PCSR INFORMATION FROM ERL 06-23-2009

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Environmental Protection Agency - LMOP: Benefits of Energy Page 2 of 3 Indirectly reduces air pollution by offsetting the use of non-renewable ~ resources Producing energy from LFG avoids the need to use non-renewable resources such as coal, oil, or natural gas to produce the same amount of energy. This can avoid gas end-user and power plant emissions of COZ and criteria pollutants such as sulfur dioxide (which is a major contributor to acid rain), particulate matter (a respiratory health concern), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and trace hazardous air pollutants. It should be noted that LFG electricity generation devices, like all combustion devices, generate some emissions of NOX, which can contribute to local ozone and smog formation. Depending on the fuels and technologies used by the power plant and the landfill project, the NOx emission reductions from the power plant may not completely offset the NOX emitted from the LFG electricity project. However, the overall environmental improvement from landfill gas electricity generation projects is significant because of the large methane reductions, hazardous air pollutant reductions, and avoidance of the use of limited non- renewable resources such as coal and oil that are more polluting than LFG. Creates other indirect benefits Collecting landfill gas to produce electricity improves the air quality of the surrounding community by reducing landfill odors. Burning LFG to produce electricity also destroys most of the non-methane organic compounds that are present at low concentrations in uncontrolled LFG, thereby reducing possible health risks from these compounds. Gas collection can also improve safety by reducing explosion hazards from gas accumulation in structures on or near the landfill. Generating electricity from existing MSW landfills is also a relatively cost-effective way to provide new renewable energy generation capacity to supply community power needs, and can create jobs that help build the local economy. Benefits the local economy Landfill gas projects generate revenue from the sale of the gas. Landfill gas use can also create jobs associated with the design, construction, and operation of energy recovery systems. Landfill gas projects involve engineers, construction firms, equipment vendors, and utilities or end-users of the power produced. Much of this cost is spent locally for dr illing, pipliig, CGiiStrUCtion, and Operational personnel, helping ~OmmunitleS t0 realize economic benefits from increased employment and local sales. Businesses are also realizing the cost savings associated with using LFG as a replacement for more expensive fossil fuels, such as natural gas. Some companies will save millions of dollars over the life of their LFG energy projects. By linking communities with innovative ways to deal with their LFG, LMOP helps communities enjoy increased environmental protection, better waste management, and responsible community planning. For example, the Ecology Club at Pattonville High School in Maryland Heights, Missouri, came up with the idea to use gas from the nearby landfill to heat their school. The school paid $175,000 to run a 3,600-foot pipeline between the landfill and the school's two basement boilers. In turn, the landfill- owner donated the methane to the school as a way of "giving back to the community." The school anticipates that it will save $40,000 a year, and recapture its investment within five years. Reduces environmental compliance costs Current EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act require many larger landfills to collect and combust LFG. There are several compliance options, including flaring the gas, or installing an LFG use system. Only LFG energy recovery offers communities and landfill owners the opportunity to reduce the costs associated with regulatory compliance by turning pollution into a valuable community resource. ~,~c~ ro ~o~ http: //www. epa. gov/lmop/benefits. htm 6/18/2009