When organic materials break down in the landfill they produce a variety of gases like carbon dioxide and methane. Methane, which comprises roughly 60 percent of the landfill gas, is also a powerful source of energy.
ACUA previously captured landfill gas and turned it into energy onsite which powered the entire Environmental Park with excess energy provided to the grid where it can be used to power area homes and businesses. The project saved ratepayers more than $8.5 million while in operation and prevented more than 25,602 metric tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
Currently, ACUA is exploring new technology, such as capturing and cleaning landfill gas and cleaning it to be used in the natural gas pipeline, creating renewable natural gas.