Columbus moves ahead on landfill expansion and methane energy project; GEFA loan application under review
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Summary
City staff detailed plans to construct phases 5a/5b of the Pine Grove landfill (estimated ~$7.5M) and reported a preliminary GEFA/JIFA loan award notice of $5.88M; the city will cover a remaining estimated funding gap and aims to bring a methane gas extraction energy facility online in 2026.
Public Works Director Darryl Short updated council on the Pine Grove municipal solid waste landfill and an associated methane gas‑to‑energy project on Nov. 6. Short said the site, originally developed with six phases, currently operates in phase 4; with the approved vertical expansion the landfill life could extend into the 2030s and beyond but building phase 5 sooner would provide easier access and operational flexibility.
Engineering consultants reworked bid documents to split phase 5 into buildable components (5a and 5b) and an add‑alternate (5c). Atlantic Coast Consulting estimated construction of 5a/5b at about $7.5 million, with 5c adding roughly $1.6 million if constructed at the same time. The total original estimate was near $9 million.
Short reported the city applied to the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) JIFA loan program and received a preliminary award notice of $5.88 million; the landfill fund also shows a general fund subsidy of $1.32 million, leaving an estimated funding gap of about $1.9 million. Short said the city expects a roughly $457,000 annual debt service if a 15‑year amortization is used with the loan terms noted in preliminary feedback.
Separately, Short described progress on a landfill methane gas capture and energy facility: construction began in September and site utilities and foundations are underway, with commercial operation targeted for 2026. Contractors listed include Advanced 1 (general contractor), Columbus Concrete, Smith & Gray (underground conduit), Building and Earth (geotech), and Moon & Meeks (surveying). Short said pipeline interconnect work with Liberty Utilities is planned before year end and that key process skids are scheduled for delivery in January.
Council asked about timing and long‑term options; consultants noted vertical expansion increases life but recommended building phase 5 to provide easier landfilling areas and limit operational complications when terrace infill is difficult. Short said staff will proceed with bid and financing steps and return with contract awards and specific budget actions.
