The Department of Environmental Protection this week issued air quality and waste management permits to Bethlehem Renewable Energy LLC for a 5.7-megawatt power plant that will burn landfill gas in Lower Saucon Township, Northampton County.

“This innovative proposal will put a waste resource to use to help power our economy and provide a clean, cheap energy supply,” said DEP Northeast Regional Director Michael Bedrin. “Supporting the increased development of landfill methane gas demonstrates how environmental protection can drive economic development.”

Methane captured from landfills can be transformed into a cost-effective fuel source to power an engine that generates electricity. Electricity produced with landfill gas helps to feed the grid that powers commonwealth homes and businesses, and this energy supply diversity helps to enhance security and keep overall energy costs low.

Bethlehem Renewable’s 5.7-megawatt plant will produce enough electricity to power more than 4,500 homes and offset the need for 6,400 tons of coal and 28,500 barrels of oil each year.

The company submitted its permit applications to DEP in early 2005 to use landfill gas generated at the nearby IESI Landfill in Lower Saucon Township to run a combustion turbine generator. DEP held a public hearing on both applications on June 2006.

The permits include conditions that require stack testing on the unit immediately after construction, and then every six months for a two-year period. Stack testing then must be done bi-annually to ensure the integrity and maintenance of air quality controls.

In addition, DEP also has approved IESI’s application to amend its solid waste operating permits to reflect changes in the use of the gas. This amendment allows IESI to keep the existing flares to burn any landfill gas beyond the capacity of the turbines or to use if the turbine is offline for any reason.

Links: PA Recognized for Landfill Gas Recovery Work

PUC Rules on Landfill Methane Recovery Projects

DEP, PennDOT Support Landfill Gas Recovery Projects

Gov. Schweiker Announces Historic Purchase of Green Power (2001)

12/8/2006