Renewable Energy Production
Many people think of a landfill as an endpoint. But with Seneca Landfill, it's really just the beginning.
When organic matter is placed in a landfill, it begins to break down over time and generates methane and carbon dioxide gases. Methane and Carbon Dioxide are potent greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming. Landfills are therefore required by the EPA to prevent these gases from reaching the atmosphere. Many landfills simply burn off the excess methane and carbon dioxide with a large flare. But Seneca Landfill has chosen to turn the problem into a proactive, environmentally responsible solution.
Since 2011, Seneca Landfill has converted landfill gases into enough green energy to heat over 18,000 homes per year in Western Pennsylvania.
Methane Gas Wells
Every landfill cell is fitted with gas wells which collect the landfill gas. The gas is piped to our gas processing plant, where it is converted into clean, usable natural gas. The natural gas is put into the pipeline for direct use by our neighbors and employees. The natural gas is even used to power the Vogel fleet of garbage and recycling collection vehicles.
Combined Heat And Power (CHP) Plant
In the CHP plant, a Jenbacher engine and generator uses the landfill gas or our own cleaned natural gas as fuel to generate over 300 kilowatts (kW) of electricity for the site. The site uses its own renewable energy to power a third of the operations, reducing our dependency on other energy sources. The coolant for the generator is plumbed into other facility buildings and used for heat. In addition to heating our buildings, the heat from the engine is used to keep waste water warm during our treatment process.
Uses for Natural Gas
The clean, usable natural gas and energy we generate is used internally for heat and power at Seneca Landfill. Excess refined natural gas is put directly into the pipeline or used by CNG powered trucks, including the Vogel fleet of vehicles.