NOVI, Mich., Nov. 02, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Aria Energy announced the completed expansion of its renewable natural gas facility (RNG) at the Seneca Meadows Landfill. The expansion doubles the processing capacity of the facility to 6,000 scfm, the equivalent of 50,000 gallons of vehicle fuel per day. At full capacity, the RNG facility directly reduces methane emission from the landfill by the equivalent of over 33,000 tons per year.
Landfill Gas is produced naturally as waste decomposes and consists of roughly 50% methane and 50% carbon dioxide. The EPA requires that landfills of a certain size must destroy landfill gas in either a flare station or with a beneficial-use energy project to prevent it rising into the atmosphere where it would become a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Seneca Meadows pursued a solution that would turn a waste product into an asset. For over 20 years, Aria Energy, a leading provider of baseload renewable energy, has converted the landfill gas collected by Seneca Meadows landfill into useable forms of energy, helping NY meet its renewable energy goals.
Aria Energy financed, built and operates a 17.6 megawatt (MW) landfill gas-to-electric power generation facility, which has been operational since 1996. The electricity produced at the site reduces the need for electricity produced using fossil fuels. In 2014, Aria Energy commissioned the initial stage of the Seneca Energy RNG project, a 3,000 scfm expandable facility, which was the recipient of the EPA’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program 2014 Project of the Year Award and earned Aria Energy the 2014 Energy Vision Leadership Awards.
Richard DiGia, President and CEO of Aria Energy said, “The Seneca Energy Project allows Aria Energy the opportunity to expand the use of renewable natural gas and reduce emissions.”
Kyle Black, District Manager for Seneca Meadows said, “We are proud of our 20 year strong partnership with Aria Energy. Together, we have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, conserved natural resources and helped to reduce our nation’s reliance on foreign oil. We’ve also teamed up to eliminate the energy bill for the Seneca Falls Central School District, with a savings of over $60,000 annually.”
About Aria Energy
Headquartered in Novi, MI, with an office in Oakfield, NY, Aria Energy provides baseload renewable energy to utilities and other customers across the United States. Aria Energy owns and/or operates a diversified portfolio of renewable energy projects across 16 states, collectively representing 265.9 MW-equivalent of baseload renewable energy capacity. For additional information, please visit: http://www.ariaenergy.com/.
About Seneca Meadows, Inc.
In environmental controls, mitigation, and their everyday operations, Seneca Meadows exceeds regulatory requirements, providing the highest quality service for their customers and their community.
The company’s commitment to excellence has earned the support of prestigious environmental organizations, such as: the National Audubon Society, Ducks Unlimited, and Trout Unlimited. Their efforts have also secured such honors as the 2003 Seneca County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award, the 2009 Rochester Business Journal’s Environmental Leadership Award, the 2012 SWANA Excellence Award for landfill management, and the 2014 EPA Partnership & Project of the Year through Landfill Methane Outreach Program.