NCJ Number
170713
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 59 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1997) Pages: 126-129
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the potential for correctional facilities to use landfill gas as fuel.
Abstract
Landfill gas is inexpensive, efficient and environmentally sound. It is produced as refuse decomposes, and its high concentration of methane makes it a valuable source of energy. Private companies that have implemented landfill gas-to-energy projects have realized substantial savings in their annual fuel bills. Many correctional facilities may be located close to landfills and therefore could benefit from direct landfill gas use. The Prince George's County, MD, detention center uses gas transported two miles via pipeline from a county landfill. The center uses the landfill gas as a primary fuel to provide heat and hot water, and also to produce electricity. The electricity produced exceeds the facility's needs, and the surplus is sold to the local utility company. The county has an annual revenue of $1 million from the sale of excess energy and the savings realized from not having to purchase fuel for heat and electricity. The article discusses how to evaluate whether landfill gas use is appropriate for a facility, and methods of converting landfill gas to energy.