In an incredible recycling operation that reduces global warming, a waste hauler is building a facility to produce Liquefied Natural Gas from methane emitted from its California landfill to fuel its garbage trucks.
"Houston-based Waste Management Inc. and Linde North America, a German-based global natural gas producer, are working together to create what the two describe as the world's largest facility converting landfill gas to clean vehicle fuel." The Altamont landfill is outside Livermore in Alameda County, CA, and is scheduled to open next year.
"California's Air Resources Board and the state's Integrative Waste Management Board are among agencies that provided $1.6 million in grants to help fund the $15 million liquid natural gas plant."
"Waste Management already harnesses landfill gas to produce electricity at about 100 of its 280 landfills nationwide. This is the first time the company will convert landfill gas into liquid natural gas to power trucks, replacing the LNG that it trucks in from Arizona."
"Conventional natural gas is a fossil fuel, but natural gas derived from biomass, such as organic waste decomposing in landfills, is a renewable resource."
"Landfill gas – a mixture of half methane and half carbon dioxide – is collected, purified, compressed and supercooled to form liquid natural gas. Only methane is used to form the fuel. Some carbon dioxide is released into the air but under limits set by the state."
"The plant is expected to generate 13,000 gallons per day of the fuel, enough to power about 300 trucks. The company expects to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30,000 tons a year using biogas."
From Oakland Tribune:
"The project is a "very significant step toward helping meet (Gov. Arnold) Schwarzenegger's new low-carbon fuel standard," Linda Adams, secretary of the California Environmental Protection Agency, said in a statement."
FULL STORY: Waste Management to use landfill gas to power trucks
Former Landfill Doubles as Public Park, Energy Producer
Once the world’s largest dump, Freshkills Park now offers new city park space and powers local households with biofuel.
Renewable Natural Gas Makes Inroads in California, Oregon, and Missouri
What is expected to be the nation's largest dairy biogas operation opened in the Central Valley. To the north, Gov. Kate Brown signed the nation's first bill to establish goals to add renewable gas to pipelines, and pigs in Missouri also made news.
Pop Quiz: What's the Difference Between Aerobic Decomposition and Anaerobic Digestion?
Yes, one is with and the other without oxygen, and both divert waste from the landfill—but in terms of the end products, what is the advantage of anaerobic digestion? Simply put, does society face a shortage of compost or renewable energy?
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Paris Bike Boom Leads to Steep Drop in Air Pollution
The French city’s air quality has improved dramatically in the past 20 years, coinciding with a growth in cycling.
Why Housing Costs More to Build in California Than in Texas
Hard costs like labor and materials combined with ‘soft’ costs such as permitting make building in the San Francisco Bay Area almost three times as costly as in Texas cities.
San Diego County Sees a Rise in Urban Coyotes
San Diego County experiences a rise in urban coyotes, as sightings become prevalent throughout its urban neighbourhoods and surrounding areas.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
City of Santa Clarita
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service