects.
Presented at the 18th Annual International Landfill Gas Symposium by the Solid Waste
Association of North America, New Orleans, Louisiana, March 27-30, 1995. Published in
Conference Proceedings.
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration (1998), Instructions for Form
EIA-1605 (1998), Voluntary Reporting of Greenhouse Gases, OMB No. 1905-0194.
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Information Administration (1997), Electric Power Annual
1997, Volume I and Volume II, DOE/EIA-0348(97).
U.S. EPA,1993. Opportunities to Reduce Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in the United
States: Report to Congress, United States Environmental Protection Agency.
EPA430-R-93-012.
U.S. EPA, 1994. Turning a Liability into an Asset: A Landfill Gas-to-Energy Handbook for
Landfill Owners and Operators, United States Environmental Protection Agency.
U.S. EPA, 1998. Helping Landfill Owners Achieve Effective, Low-Cost Compliance with
Federal Landfill Gas Regulations. United States Environmental Protection Agency.
U.S. EPA, 1993a. Anthropogenic Methane Emissions in the United States: Estimates for 1990,
Report to Congress, United States Environmental Protection Agency. EPA 430-R-93-003.
Utility Data Institute, 1995. U.S. Electric Utility Demographics from the Electrical World
Directory. UDI, Washington, DC.
4-2
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Landfill Name
Landfill Category:
A. GENERAL LANDFILL INFORMATION
Landfill Owner: Annual Acceptance Rate (tons):
Landfill Owner Type: Year Annual Acceptance Rate Reported:
Alternative Landfill Name: Design Capacity (tons):
City: Acres Currently Landfilled (acres):
County: Average Depth (feet):
State: Waste-in-Place (tons):
Year Open: 1998 Waste-in-Place (tons):
Year Closed:
B. LANDFILL GAS COLLECTION
Estimated Methane Generation (mmscf/d):
LFG Collection System Status:
Current LFG Collected (mmscf/d):
Collection and Treatment System Required Under NSPS/EG:
C. LANDFILL GAS UTILIZATION
Current Utilization:
Utilization System Status:
Utilization System Type:
Utilization System Start Year:
Electric Utility Providers):
Natural Gas Provider(s):
Energy Purchaser(s):
Capacity: Electricity Generation Project (MW) OR
Estimated Potential Capacity:
Current Capacity:
Planned Capacity:
Direct Use Project (mmBtu/hr)
Utilities in County:
D. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF UTILIZATION
Potential
Methane Reduction (tons/yr):
CO 2 Equivalent ofCH4 Reduction (tons/yr):
Emissions Avoided by Fossil Fuel Displacement: Electricity Generation Project
CO2 (tons/yr) SO2 (tons/y
Coal:
Fuel Oil:
Natural Gas:
Current
Direct Use Project
r) CO2 (tons/yr) SO2 (tons/yr)
E. CONTACT INFORMATION
Landfill Owner
Contact Name:
Mailing Address:
Phone Number:
Fax Number:
Landfill Operator
* Itallicized indicates values estimated by EPA.
. STAR STAR Version 1.0/LMOP
State:
Page:
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