The Chron reports that the power plant that will turn the methane produced by Ox Mountain is now operational. The power will be sold to Alameda and Palo Alto.
Julia Scott at the County Times had a longer and more detailed article on this back in January.
But it’s hard to miss the shiny new plant built at the top of the landfill. Starting this spring, the gas it collects will leave the landfill in the form of electricity — enough to power as many as 10,000 homes in Palo Alto and Alameda.
When it goes online in two or three months, the plant, recently completed by Ameresco Inc., will be able to capture and convert more methane than any other Bay Area landfill. Its six engines will operate 24 hours a day and generate up to 11.5 megawatts of electricity, more than twice that of most local landfills, which produce about 5 megawatts.
“It’s probably one of the largest landfill gas-to-energy projects that’s been developed in the past five years — certainly it’s the biggest project in California in the last five years,” said Linda Nugent, senior project developer for Ameresco, which won a contract from Republic Services Inc. in 2004 to develop the plant.
Methane-capture technology has evolved considerably since it first came into use in the early 1980s. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 445 such projects exist in the United States, with the potential for 535 more.
Pacifica examines widening part of Hwy 1 to six lanes, Mar 15 9:28am, Barry Parr — That particular stretch of Hwy 1 is particularly unpleasant and potentially dangerous for pedestrians, including the patrons of the businesses on the east side of the highway. Widening the highway will exacerbate the problem. This will only seem ...
Seton resident's work on display in show at State Capitol, Mar 15 7:40am, Suzanne Black — Fabulous image! There’s no age or mobility limit on talent and creativity. Mr. Moses has the right idea: “It’s important to me to remain busy and productive regardless of where I happen to call home,” said Moses. “I hope others will also ...
Sam's Chowder House Hosts Fundraiser Supporting the Big Wave Project, Mar 14 11:27am, Barry Parr — I’ve added the flyer for the event to Dave’s post. Dave had emailed to me when he posted the letter, but I was unable to post until now. If Sam’s or Big Wave had sent me the flyer, I would have been happy to run it. I don’t support Big Wave, but ...
Princeton Seafood Co. on board with “Hats Off to Teachers”, Mar 14 9:40am, Cindi Whittemore — Just want to let all teachers know, Ink Spell Books continues to appreciate you by continuing to offer 20% off all book teachers purchase. ...
The Coast needs your help, Part 2, Mar 14 8:52am, Sabrina Brennan — Please FAX Assembly Member Juan Arambula Fax: 916-319-2131. Assembly Members Arambula and Skinner have different fax numbers! A hearing is scheduled for this Tuesday or Wednesday. The Coast is under attack and this time, if the proposal to ...
Sam's Chowder House Hosts Fundraiser Supporting the Big Wave Project, Mar 13 8:55am, Amy Tezza — You don’t want BIg Wave to be built and so you disapprove of this fundraiser. Is this the sort of comment you are fishing for? Or we should just send the comments directly to Sam’s? I saw that you gave Sam’s a one star “rating” in Yelp because ...
Pacifica examines widening part of Hwy 1 to six lanes, Mar 12 8:23pm, Carl May — Given the well-known effect of school traffic on traffic congestion from the midcoast through HMB, possible busing in Pacifica would seem worth studying. Vallemar School is a K-8 campus with a good record of achievement, and at least some parents ...