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United States Environmental Protection Agency
Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP)
Begin Hierarchical LinksEPA Home > Climate Change > Methane > Voluntary Programs > LMOP > Energy Projects and Candidate Landfills > LFG Energy Project Profiles > Dairyland LFG Energy Project End Hierarchical Links

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

LMOP Award Winner image

LocationEau Claire, Wisconsin
End User(s)Dairyland Power Cooperative
Sector(s)Utility
Landfill(s)Veolia ES Seven Mile Creek Landfill 2, LLC
Landfill Size1.2 million tons waste-in-place (2001)
Project TypeReciprocating Engine (three Waukesha "Modulator" engines rated at 1,025 kW each and one GE-Jenbacher 320 engine rated at 1,057 kW)
Project Size4.2 megawatts (MW)
Environmental BenefitsCarbon sequestered annually by 41,000 acres of pine or fir forests, annual greenhouse gas emissions from 33,000 passenger vehicles, or carbon dioxide emissions from 419,200 barrels of oil consumed. Annual energy savings equate to powering 2,700 homes. Estimated emissions reductions of 0.0492 million metric tons of carbon equivalents.
LMOP Partners InvolvedAmeresco Energy Services, Inc., Dairyland Power Cooperative, Veolia ES Solid Waste, Inc., Waukesha Engine Dresser, Inc.
Photo of Dairyland LFGE project at Veolia ES Seven Mile Creek Landfill 2, LLC in Wisconsin.

Firmly rooted in principles established at its founding in 1941, Dairyland knocked out two birds with one stone at its Eau Claire, WI landfill gas (LFG) energy project. They wanted to work for the sustainable development of their community and incorporate more environmentally friendly sources of power into their portfolio. At Veolia ES Seven Mile Creek Landfill, Dairyland met both its objectives.

Able to borrow money at competitive rates through the Rural Utilities Service, Dairyland decided to own the project, a role traditionally reserved for the project developer. For help negotiating, designing, and building the project, Dairyland turned to Ameresco, with whom they had already established a working relationship. From there, they supported the local economy by calling on Waukesha Engine, based in Wisconsin, to provide engines.

The project’s highlights include the following:

  • Renewable energy helps meet Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois renewable portfolio requirements.
  • When fully operational, Dairyland expects to generate 24 million kilowatt-hours annually.
  • Dairyland tapped LMOP resources to research, justify, and develop the project.

The project was so successful that Dairyland expects to develop two more LFG energy projects, adding 8 MW more renewable power to its portfolio.

Last Updated: 8/18/2008


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