EPA/600/A-92/129
Landfill Gas Utilization -
Options, Benefits, and Barriers
Susan A. Thomeloe (MD-63)
Global Emissions and Control Division
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
Presented at:
The Second United States Conference on
Municipal Solid Waste Management
at
Arlington, VA
June 3 - 5, 1992

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I I
n
ABSTRACT
Of the more than 6,000 active municipal solid waste landfills in the United States (U.S.),
there are 114 landfill gas (LFG) to energy projects. This paper describes the different options for
LFG to energy projects and provides statistics on the U.S. LFG industry. This paper also
provides an overview of the benefits associated with LFG utilization and identifies some of the
current barriers in the U.S. that affect LFG utilization. The support for this research is from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Global Climate Change Program on emissions
and mitigation from landfills and other waste management facilities that produce greenhouse gases.
EPA's Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory (AEERL) has responsibility for EPA's
research on emissions and mitigation for the major sources contributing to global climate change.

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LANDFILL GAS UTILIZATION - OPTIONS, BENEFITS, AND BARRIERS
Susan A. Thorneloe
Global Emissions and Control Division (MD-63)
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
Introduction
Of the more than 6,000 active municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills in the United States (U.S.),
there are 114 landfill gas (LFG) to energy projects. This paper describes the different options for
LFG to energy projects and provides statistics on the U.S. LFG industry. This paper also
provides an overview of the benefits associated with LFG utilization and identifies some of the
current barriers in the U.S. that affect LFG utilization. The support for this research is from the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Global Climate Change Program on emissions
and mitigation from landfills and other waste management facilities that produce greenhouse gases
(Thorneloe, 1991). EPA's Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory (AEERL) has
responsibility for EPA's research on emissions and mitigation for the major sources contributing to
global climate change. Landfills are considered a significant contributor of methane (CH4)
emissions and are being considered for control in negotiations regarding global climate change
(U.S. EPA, 1989).
Energy Utilization Options
Landfill gas results from the anaerobic decomposition of landfilled waste and can be a source of
pollution as well as a resource. The composition of LFG is typically 50 to 55% CH4, 45 to 50%
carbon dioxide (CO2), and <1% nonmethane organic compounds (NMOCs). The concentration of
NMOCs can range from 240 to 14,300 ppm (U.S.EPA, 1991). LFG can also contain chlorinated
and fluorinated compounds, particulate, water vapor, and occasionally air. Air infiltration is
minimized because it (1) can kill the anaerobic bacteria that are needed to decompose organic
refuse, (2) can cause landfill fires, and (3) dilutes the gas which increases the cost of recovering
energy from the gas.
The average heating value of LFG ranges from 17 to 20 MJ/dscm (450 to 550 Btu/dscf). Laidlaw
Technologies, Inc., with responsibility for 12 LFG energy recovery projects, estimates that
between 1,250 and 1,600 kWe of energy is generated from 28,000 scmd (1 million scfd) of LFG
at 17 MJ/scm (450 Btu/scf) (Jansen, 1992). Consequently LFG is recovered to take advantage of
the energy potential. This results in reducing emissions of CH4, NMOCs, and toxics. In addition,
emissions are reduced at coal-fired power plants, and global resources of fossil fuel are conserved.
1

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The EPA's AEERL initiated a project in 1991 to document the options for LFG utilization. This
work included gathering data on the operating and maintenance requirements, the financing and
contractual arrangements, and "lessons learned" from the six sites included as case studies. A
summary of this work (Thorneloe, 1992) includes a list of U.S. LFG to energy projects. The final
report being prepared by Emcon Associates will contain detailed information for six U.S. LFG to
energy projects including capital and operating costs, process flow diagrams, and data regarding
the environmental benefits of LFG utilization. This section provides a brief overview of the
options for LFG utilization and a summary of the results of the EPA survey of LFG to energy
projects.
The EPA survey identified 114 LFG to energy projects in the U.S.(Thorneloe, 1992). Detailed
results of this EPA survey are scheduled to be published this fall. This survey was conducted in
coordination with the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA). Figure 1 provides a
breakdown of the types of LFG to energy projects in the U.S. Most of the projects (i.e., ~75%)
generate electricity which is either used on-site or sold to a local utility. Of the projects generating
electricity, approximately 344 MWe of power is being produced with 61 projects using internal
combustion (IC) engines, 21 projects using gas-fed turbines, and 3 projects using steam-fed
turbines. Pipeline quality gas is produced at six sites, and one site is processing LFG to produce
diesel fuel. The most economical options for LFG utilization tend to be direct uses such as for
process heat and as boiler fuel. Direct use of LFG as medium-heating value fuel is occurring at 21
sites.
Figure 2 provides a breakdown of the U.S. LFG to energy projects by state indicating the number
of projects for states where there are at least three active LFG utilization projects. California has
the largest number of LFG to energy projects partially due to state and local requirements resulting
in the collection and control of gas. However, many LFG to energy projects have been initiated
because of attractive economics particularly in the early 1980s when the price of energy helped
make this more economical. Waste Management of North America has installed gas collection and
controls as part of their operating policy. Waste Management has LFG to energy projects at 25
sites with plans to start new projects at 5 additional sites (Markham, 1992). The Clean Air Act
regulations proposed May 30, 1991, are expected to result in additional LFG utilization projects.
Direct-Gas Use ("Medium-Heating Value). The options for medium-heating value LFG [i.e., ~19
MJ/ "dry" scm (-500 Btu/dscf)] include use as boiler fuel, space heating and cooling, and
industrial heating/cofiring applications. The most typical use is as boiler fuel to produce steam.
The majority of the 21 sites selling LFG for direct use are supplying fuel for boilers. This is a
particularly attractive option since conventional equipment can be used with relatively little
modification. In addition, boilers tend to be less sensitive to LFG trace constituents and
consequently less gas cleanup is required compared to the other alternatives. A limitation in the
selection of this option is that a LFG customer must be relatively near, typically less than 1,600 to
3,200 meters (1 to 2 miles) is considered desirable to avoid excessive costs and difficulties
obtaining access.
The other options for medium-heating value gas include industrial applications such as lumber
drying, kiln operations, and cement manufacturing. An advantage of many industrial applications
2

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21
24
8
H	1	1	1	1	1	1
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Number of LFG Projects
Figure 1. Number of U.S. Landfill Gas Projects by Energy Utilization Option
2 CA
O
0)
£

u
K
£
-G
NY
S PA
1L
WI
NJ
MI
« MD
ca
£ CO
5
5
[5
3
3
5
38
14
+
+
-4-
10 15 20 25
Number of LFG Projects
30
35
40
Figure 2. Number of U.S. Landfill Gas Projects by State
for those States with Three or More Projects

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is that fuel is required continuously, 24 hours per day. LFG can also be used as a supplemental
fuel that meets a portion of the total demand. LFG to produce space heating is in limited use
primarily due to piping costs and difficulty in matching up the LFG energy output with nearby user
needs. Depending on climate and other factors, heat energy supplied by 14,000 scm/d (500,000
scf/d) LFG corresponds to heating needs of an 18,600 to 93,000 m2 (200,000 to 1,000,000 ft2)
facility. The main difficulty with space heating is that loads tend to be variable over time, both
during the day and by season.
Electricity Generation. Of the 114 U.S. LFG to energy projects, 61 projects generate electricity
using IC engines and 24 projects generate electricity using turbines. Of the 344 MWe of electricity
produced at these sites, 51% is generated using turbines and 49% is generated using IC engines.
The type of equipment is generally determined by the volume of gas available and the air pollution
requirements of the area in which the project is located. The rule of thumb for the selection of
engines versus turbines is that engine projects are typically used at sites where gas quantity is
capable of producing 1 to 3 MWe. Turbines are typically used at sites producing more than 3 MWe
(Jansen, 1992). Typically there are three to five engines per project and one to two turbines per
project. The distribution of U.S. LFG to energy projects based on gross output is:
Number of Projects Using:
MWP
Turbines
IC Engines
1-5
12
54
5-10
10
3
10-15
1
3
15-20
0
1
20-25
0
0
25-30
0
0
30-35
0
0
35-40
0
0
40-45
0
0
45-50
1
_0
TOTAL
24
61
Reciprocating IC engines drive electrical generators to produce electrical power which is typically
sold to the local electric utility. Engines used in this application are sold by three manufacturers -
Caterpillar, Cooper-Superior, and Waukesha. Each of the 3 manufacturers has in place more than
20 engines at U.S. landfill sites (GRCDA, 1989). These manufacturers design engines that are
specific to LFG applications (i.e., corrosion resistant). Typically, warranties that guarantee engine
performance require the operator to agree to certain conditions regarding engine operation and
maintenance.
Reciprocating engines used for LFG applications may be either stoichiometric combustion or lean
combustion engines. The "lean-bum" engines are turbocharged and burn fuel with excess air. The
stoichiometrically carbureted or "naturally aspirated" engines have air in the fuel/air mix just
sufficient to burn the fuel. The lean-burn engines are typically used where nitrogen oxides (NOx)
and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions are of concern. Stoichiometric combustion can result in
relatively high NOx emissions which can vary widely due to carburetor setting and other variables.
4

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Another factor to consider is that there is a trade-off between low NOx emissions and the reduction
of NMOCs.
Gas-fed turbines are also used at landfills to generate electricity. Gas turbines take large amounts
of air from the atmosphere, compress it, burn fuel to heat it, then expand it in the power turbine to
develop shaft horsepower. This horsepower can be used to drive pumps, compressors, or
electrical generators (McGee and Esbeck, 1988). Gas turbines are used at 21 U.S. landfills to
produce 108 MWe of power. Waste Management of North America, Inc. has found that gas-fed
turbines typically have parasitic energy losses of 17% of gross output as compared to 7% for IC
engines. A factor to consider is that turndown performance is poor in comparison to that of IC
engines. Turbines perform best when operated at full load, and difficulties can occur when
operated at less than full load. In addition, trace constituents have been reported to cause
corrosion, combustion chamber melting, and deposits on blades. However, these difficulties can
be overcome as demonstrated by Waste Management of North America (Schlotthauer, 1991).
Steam-fed turbines are in use at three sites to produce 64 MWe of power. The largest LFG to
energy plant is the Puente Hills Energy Recovery from Gas facility (PERG), located at the Puente
Hills Landfill in Whittier, California. This site began recovering LFG for energy utilization in
November 1986. It is operated by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts. The facility
consists of twin Zurn Industries, Inc. gas-fired steam generators. Each of the units fires 420,000
scmd (10,300 scfm) of LFG, producing 95,340 kg (210,000 lb) of steam per hour at 9.3 MPa
(1350 psig), heated to 540°C (1000°F). This steam drives a Fuji Electric Co. Ltd. turbine that
generates approximately 50 MWe net, that is sold to Southern California Edison (Yalenti, 1992).
High-Heating Value Gas. Seven sites in the U.S. upgrade LFG to pipeline quality. This option
was considered more attractive in the early 1980s when the price of oil and natural gas helped make
this more economical. The sites that are producing pipeline quality gas were initiated in the early
1980s when gas prices on a heating-value basis were comparable with those of oil. These sites
have an average LFG flow rate of 142,000 scmd (5 million scfd) with the lowest gas flow rate
being 31,150 scmd (1.1 million scfd) and the highest being 269,000 scmd (9.5 million scfd).
Stringent cleanup technology is applied to purify the gas to pipeline quality by removing the trace
constituents and CO2. Similar to the medium-heating value applications, a nearby natural gas
pipeline is needed. The largest operator of facilities producing pipeline quality gas from LFG is
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Low natural gas prices in the late 1980s forced several previous
projects to shut down, and continue to inhibit the development of new high-heating value projects
in the U.S. However, sites in the Netherlands are finding more favorable economics (Scheepers,
1991).
A site that began operation last year in Pueblo, Colorado, is producing liquid diesel fuel from
LFG. This site is operated by Fuel Resources Development, Inc. and began producing commercial
product in January. A second site in the U.S. may be used to produce vehicular fuel from LFG.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District has awarded a contract to demonstrate a process
for producing methanol from LFG. The site selected for this demonstration is the BKK landfill,
where there was co-disposal of hazardous and municipal waste. TeraMeth Industries is
responsible for the demonstration, and research is being coordinated with the EPA. The
demonstration is anticipated to begin in 1993.
5

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Other Options for Landfill Gas. Fuel cells are a potentially attractive option for LFG because of
higher energy efficiency, availability to smaller as well as larger landfills, and recognition for
minimal byproduct emissions. Other advantages include minimal labor and maintenance, and
(because there are no moving parts) the noise impact is minimal. Hydrogen from the landfill gas is
combined electrochemically with oxygen from the air to produce dc electricity and by-product
water. The fuel cell is designed for automatic, unattended operation, and can be remotely
monitored. TheEPA's AEERL initiated a project in 1991 to demonstrate the use of fuel cells for
LFG application. The type of fuel cell being demonstrated is a commercially available 200 kWe
phosphoric acid fuel cell power plant. The 1-year full-scale demonstration is scheduled for 1993.
The major issue associated with this demonstration is designing a LFG cleanup process that will
remove the trace constituents from the LFG and at the same time not be cost prohibitive. Since the
composition of LFG varies over time, designing a process that can allow for this variability is
difficult. A cleanup process has been proposed and is to be evaluated later this year. The fuel
pretreatment system incorporates two stages of refrigeration combined with three regenerable
adsorbent steps (Sandelli, 1992). It is hoped that, if the EPA demonstration of the use of fuel cells
is successful, more landfill owner/operators will consider fuel cells as an option for LFG
utilization. Given the higher energy efficiency and potential for minimal byproduct emissions, fuel
cells may be the most attractive option for areas where there are stringent requirements for NOx and
CO emissions.
Benefits of Landfill Gas Utilization
The five major health and welfare effects of air emissions from MSW landfills are (1) explosion
hazards, (2) global warming effects from CH4 emissions, (3) human health and vegetation effects
caused by ozone formed from NMOCs, (4) carcinogenicity and other possible noncancer health
effects associated with specific MSW landfill emission constituents, and (5) odor nuisance. The
first concern, the explosive potential of LFG, has resulted in 40 cases of gas migration in the U.S.
which have resulted in explosions and fires. Of these 40 cases, 10 resulted in injuries and death
(U.S.EPA, 1991). The second concern is the contribution of landfill CH4 to global warming.
Landfills are a significant source of CH4, ranking third in anthropogenic sources after rice paddies
and ruminants (Peer et al., 1992, Khalil and Rasmussen, 1990). A third concern is the
contribution of NMOCs to tropospheric ozone which affects human health and vegetation. The
EPA has estimated that roughly 1% (i.e., 260,000 Mg/yr) of the NMOC emissions from stationary
sources in the U.S. are emitted by MSW landfills. Toxic constituents typically found in LFG
include vinyl chloride, toluene, and benzene which may contribute to possible cancer and non-
cancer health effects. The fifth concern is the odor nuisance associated with LFG. Because of the
health and environmental concerns, the EPA has designated "MSW landfill emissions" as a
pollutant to be regulated under Sections 111(b) and 111(d) of the Clean Air Act. The EPA has
proposed Emission Guidelines for existing landfills and New Source Performance Standards for
new landfills (Federal Register, 1991). The regulations are scheduled to be promulgated this Fall.
The regulatory alternative proposed by the Clean Air Act regulations would result in requiring 621
landfills to collect and control MSW landfill emissions (p. 24480, Federal Register, 1991).
Although the rule does not require utilization of the gas, it is hoped that the sites affected by these
regulations will consider LFG to energy as opposed to flaring the gas. The use of energy recovery
6

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for the control of MSW landfill air emissions will result in decreased emissions of CH4, NMOCs,
and toxics. In addition, emissions are reduced at coal-fired power plants, and global resources of
fossil fuel are conserved. Although increased CO2 emissions are being traded off for reduced CH4
emissions, this is a net benefit due to the difference in the radiative forcing capacity between CQ2
and CH4. The radiative forcing capacity of CH4 to CO2 on a molecular basis is 21 times that of
C02 (p. 53, IPCC, 1990).
There are also benefits associated with the development of an alternative source of energy which
results in decreased emissions at coal-fired power plants, conservation of fossil fuel resources, and
reduced dependence on imported oil. In addition, LFG utilization can result in a substantial cost
savings to public entities that own the landfill as well as royalty payments. For example, Pacific
Energy - who has developed 25 LFG energy projects - has paid out $13 million in royalties,
mostly to public entities. On average, Pacific Energy's projects are in the sixth year of operation
under anticipated twenty-year project lives (Wong, 1992). Other economic benefits include the
purchase of goods and services. In 1991, Pacific Energy purchased over $4 million in outside
goods and services to support its LFG projects plus a payroll of >$3 million. LFG to energy
projects tend to be capital intensive and are typically built on what is considered undevelopable
acreage. Pacific Energy's eight LFG to energy projects in California pay >$350,000 per year in
property taxes in California and require few public services (Wong, 1992).
Barriers to Landfill Gas Utilization
A major factor in helping to encourage LFG to energy projects is the Public Utility Regulatory
Policy Act (PURPA). It guarantees that utilities purchase power that was generated from landfills
at a price related to the costs that utility would experience to produce the same amount of power.
Although this guarantees a purchaser for the power, the power sale revenues may be low if the
utilities' own generating costs are low. In addition, tax credits have been available that also
encourage renewable energy projects, such as LFG utilization. However, current trends are
toward lower energy prices, reduced tax incentives, and increasing environmental liability.
Although there are more than 6000 landfills in the U.S., there are less than 120 LFG to energy
projects. During the oil crisis in the 1970s/1980s when the price of oil increased from $6-8 per
barrel to $35 per barrel, there was much more interest in developing alternative sources of energy,
including utilization of landfill gas. With the current prices of energy, it is much more difficult to
find projects that are economical. More than 30 U.S. projects have had to cease operation due to
economics. Many of the projects that were upgrading to pipeline quality are no longer in operation
primarily due to economics. The pipeline cost can be excessive which is why sites tend not to
transport the gas farther than 1,600 to 3,200 meters (1 to 2 miles).
Laidlaw Technology Inc. suggests that "successful" LFG projects need to be over 1 MWe and have
an electrical price of at least S0.06-0.07/kWh including any capacity payments. Royalties should
not exceed 12.5% at this energy pricing (Jansen, 1992). Laidlaw also suggests that, if higher
royalties are offered, the percentage should be a function of energy pricing over and above the base
energy rate as inflation occurs. The early LFG projects were based on an established firm price for
net energy which provided a substantial degree of security to developers. Contracts for many LFG
projects do not allow for fluctuations in energy rates and costs. Revenues for energy sales are
7

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usually based on prices of the "competition" of equivalent energy sources (e.g., petroleum
products). Since the value of the energy base commodity can fluctuate, this can impact profit.
Administration and development costs have increased as revenues have decreased. Administrative
and development costs include legal fees, permit applications, and contract negotiations including
gas lease agreements and power purchase agreements. These costs may vary widely depending on
the environmental issues, development considerations, and regulatory requirements. John Pacey
of Emcon Associates has found that these costs can vary from $30,000 to $1,000,000 per kWh for
a 1 MWe LFG energy project.
Tax credits are benefits proportional to gas energy delivery which were legislated by Congress
(Section 29 of the IRS Code) in 1979 to encourage non-fossil fuel use. These credits are a direct
offset to taxes and can only be used to offset a profit. The tax credits will extend to the year 2003
and are allowable for extraction systems installed prior to the end of the year 1992. However, the
most recent version of the tax bill being considered by Congress does not provide an extension for
these tax credits. Robert F. Hatch of Cambrian Energy Systems - whose company has been
involved in arranging financing for many U.S. LFG to energy projects - thinks that many of the
projects would not be in existence if the tax credits were not available. Some projects today are
financed only because of the tax credits since energy prices are relatively low. The tax credits help
promote the development of a domestic resource as opposed to using foreign oil (Hatch, 1991).
These tax credits help to encourage LFG to energy projects and also help municipalities defray the
cost of environmental regulations.
Another barrier to LFG utilization can be environmental regulations. Unfortunately, the overall
environmental benefit of utilizing LFG is not necessarily considered, let alone energy and
economic benefits. George Jansen of Laidlaw Technologies is finding that the cost of condensate
disposal is becoming a major expense. The condensate is formed when the gas is compressed.
The LFG condensate is being classified as a hazardous waste which requires disposal at a Subtitle
C facility. This cost [i.e., $0.18/L (~$0.70/gal)] can be significant for a site where lean-bum
engines or turbines are used as compared to the use of flares where minimal condensate is collected
(3,800 L/day (1000 gpd) for lean-burn engines or turbines versus 760 L/day (200 gpd) for flares)
(Jansen, 1992).
Some LFG energy industry experts have found that the air, water, and solid waste agencies have
conflicting goals. LFG energy projects have been forced to shut down due to concerns for by-
product emissions of NOx and CO. In California last year, 48 pieces of state legislation affecting
solid waste were enacted (SWANA, 1992). Priorities often appear to conflict. There has been
extensive coordination between the EPA Offices responsible for the Subtitle D regulations (e.g.,
Office of Solid Waste) and the proposed CAA regulations (e.g., Office of Air Quality Planning
Standards) for MSW landfills to ensure that these regulations are complementary. However,
additional effort appears needed to evaluate what can be done to help encourage and promote LFG
to energy projects.
Conclusions
U.S. LFG to energy projects are currently recovering approximately 1.2 million tonnes of CH4
and producing 344 MWe of power. The proposed CAA regulations for MSW landfill air
emissions are expected to result in additional emission reductions ranging from 5 to 7 million
8

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tonnes of CH4, Utilization of LFG for those sites affected by the proposed CAA regulations has
the potential to result in increased benefits to our economy, energy resources, and global
environment. The utilization of alternative energy sources such as LFG extends our global fossil
fuel resources. Not only are emissions directly reduced when LFG is collected and recovered for
utilization, but emissions are also indirectly reduced when secondary air emission impacts
associated with fossil fuel use are considered.
References
1.	Federal Register. Vol 56. No. 104. May 30, 1991, pp. 24468 - 24528.
2.	GRCDA/SWANA. "Engine and Turbine Panel Presentations." Proceedings from the
GRCDA 9th International Landfill Gas Symposium, 1989.
3.	Hatch, R.F. "The Federal Tax Credit for Non-Conventional Fuels: Its Status and Role in
the Landfill Gas Industry." Proceedings from SWANA's 14th Annual International
Landfill Gas Symposium, 1991.
4.	Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. "Climate Change - The IPCC Scientific
Assessment." World Meteorological Organization/United Nations Environment
Programme. Edited by J.T. Houghton, G.J. Jenkins, and J.J. Ephraums, 1990.
5.	Jansen. G.R. "The Economics of LFG Projects in the United States." Presented at the
Symposium on LFG/Applications and Opportunities in Melbourne, Australia, February 27,
1992.
6.	Khalil, M.A.K. and R.A. Rasmussen. "Constraints on the Global Sources of Methane and
an Analysis of Recent Budgets." Tellus, 42B, 229-236,1990.
7. Markham, M.A. "Landfill Gas Recovery to Electric Energy Equipment: Waste
Management's 1991 Performance Record." Proceedings of SWANA's 15th Annual
Landfill Gas Symposium, 1992.
8. McGee, R.W. and D.W. Esbeck. "Development, Application, and Experience of
Industrial Gas Turbine Systems for LFG to Energy Projects." Published in the
Proceedings of GRCDA's 11th Annual International LFG Symposium. March 1988.
9. Peer, R.L., S.A. Thorneloe, and D.L. Epperson. "A Comparison of Methods for
Estimating Global Methane Emissions from Landfills " Chemosphere, 1992 (In Press).
10.	Sandelli, G.J. "Demonstration of Fuel Cells to Recover Energy from Landfill Gas." EPA-
600-R-92-007 (NTIS PB92-137520), January 1992.
11.	Scheepers, M.J.J. "Landfill Gas in the Dutch Perspective." Published in Proceedings of
the Third International Landfill Symposium, Sardinia, October 1991.
9

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12.	Schlotthauer, M. "Gas Conditioning Key to Success in Turbine Combustion Systems
Using Landfill Gas Fuels." GRCDA/SWANA's 14th Annual Landfill Gas Symposium in
San Diego, CA. Published in the Proceedings from the Symposium. March 1991.
13.	SWANA. List of Solid Waste Legislation Enacted in 1991. 1992.
14.	Thomeloe, S A. "Landfill Gas Recovery/Utilization - Options and Economics." Published
in Proceedings of the Sixteenth Annual Conference by the Institute of Gas Technology on
Energy from Biomass and Wastes. March 1992.
15.	Thorneloe, S.A. "U.S. EPA's Global Climate Change Program - Landfill Emissions and
Mitigation Research." Published in Proceedings of the Third International Landfill
Symposium, Sardinia, October 1991.
16.	United States Environmental Protection Agency. "Air Emissions from Municipal Solid
Waste Landfills - Background Information for Proposed Standards and Guidelines." EPA-
450/3-90-01 la (NTIS PB91-197061), March 1991.
17.	United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Policy, Planning and
Evaluation. Policy Options for Stabilizing Global Climate. Draft Report to Congress.
February 1989.
18.	Valenti, M. "Tapping Landfills for Energy." Mechanical Engineering, Vol. 114, No. 1,
January 1992.
19.	Wong, F.P. "Alternative Energy & Regulatory Policy: Till Death Do We Part." Presented
at AWMA Conference on "Cooperative Clean Air Technology - Advances through
Government and Industrial Partnership" in Santa Barbara, CA, March 21 - April 1, 1992.
1 0

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Q- TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
±\ Xj H«x\ i-i~ jt i)Jl (Please reed Instructions on the reverse before compter
1. REPORT NO. 2.
EPA/600/A-92/129
3.
«. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Landfill Gas Utilization--Options, Benefits, and
Barriers
5. REPORT DATE
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION COOE
7, AUTHOR(S)
Susan A. Thorneloe
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
See Block 12
10- PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1 1, CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
NA (Inhouse)
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
EPA, Office of Research and Development
Air and Energy Engineering Research Laboratory
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Published paper;
14. SPONSORING AGENCY COOE
EPA/600/13
is. supplementary notes aEERL project officer is Susan A. Thorneloe, Mail Drop 63,919/
541-2709. Presented at 2nd U. S. Conference on Municipal Soild Waste Management,
Arlington, VA, 6/3-5/92.
is. ABSTRAc„The paper describes the options for landfill-gas (LFG)- to-energy projects
and provides statistics on the U. S. LFG industry. It also provides an overview of
the benefits associated with LFG utilization and identifies some of the current bar-
riers in the U. S. that affect LFG utilization. Of the more than 6000 active muni-
cipal solid waste landfills in the U.S. , 114 are LFG-to-energy projects.
17. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
a. DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. cos ATI Field/Group
Pollution
Earth Fills
Gases
Economics
Energy
Pollution Control
Stationary Sources
Landfill Gases
13 B
13 C
07D
05C
14G
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to Public
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report/
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
13
20. SECURITY CLASS (This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)

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