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Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP)
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Photo collage of landfill gas collection systems, landfill methane utilization options (i.e., greenhouses, electricity), and the LMOP logoDelaware Solid Waste Authority Cherry Island Landfill Gas Energy Project

LMOP Award Winner image

LocationWilmington, Delaware
End User(s)Connectiv Power
Sector(s)Utility
Landfill(s)Cherry Island Landfill
Landfill Size6.85 million tons waste-in-place (2001)
Project TypeBoiler/Steam Turbine
Project Size3,200 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm)
SavingsReduces annual natural gas demand by 1.7 billion cubic feet
Environmental BenefitsCarbon sequestered annually by 80,800 acres of pine or fir forests, annual greenhouse gas emissions from 65,100 passenger vehicles, or carbon dioxide emissions from 826,400 barrels of oil consumed. Annual energy savings equate to powering 5,300 homes. Estimated emissions reductions of 0.0969 million metric tons of carbon equivalents.
LMOP Partners InvolvedDelaware Solid Waste Authority

The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) continued its commitment to excellence in solid waste management when it began collecting and selling landfill gas (LFG) to an electric utility in 1995. In addition to the Cherry Island project, DSWA has brought online LFG energy projects at their Central Solid Waste Management Center Landfill (3.18 megawatts) and Southern Solid Waste Management Center Landfill (4.24 megawatts). Such leadership earned DSWA LMOP’s State Partner of the Year award in 1999 and again in 2006.

The project's highlights include:

  • Reduces natural gas demand.
  • Generates clean, renewable energy.
  • Promotes public-private cooperation.

With nearly 7 million tons of waste in place in 2001, EPA estimated the landfill will produce more than 100 million tons of methane gas per year in the coming years. To keep up with such high production, DSWA took action. They upgraded the LFG compressors, upgraded the LFG header piping, and added new wells. They even added a larger back-up flare. The equipment improvements boost the efficiency of the control system and reduce odors.

Last Updated: 8/18/2008


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