Accelerated Landfill Energy Recover Technology Dr. Te-Yang Soong, PhD, PE CTI and Associates, Inc. Wixom, Michigan

Background Example Project Demonstrated Benefits Hypothetical Project at Army Installations Conclusion Outline

Background Example Project Demonstrated Benefits Hypothetical Project at Army Installations Conclusion Outline

Background Landfill gas (50% CO2 and 50% CH4) is created as Municipal solid waste (MSW) decomposes in a landfill MSW landfills are responsible for 17% of human-related CH4 emissions in the U.S. At the same time, CH4 emissions from landfills represent a lost opportunity to capture and use as a significant energy resource XD Report4

Basic Chemistry XD Report5 Cellulose Hemicellulose

Concerns It takes decades (even centuries) for waste to decompose in traditional landfills (“dry tombs”) Extensive monitoring / maintenance is required Long-term liability and financial burden A concern to today’s operators and a problem to future generations Bioreactor landfills – A modern-day solution XD Report6

Fall 1990 Fall years in a “dry tomb” landfill Wastes in dry tombs…

Long-Term Liability (e.g., cover failure) XD Report8

Optimizing moisture and other environmental conditions to stimulate waste decomposition Organic wastes in landfills can be rapidly degraded/ made less hazardous Landfill gas can be generated rapidly – more feasible as a renewable energy source Waste volume can also be reduced more rapidly – offering landfill extended service life Bioreactor Landfills

Using septage as an augmentation agent Why septage? –Readily available in many communities –Typically unwelcomed by WWTP –Land application leads to surface water contamination –Promotes organic decomposition through Moisture addition Microbial seed addition Nutrient addition pH regulation Septage Bioreactor Landfills

Background Example Project Demonstrated Benefits Hypothetical Project at Army Installations Conclusion Outline

Septage Receiving

Septage Processing

Septage Transmission

Separation / Storage

Septage Holding Tank Winterization Insulation tarps Heating blankets

Septage Injection Manifold

Septage Injection Lines

Landfill Gas Collection

Gas Extraction Manifold

Background Example Project Demonstrated Benefits Hypothetical Project at Army Installations Conclusion Outline

Extended Site Life Delay of closure cost (  $34M) by 6 years!

Increased LFG Production 8% of total waste is producing nearly 40% of total LFG!

LFG-to-Electricity Engine Room

Measured Parameters Traditional Landfill Septage Bioreactor LFG generation rate100%750% Time for complete decomposition 75 yrs10 yrs Accelerated Stabilization

Measured Parameters Traditional Landfill Septage Bioreactor LFG generation rate100%750% Time for complete decomposition 75 yrs10 yrs Accelerated Stabilization

Background Example Project Demonstrated Benefits Hypothetical Project at Army Installations Conclusion Outline

Waste Volume Municipal solid waste (MSW)200,000 cubic yards/year Organic wastes (food waste, cardboards, yard trimming, etc.) 20,000 cubic yards/year Septage1,500,000 gallons/year Projected Output Power generation4.0 MW Electricity revenue (annual)> $2,000,000/year Matured compost20,000 cubic yards/year Equivalent Environmental Benefits Annual removal of GHG* emissions32,000 passenger vehicles Annual removal of CO 2 emissions20,000,000 gallons of gasoline * GHG = Greenhouse Gas Hypothetical Project (20-year)

Waste Volume Municipal solid waste (MSW)200,000 cubic yards/year Organic wastes (food waste, cardboards, yard trimming, etc.) 20,000 cubic yards/year Septage1,500,000 gallons/year Projected Output Power generation4.0 MW Electricity revenue (annual)> $2,000,000/year Matured compost20,000 cubic yards/year Equivalent Environmental Benefits Annual removal of GHG* emissions32,000 passenger vehicles Annual removal of CO 2 emissions20,000,000 gallons of gasoline * GHG = Greenhouse Gas Hypothetical Project (20-year)

Waste Volume Municipal solid waste (MSW)200,000 cubic yards/year Organic wastes (food waste, cardboards, yard trimming, etc.) 20,000 cubic yards/year Septage1,500,000 gallons/year Projected Output Power generation4.0 MW Electricity revenue (annual)> $2,000,000/year Matured compost20,000 cubic yards/year Equivalent Environmental Benefits Annual removal of GHG* emissions32,000 passenger vehicles Annual removal of CO 2 emissions20,000,000 gallons of gasoline * GHG = Greenhouse Gas Hypothetical Project (20-year)

Municipalities have access to low interest rate (2.5%) State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans to complete drinking/ wastewater improvement projects. The CWSRF typically don’t fund a landfill project. However, since the septage bioreactor landfill project will eliminate run-off due to land application of septage and reduce the need to treat septage at local wastewater treatment facilities, funding can be granted. Teaming / Funding Outlook

Partnering municipalities can implement similar projects to provide solutions for ongoing groundwater contamination issues, help increase site life, or generate additional renewable energy production. Since payback on the loan is over 20 years, municipalities are offered a way to generate additional cash flow through renewable energy sales, and fund the capital expense over time – a win-win situation. Teaming / Funding Outlook

Background Example Project Demonstrated Benefits Hypothetical Project at Army Installations Conclusion Outline

Conclusion  Renewable energy source  Clean water, clean air and land preservation  Revenue via LFG, septage, volume recovery and cost avoidance  Key operations are field-verified  Sustainable / economical technology ready to be transferred

Te-Yang Soong, PhD, PE CTI and Associates, Inc.