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Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP)
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Begin Hierarchical LinksEPA Home > Climate Change > Methane > Voluntary Programs > LMOP > Energy Projects and Candidate Landfills > LFG Energy Project Profiles > City of Fargo and Cargill LFG Energy Project End Hierarchical Links

Photo collage of landfill gas collection systems, landfill methane utilization options (i.e., greenhouses, electricity), and the LMOP logoCity of Fargo and Cargill LFG Energy Project

Self Developed (absence of third party developer) image

LocationFargo, North Dakota
End User(s)Cargill, Inc.
Sector(s)Food products
Landfill(s)City of Fargo Landfill
Landfill Size1.5 million tons waste-in-place (2001)
Project TypeBoiler
Project Size400 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm)
Environmental BenefitsCarbon sequestered annually by 10,800 acres of pine or fir forests, annual greenhouse gas emissions from 8,700 passenger vehicles, or carbon dioxide emissions from 110,100 barrels of oil consumed. Annual energy savings equate to heating 1,300 homes. Estimated emissions reductions of 0.0129 million metric tons of carbon equivalents.

Due to close proximity to residents, the City of Fargo Landfill faced the daunting challenge of reducing odors created from landfill operations. To help solve this problem, the city installed a landfill gas (LFG) collection and flare system. Cargill, Inc., the landfill’s neighbor that processes oilseed, recognized the energy potential and approached the city about using LFG in their boilers. The partners collaborated to develop a direct-use LFG energy (LFGE) project, showing the success that can come from public-private collaboration.

The project’s highlights include:

  • The LFGE project generated revenue for the City of Fargo and reduced Cargill’s energy costs, emissions, and dependence on natural gas.
  • Over the next 20 years Cargill will completely replace natural gas with LFG.

The project was a successful, cooperative effort between the City of Fargo and Cargill. The City of Fargo financed the installation of the LFG collection system and the two split the cost of the 1.5-mile pipeline. Cargill financed installation of dual-fuel burners and the new control system. The city will recover its capital expense through the sale of LFG. Cargill will recover its capital expense in fuel savings from using LFG instead of natural gas.

Not only does the pipeline help reduce landfill odor emissions, but it also generates revenue for the city from a waste product. This is an example of industry and government partnering to address a major problem with an innovative solution. —Bruce Grubb, Director of the City of Fargo’s Enterprise Department

Last Updated: 8/18/2008


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