In a recent press release, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced seven innovative landfill methane capture projects recognized at the 12th Annual Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) Annual Conference. Designed to generate renewable energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the winning projects included a plan to convert landfill gas to fuel for county vehicles, and one of the largest multiple-customer landfill gas use projects in the country.

“Our award winners demonstrate that through partnerships and innovation we can transform waste into environmental wealth,” said Robert J. Meyers, principal deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “These projects, and others like them, not only address climate change, but also produce renewable energy and economic benefits for the local community.”

Methane, a primary component of landfill gas (LFG), is a greenhouse gas with more than 20 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide, EPA says. Methane emissions from landfills represent an opportunity to capture and use a significant energy resource. Instead of allowing LFG to escape into the air, it can be captured, converted, and used as an energy source.

The winners are:

LMOP Projects of the Year
• Granger, Conestoga Landfill Gas Utilization Project, Morgantown, Penn.
• Green Energy Center, High Btu Landfill Gas Energy Project, Grove City, Ohio
• Greenville Gas Producers, LLC and County of Greenville, Greenville, S.C.

LMOP Industry Partner
• Casella Waste Systems, Inc., Angelica, Morrisonville, and Seneca, N.Y.; and Hampden, Maine.

LMOP Energy Partner
• Lansing Board of Water and Light, Lansing, Mich.
• Mars Snackfood US, Waco, Texas

LMOP Community Partner
• Seward County Landfill, Seward County, Kan.

For more information on Landfill Methane Outreach Program and awardees, visit http://www.epa.gov/lmop.