5. OPEN FORUM HANDOUT 10-20-2014

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nute (nearly 694 million cubic feet of methane per year when all four engines are on -line). Methane will continue being generated for over 30 years, and as future cells within the landfill are closed, they will be added to the me- thane recovery system which will increase the longevity of the project, and ensure a continual supply of gas. By burning landfill gas for energy production, the county further realized its long standing policy to support waste to energy initiatives, as well as reduce the need for fossil fuel driven facilities. Indeed, the Sherburne County Board at that time recognized the inherent environmental and social ben- efits, which included utilizing a by- product of the Elk River Landfill, and conversion of that by- product into a useable product /renewable resource, and adding power onto the grid at a time when the State of MN was (is) experiencing the need to import power. The partnership of the three entities (ERMU, Elk River Landfill, and Sherburne County) also serves as shining example for others to emulate. By working together, we have shown how a project of this magnitude can become a reality, and a success! The Loan: An agreement between the Elk River Municipal Utility (ERMU) and Sherburne County was established by setting up a loan (in March 2002) of approximately $2.9 million (with no interest) through Sherburne Coun- ty's landfill surcharge fund to finance the landfill gas to electric power plant. This loan provides a twenty year repayment schedule for the ERMU. Payment amounts are calculated based upon the energy production of the facility and set forth in the agreement. The cost of the installation of the fourth engine ($660,000) was included in the initial loan amount and has been worked into the 20 year repayment plan. The Environmental Learning Center: Another unique innovation to this project was the addition of the Environmental Learning Center, which is attached to the landfill gas to electric power plant. This 720 square foot classroom is used for work- shops, meetings, and tours for school groups, environmental groups, and the general public about environmen- tal issues pertaining to landfills, recycling, and electric generation from landfill gas as well as alternative energy sources (such as wind, animal waste, and refuse - derived fuel for example) and sustainable living practices. A Success: The Elk River landfill gas to electric power plant has gained national attention and has been the impetus for several local installations (within the State) as well as national level projects. So, if you happen to drive by the Elk River Landfill, you now know that located at this site is the Landfill Gas to Electric Generating Plant working hard to extract electricity from the typical garbage that is normally dis- posed of, sometimes without second thought. 24