5.4. ERMUSR 07-11-2006/j
Elk River
Municip al Utilitie s
13069 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
July 5, 2006
To: Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission
Jerry Takle
John Dietz
James Tralle
From: Bryan Adams, P.E.
Subject: LFG Engine Maintenance
phone: 763.441.2020
Fax: 763.441.8099
The Elk River Municipal Utilities owns a landfill gas to electric generation facility at the
Elk River Landfill. The installation of the 4`" engine/generator was completed on 6-29-
06. The commercial operation date for the 4`~' engine is 7-1-06. This is the good news.
The bad news is the other three engines are consuming excessive quantities of oil, which
are causing the heads to fail. The Elk River Landfill has tried a number of different
solutions but to no avail. They are recommending the piston rings be replaced on these
engines at an approximate cost of $65,000. This repair should get us to the scheduled
over haul in 18 months. Because this is the lowest cost option, staff recommends this
repair be completed. This is an unbudgeted expense.