5.6. ERMUSR 06-12-2007Elk River
Municipal Utilities
13069 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
June 6, 2007
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Jerry Takle
Jerry Gumphrey
Jim Tralle
From: Bryan Adams
Subject: Landfill Gas Facility
phone: 763.441.2020
Fa 763.441.8099
As you may recall, last year we experienced premature head and valve failure on the engines at
the landfill. The failure was thought to be high hydrogen sulfide from sheet rock in the landfill.
Further testing by Waste Management has confirmed our thoughts but the hydrogen sulfide
concentration is much higher than anticipated. Waste Management is now pursuing isolating the
effected wells with an alternate piping system and installing a candlestick flare for those wells
only. This modification takes a revision to the air permit by MPCA. MPCA is not noted for
their speed and efficiency, and this may take some time.
In a related issue, Waste Management has installed additional gas wells and has enough gas to
supply two more engines. Our initial intent was to expand the landfill gas electric generation
facility when the landfill expands. Waste Management is not hopeful that the landfill will be
expanded. The cost of the land to the south is far above what Waste Management desires to pay.
Does this commission desire to pursue adding two more units? This would probably be a stand-
alone facility. The estimated cost is in the $2,000,000 range and I am sure Sherburne County
would finance this again but that will be verified. There is a complicating factor. Due to the
perceived price for renewable energy, Waste Management may desire to do this addition on their
own.