Larimer County is set to enhance its environmental sustainability efforts following a significant update on the methane gas collection system at the Larimer County Landfill. During a recent Board of County Commissioners work session, Dwayne Penny, the director of solid waste, announced that the county has officially taken over the operation of the methane gas system, effective May 1, 2025. This transition allows the county to expand the system and improve its capacity to capture and utilize methane gas generated from decomposing organic waste.

The county has been awarded a grant of $2,112,065 from the Colorado Energy Office to support the expansion of the methane gas collection system. This funding, combined with the $2.8 million already budgeted for the landfill's closure, will enable a comprehensive build-out of the system, increasing its capacity from 300 cubic feet per minute to approximately 1,500 cubic feet per minute. This expansion is crucial as it opens up new opportunities for beneficial uses of the captured gas, including the potential conversion to renewable natural gas and electricity generation through combined heat and power units.

The existing system currently manages 58 acres of closed landfill, but with the new grant, the county plans to add another 115 acres to the gas collection network. This will involve drilling additional wells and installing lateral pipes to effectively capture methane gas, which is a potent greenhouse gas. The upgrade will also replace the current candlestick flare with an enclosed flare, enhancing safety and efficiency by allowing for better emissions testing and reducing visible flames.

The landfill, which began operations in 1963, is expected to reach its planned capacity by August 2026, at which point the closure process will commence. This includes capping the landfill with clay to prevent precipitation from entering and to facilitate gas collection. The county anticipates that the enhanced methane gas system will continue to produce usable gas for 15 to 20 years post-closure, providing a long-term energy resource.

As the project progresses, the county will engage with contractors through a request for proposals to ensure cost-effective installation of the new system. The kickoff meeting for the grant-funded project is scheduled for June 28, 2025, marking the beginning of a significant step towards improved waste management and environmental stewardship in Larimer County.