Have you ever driven past the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill and seen a flame?
It’s no secret that a landfill emits gases which consist of roughly 55% methane, 40% carbon dioxide with the other 5% consisting of mostly nitrogen and small amounts of oxygen.
But what if we told you that through our Gas Collection and Control System (GCCS), we can put those gases to good use?
The SWACO GCCS consists of close to 300 gas extraction wells and miles of underground piping which conveys the gas under vacuum. With the help of Archaea Energy’s High BTU treatment facility, SWACO can take a great renewable resource like landfill gas, treat it, and insert it into a gas pipeline. This endeavor has taken a great deal of effort, resources and consideration. This public-private partnership captures and converts enough methane gas from the current Franklin County Sanitary Landfill to heat 13,386 homes in central Ohio every year. As a result, SWACO receives an annual royalty payment from the sale of the gas. This money is reinvested into waste diversion programs and services for the community.
SWACO’s GCCS collects approximately 3,800 MBTU (million British Thermal Units) daily. A BTU is a measure of energy in fuel. For perspective, in 2011, the total energy use per person in the US was approximately 313 MBTU. SWACO is proud to report that we currently have 100% gas collection coverage over regulatory applicable areas.
While the majority of the landfill gas is being converted into natural gas for use, which can reduce the usage of natural resources, there is a portion that is vacuumed to SWACO’s flare for destruction. If you travel down State Route 665 in southwestern Franklin County past the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill, this is the flame that you might see.
SWACO ensures that we strictly adhere to and properly handle this gas according to the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) set by the United States EPA.
For those interested in learning more about the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill, we encourage you to join us on August 3rd for a public tour.
