Trash To Cash: Will Co. To Convert Methane Into Renewable Gas

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Will County Board is being proactive about the environment as it finds ways to convert methane gas produced at the Prairie View Landfill in Wilmington into compressed natural gas.

The board voted Thursday to select SCS Energy to design and build a plant to convert the methane to renewable natural gas. Harbour Contractors from Plainfield will lead the construction piece of this project. Currently, some methane gas is converted into electricity at the landfill with the remainder being burned off.

"Will County is a leader in green technology and environmental sustainability," said Board Speaker Board Mimi Cowan (D-Naperville). "Whether it is solar electricity for the new courthouse, or trash at the landfill, we have an obligation to reduce our carbon footprint and lead the way toward a more sustainable community."

Electricity currently generated from methane gas at the landfill provides approximately $450,000 in revenue per year for the county. Converting all the methane generated at the landfill into compressed natural gas could potentially generate as much as $12 million per year. That money will be used to pay off debt for construction of the new methane to natural gas plant and to fund other critical county programs in the future.

"We are excited to move forward on this project which will benefit the taxpayers and our environment," said County Board Member and Minority Leader Mike Fricilone (R-Homer Glen). "We're turning trash into cash for the county, and that’s a good thing for taxpayers."

Under the new arrangement, the electricity generation at the landfill will cease operation and all methane gas will be converted to natural gas at a plant that will be constructed at the landfill by SCS Energy. Last year, the board selected Eco Engineers to secure permits and find buyers for the compressed natural gas product which could be used as an alternative to diesel fuel. Today, the county has entered into an agreement with US Venture to purchase the natural gas produced at the landfill plant.

Construction of the new plant is expected to begin this fall and is estimated to cost approximately $40 million.

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