What is being done with the methane gas that is generated in the landfill?
Methane gas, a greenhouse gas that is generated as waste decomposes in a landfill, is collected and utilized to produce energy at the Rapp Road Landfill. The City currently holds a contract with a private entity that utilizes the gas to operate an engine/generator to produce electricity that is directed into the NIMO power grid. In 2003, the parent company of the private firm went into bankruptcy and the company stopped investing the funds needed to up grade the gas collection and management equipment. The City of Albany had to step in and begin the process of gas field improvements itself. After two years of legal negotiations, the City has renegotiated the contract and will be taking over management of the gas collection infrastructure. The last major equipment upgrade will be installed in early February 2006 and the City will begin to manage the entire gas field system. In addition, the City is currently negotiating a contract with another private entity that will utilize the methan
