| June 12, 2002
News Release King County has entered into contract negotiations for the Cedar Hills Landfill gas-to-energy project. The environmentally-friendly project will be one of the largest facilities in the nation that turns gases generated at a landfill into electricity. "The Cedar Hills Landfill gas-to-energy project will use tried and true technology to turn something that was once considered waste into a valuable resource. This project is going to benefit the neighbors, ratepayers and environment, said King County Executive Ron Sims. "The project is just one example of how we are examining all parts of County government to find innovative new ways to operate. King County will sell the gas and provide space at the Cedar Hills Landfill to a private company that will then develop, design, construct and operate the power plant that will use the landfill gas." Waste will be turned into energy by capturing gases (produced as a natural by-product of the garbage's decomposition) and use them to generate power. The project will largely replace the constant, high-temperature flares that currently burn off the landfill's gases. The gas-to-energy project will improve air quality while being quieter and less visible than the current flare system. King County issued a Request for Proposals in October 2001. All proposals were evaluated on their environmental performance, community impact and mitigation plans. The companies were also evaluated on their financial resources, technical expertise, experience, safety record, and the price they will pay for the gas. Of the six submissions Energy Developments, Inc's proposal best met the County's stringent requirements. Energy Developments, Inc. (EDI) is focused on power generation from renewable fuels. Since commencing development activities in the United States in 1998, EDI has acquired the gas rights to develop energy generating facilities at landfills across the United States. EDI has an innovative approach to power generation and gas field management based on a design, build, operate and maintain system for small, efficient power plants that minimize emissions and utilize waste fuels. Although this project will be the first of its kind in King County, the technology has operated successfully for years nationally and internationally. According to the Environmental Protection Agency "landfill gas use projects go hand-in-hand with community commitments to cleaner air, improved public welfare and safety, and reductions in greenhouse (global warming) gases. Converting landfill gas use to energy also offsets the need for non-renewable resources such as coal and oil, and thereby reduces emissions of air pollutants from conventional resources such as sulfur dioxide, a major contributor to acid rain." In April of 2002, the Environmental Protection Agency estimated that more than 325 landfill gas use projects were operating in the United States. The Cedar Hills Landfill gas-to-energy project is capable of generating 22 to 26 megawatts of electricity, or enough to serve 16,000 homes. The public will have the opportunity to learn more about King County's landfill gas-to-energy project at an open house tonight from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Maple Valley Library. For more information about the Landfill Gas-to-Energy project call (206) 296-4360 or visit our Web site at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2001/102201.htm. Related Information |
|
Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. |
News Releases